Calgary Stampede

From Calgarypedia

Introduction

The Calgary Stampede, billed as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, is a large festival, exhibition, and rodeo held in Calgary for 10 days every July attracting more than 1.2 million visitors each year.

It is one of Canada's largest annual events, and the world's largest outdoor rodeo. It features an internationally recognized rodeo competition with the toughest cowboys and cowgirls and best stock in the world, a midway, stage shows, big-name concerts, agricultural competitions, the GMC Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races, Indian Village and other First Nations exhibitions and pancake breakfasts around the city, among other attractions.

The Stampede Parade, which kicks off the annual Stampede on opening day, is one of the city's oldest and largest traditions. It is led by the Calgary Stampede Showband and follows a 4.5 km route in downtown Calgary. The parade is very popular. Come early to save your spot.

During Stampede Week, the city is flooded with visitors who join locals in the spirited atmosphere by dressing in western gear, brushing off their cowboy hat and boots and practising their "yahoos".