Calgary Stampede

Posted by Jackie Hewett on Sun 6th July 2008 at 03:24 PM, Filed in USA Towns and Cities,  July

This annual event has just started (for 2008 runs from 4th to 13th July).  It attracts some of the biggest rodeo stars as the event has the biggest one day prize in pro rodeo - $1m (Canadian) on ‘Showdown Sunday’ has gained a reputation as rodeo’s richest afternoon.

There are rodeos held on each of the 10 event days with $60,000 (Canadian) prize money daily ($10,000 per event – bareback, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and tie-down roping).

There’s a lot more going on besides rodeo so here’s a list of some of the other stuff:

Chuckwagon races – nine nightly heats starting at 8pm the GMC Rangeland derby takes place, again there’s $1m prize money to go for.  Something like 36 drivers and 128 horses take part.

Nightly Grandstand Show – a stage show with music, singing, acrobatics and dancing and a firework finale
Animals and Agriculture – in eight separate venues a packed programme of exhibits, displays, competitions and events take place, enlightening visitors on farming and animals in action. 
Music – there are a number of different stages featuring a variety of music.  The cocoa cola sponsored stage (for families) and Nashville North Stage (over 18’s) are free, there are concerts at the Saddledome and comedy events at the Edenbridge Stage.
Thrill seeking fairground rides
Kids mini-rides and entertainment - including buckaroos, shows and character appearances

Themed park areas – such as an Indian Village showcasing native dance and games
Shopping – for western shirts, T-shirts, belt buckles and more at the Stampede store
Food – there are a number of different outlets to choose from and of course the obligatory corn-dogs available, but you may also indulge in some new & certainly unusual fayre such deep-fried OREO’s, Pizza on a stick, frozen chocolate bananas and deep fried coke (no idea how that works!!).

General admission is a reasonable $13 (Canadian Dollars) per day with discounts for seniors and children (7 to 12).  Rodeo’s and Evening shows are charged separately. Children under 6 are free for everything.

Calgary has a rather ambient summer temperature in July with an average of 16 degrees C and being in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky mountains there’s a lot more to do in the area besides the stampede if you have the energy!

Hoodoo’s just outside Calgary

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