Calgary Stampede

Every July, Calgary's perennial rough-and-ready Cowtown image is thrust to the forefront when a fever known as Stampede hits town. For 10 days, Calgarians let their hair down--business leaders don Stetsons, bankers wear boots, half the town walks around in too-tight denim outfits, and the rate of serious crime drops. For most Calgarians, it is known simply as The Week (always capitalized). It is a celebration of the city's past--of endless sunny days when life was broncos, bulls, and steers, of cowboys riding through the streets, and saloons on every corner. But it is not just about the past. It's the Cowtown image Calgarians cherish and the frontier image that visitors expect. On downtown streets, everyone is your neighbor. Flapjacks and bacon are served free of charge around the city; normally staid citizens shout "Ya-HOO!" for no particular reason; Indians ride up and down the streets on horseback; and there's drinking and dancing until dawn every night.

STAMPEDE HIGHLIGHTS

The epicenter of the action is Stampede Park, immediately south of the city center, but the action kicks off downtown with the Stampede Parade (second Friday in July). The approximately 150 floats include close to 4,000 people and 700 horses, and the procession takes two hours to pass any one point. It features an amazing array of floats, each cheered by 250,000 people who line the streets up to 10 deep. The loudest "Ya-HOOs" are usually reserved for Alberta's oldest residents and Stampede royalty, but this is the Stampede, so even politicians and street sweepers elicit enthusiastic cheers.

Rodeo: The pinnacle of any cowboy's career is walking away with the $50,000 winner-take-all on the last day of competition in the Calgary Stampede. For the first eight days, heats are held each afternoon from 1:30 p.m., with finals held the last Saturday and Sunday. Although Stampede Week is about a lot more than the rodeo, everyone loves to watch this event. Cowboys compete in bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling, and cowgirls compete in barrel racing. Wild cow milking, a wild horse race, bull fighting, and nonstop chatter from hilarious rodeo clowns all keep the action going between the more traditional rodeo events.

Chuck Wagon Races: The Rangeland Derby chuck wagon races feature nine heats each evening starting at 8 p.m. At the end of the week, the top four drivers from the preliminary rounds compete in a winner-take-all, $50,000 dash-for-the-cash final. Chuck wagon racing is an exciting sport any time, but at the Stampede the pressure is intense as drivers push themselves to stay in the running. The grandstand in the infield makes steering the chuck wagons through an initial figure eight difficult, heightening the action before they burst onto the track for what is known as the Half Mile of Hell to the finish line. The first team across the finish line does not always win the race; drivers must avoid 34 penalties, ranging from one to 10 seconds added to the overall time.

Other Stampede Park Attractions: At the Indian Village the five nations who signed Treaty Seven 100 years ago--the Blackfoot, Blood, Piegan, Sarcee, and Stoney--set up camp for the duration of the Stampede. Each tepee has its own colorful design. Behind the village is a stage where native dance competitions are held. The cavernous Roundup Centre holds various commercial exhibits and a showcase of western art and photography. Centennial Fair is an outdoor stage with events for children such as duck races and magicians. In the Agricultural Building, livestock is displayed, and next door in the John Deere Show Ring, the World Blacksmith's Competition and horse shows take place. A midway takes center stage through the western edge of the park with the thrills and spills of rides such as the reverse bungee drawing as many spectators than paying customers.

Rope Square: During the Stampede, downtown's Olympic Plaza is known as Rope Square. Every morning, 8:30-10:30 a.m., free pancake breakfasts are served from the back of chuck wagons. For the rest of the morning, the square is the scene for a variety of entertainment, which might include country-music bands, native dance groups, marching bands, or mock gunfights. West along Stephen Avenue Walk, square dancing takes place each morning at 10 a.m. Also at 10, horse-drawn carriages leave the Fairmont Palliser for an hour-long tour through town.

STAMPEDE TICKETING

Advance tickets for the afternoon rodeos and evening chuck wagon races/grandstand shows go on sale nearly one year ahead of time. The good seats are sold out well in advance. The grandstand is divided into sections, each with a different price tag. The best views are from "A" section, closest to the infield yet high enough not to miss all the action. To either side are the "B" and "C" sections, also with good views. Above the main level is the Clubhouse level, divided into another four sections, all enclosed by glass and air-conditioned. Ticket prices for the first eight days of rodeo competition range $24-49 ($45 for section A). The evening chuck wagon races/grandstand shows run $29-65 ($58 for section A).

If you didn't purchase tickets in advance, you'll need to pay the general admission at the gate ($15) then you can purchase “rush seating” tickets for the afternoon's rodeo ($15) or the chuck wagon race/grandstand show ($20) from the booths in front of the grandstand. With this access you’ll have access only to either an area of the infield with poor views or seats well away from the action. Purchasing tickets in advance is definitely the preferred option.