stampeders

The Stampede, also known as the Calgary Stampede, is an annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is often referred to as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth." The event typically takes place over ten days in July and attracts over one million visitors annually. Its origins date back to 1912 when Guy Weadick, a Canadian cowboy and entrepreneur, organized the first Calgary Stampede to promote the city and showcase the skills of cowboys.

The Stampede features a variety of rodeo events, including bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping, and steer wrestling. Alongside the rodeo competitions, there is a large agricultural exhibition, showcasing livestock and agricultural products. The festival also includes a midway with amusement rides, games, and food vendors. Live musical performances, parades, and evening shows with chuckwagon racing and fireworks are also major attractions. The Stampede has a significant economic impact on Calgary and Alberta, drawing tourists and generating substantial revenue. It is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of Calgary and Western Canada, celebrating Western heritage and the spirit of the frontier.