The roots of the Calgary Stampede can be traced to 1886 when the Calgary and District Agricultural Society organized its first fair that attracted about 500 visitors (a quarter of the town’s residents). In 1912, American trick roper and promoter Guy Weadick arrived in Calgary to pitch an event that would represent the Wild West. Weadick’s rodeo was a success but the event’s main sponsors known as the Big Four were not interested in hosting another one.
The next Stampede was held in 1919 thanks to the support of Canadian businessman E. L. Richardson. It was dubbed the “Great Victory Stampede” because it celebrated Canadian soldiers who have returned from World War I. Despite the success of the 1919 Stampede, it took Richardson and Weadick four years to make it an annual event by merging the Stampede with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition.
Over the years, the Calgary Stampede has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most famous festivals as well as one of the most anticipated events in Canada. The event is held in Stampede Park located southeast of downtown Calgary. The Stampede features a variety of events and activities including a parade, a rodeo, chuckwagon racing (the Rangeland Derby), an agricultural exhibition, a midway, a market, and more. The rodeo and Rangeland Derby competitions are broadcast live by Sportsnet One and the CBC Sports website.
The Calgary Stampede is known for hosting one of the world’s largest rodeos that offers the richest payout. Cowboys compete for a prize of $100,000 to the winner of each major disciplines (bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie down roping, saddle bronc and bareback riding). They perform in front of more than 20,000 spectators every day. Another major competition that attracts a lot of fans is the Rangeland Derby nicknamed the “half-mile of hell”. It’s a chuckwagon race consisting of 36 teams.
Another highlight of the Calgary Stampede is the annual parade that serves as the official opening. The parade kicks off shortly before 9 am on the first Friday of the Stampede. Each year features a different parade marshal. Famous actors, athletes, politicians and other public figures have served as marshals over the years.
The Calgary Stampede parade is a truly spectacular event that combines western themes with modern ones and features over 150 beautifully decorated floats, dozens of marching bands, hundreds of horses, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, First Nations dancers, cowboys, clowns, business leaders, politicians, and other participants. The event attracts over 400,000 spectators every year. The 2009 parade was even attended by Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Photo: calgarystampede.com
