The Calgary Stampede
Every year during July, Calgary puts on the biggest, wildest, woolliest western fling on earth: the Calgary Stampede. To call the stampede a show would be a misnomer. The whole city participates by going mildly crazy for the occasion, donning western gear, whooping, hollering, dancing, and generally behaving uproariously.
Many of the organized events spill out into the streets, but most take place in Stampede Park, a show, sports, and exhibition ground south of downtown that was built for just this purpose. Portions of the park become amusement areas, whirling, spinning, and rotating with the latest rides. Other parts are set aside especially for the kids, who romp through Kids' World and the Petting Zoo. Still other areas host livestock shows, a food fair, handicraft exhibitions, an art show, lectures, an international bazaar, a casino, lotteries, and entertainment on several stages.
The top attractions, though, are the rodeo events, the largest and most prestigious of their kind in North America. Cowboys from all over the world take part in such competitions as riding bucking broncos and bulls, roping calves, and wrestling steers for prize money totaling C$1.1 million (US$880,000). At the world-famous Chuckwagon Race, you'll see old-time Western cook wagons thundering around the track in a fury of dust and pounding hooves. At night, the arena becomes a blaze of lights when the Stampede Grandstand takes over with precision-kicking dancers, clowns, bands, and spectacles.
The whole city is absolutely packed for the occasion, not just to the rafters but way out into the surrounding countryside. Reserving accommodations well ahead is essential -- as many months ahead of your arrival as you can possibly foresee. Some downtown watering holes even take reservations for space at the bar; that should give you an idea of how busy Calgary gets.
The same advice applies to reserving tickets for Stampede events. Tickets begin at C$27 (US$22) but go up from there, depending on the event, the seats, and whether the event takes place in the afternoon or evening. For mail order bookings, contact the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, P.O. Box 1060, Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2K8 (tel. 800/661-1767; fax 403/223-9736; www.calgarystampede.com).
