Stampede Parade

Although Stampede Park opens on Thursday evening for Sneak-a-Peek (an event that alone attracts approximately 40,000 eager patrons), Stampede Week officially begins Friday morning with a spectacular parade through the streets of downtown Calgary. The approximately 150 parade participants 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 the 250,000 people who line the streets up to 10 deep. The loudest “Ya-HOOs” are usually reserved for Alberta’s oldest residents, Stampede royalty, and members of Calgary’s professional sports teams; 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 $100,000 winner’s check on the last day of competition in the Calgary Stampede. For the first 8 days, 20 of the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls compete in 2 pools for the right to ride on the final Sunday. Saturday is a wildcard event. On each of the 10 days, the rodeo starts at 1:30 p.m.

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. 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 $100,000 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 1 to 10 seconds, which are added to their overall time.

Other Highlights

Agricultural displays are situated in the center of Stampede Park. Centennial Fair is an outdoor stage with children’s attractions such as duck races and magicians. In the Agricultural Building livestock is displayed, and the World Blacksmith’s Competition and horse shows take place next door in the John Deere Show Ring.

At the far end of Stampede Park, across the Elbow River, is Indian Village. Here, members of 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.

Once you’ve paid gate admission, all entertainment (except the rodeo and chuck wagon races) is free. Well-known Canadian performers appear at the outdoor Coca-Cola Stage from 11 a.m. to midnight. Nashville North is an indoor venue with a bar, live country acts, and a dance floor; open until 2 a.m.

Tickets

Advance tickets for the afternoon rodeos and evening chuck wagon races/grandstand shows go on sale the year before the event (usually sometime in September), with the best seats selling out well in advance. The best views are from the “A” section, closest to the infield yet high enough not to miss all the action. Ticket prices for the first eight days of rodeo competition range $35–75 ($56 for section A). The evening chuck wagon races/grandstand shows run $42–84 ($72 for section A). Tickets to both the rodeos and chuck wagon races/grandstand shows include admission to Stampede Park. Order tickets by phone (403/269-9822 or 800/661-1767) or online (www.calgarystampede.com).

If you didn’t purchase your tickets in advance, you’ll need to pay the $14 general admission at the gate. Then, once on the grounds, you can purchase “rush seating” tickets for the afternoon’s rodeo (adult $15, child $8) or the chuck wagon race/grandstand show (adult $20, child $12). You’ll only have access to either an area of the infield with poor views or seats well away from the action.

Information

Check either of Calgary’s daily newspapers for a pull-out section with results of the previous day’s competition and a schedule of events on the grounds and around town. At Stampede Park, a schedule and maps are available at distinctive Howdy Folk Chuckwagons topped with cowboy hats and staffed by friendly volunteers.

For future dates for the Calgary Stampede, contact the Calgary Stampede office at 403/261-0101 or 800/661-1260, www.calgarystampede.com.

© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition