The Calgary Stampede: The Greatest Show on Earth

Calgary Stampede, exhibition and stampede (rodeo) held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, annually since 1923. The world-famous rodeo festival was started in 1912 by Guy Weadick, a former Wyoming cowboy, with the backing of major Alberta cattlemen. Held in July, it is a colourful 10-day celebration of the Old West featuring many rodeo events, musical performances, a parade, and other festivities; attendance exceeds one million visitors each year.

"The Calgary Stampede" is a not-for-profit organization that arranges and hosts the annual parade, rodeo, and other events surrounding the Stampede. The rodeo and fair last 10 days every summer, starting on the first Friday in July. If that first Friday falls on Canada Day, the rodeo's dates are pushed back a week. More than one million people attend the Stampede every year, and the city takes on a party-like atmosphere in the days surrounding it.

For 10 days every July for over 100 years, with just a few notable exceptions, the people of Calgary and Alberta have welcomed the world to the Calgary Stampede, aka The Greatest Show on Earth. The 2021 Stampede is set to take place July 9 to 18, and while it will look a little different with fewer crowds and social distancing measures in place, the city of Calgary is looking forward to hosting, if not the world, then some very lucky people who will attend this year’s show.

This annual event boasts a full rodeo, multiple concert stages and countless stalls to visit and is a showcase for world-class rodeo talent. Beyond the Stampede grounds themselves, the spirit of this festival is felt by all and the whole city takes part, bringing about a real sense of community to the bustling metropolis that is downtown Calgary. Most business people trade in their corporate suits and work wear for jeans and check shirts, many offices are decorated in Western style and there are wooden fences and hay bales all over the city.

Other events include the Grandstand Show which is an outdoor stage spectacular, lavishly-produced and choreographed non-stop musical 2-hour variety grandstand show, well worth a watch. One of the most exciting events is the Chuckwagon races; Chuckwagon racing is an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower – a challenge that ignites thousands of fans.