The Calgary Stampede

Every year, the Calgary Stampede rocks this city like no other event. The city gives tribute to the heritage of long ago, and this Stampede is nicknamed as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Some people would say it presumptous, but it fits the bill. The 1988 Olympics made Calgary a household word, but it is the Calgary Stampede that gives substance to this city, making it a tourist magnet for so many tourists.

History of the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede was the idea of Guy Weadick, a cowboy who persuaded the richest pioneers in the area for funding. These four prominent citizens accorded Guy with one hundred thousand dollars to hold the very first event. From then (1912) up to now, the festival attracts millions of spectators, as many tourists go to Calgary just to witness this occasion.

The festivities at the Calgary Stampede

It is labelled as the world's richest in terms of rodeos, with one million as the reward. This events pulls in the globe's best cowboys and cowgirls to be competitors in steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bull riding, bareback riding, etc. The rodeo contests usually start in the afternoon.

The Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon race

The event's most renowned attraction is the Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon race, happening in the evening. The race commences with the outriders loading tent poles into the wagons, which are driven by a single person and is pulled by four horses. Four chuckwagons would then race around two barrels.

In 1986, a pileup caused the death of six horses. Due to that, new mandates were formulated, giving more safety to both animals and riders.