World's richest rodeo BY BARBARA BARTON SLOANE
H
ang on to your Stetson, pardner. Get ready for excitement, tension and exceptional drama. There’s a rootin’, tootin’, rip-roaring, down-and-dusty rodeo that takes place in Calgary, Alberta, Canada every July — the Calgary Stampede, known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” — and yep, it’s happening again July 9 through 18. Each year, more than one million visitors from around the world come to Calgary to experience the heart-stopping action of the world’s richest rodeo, featuring bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and more fun than should be legally allowed! This is also one of Canada’s largest music festivals, with five stages and 300 performers, including a slate of international music headliners. Calgary, located in the heart of the Canadian West, one hour from Banff and the Rocky Mountains, is a vibrant, bustling city of more than one million inhabitants and the proud host of the Calgary Stampede since 1912.
HOW THE WEST WAS ONCE
From the vaqueros to the American cowboy, rodeo history is filled with interesting characters and a multicultural mix of customs and practices. At the heart of rodeo, however, is a sport that rose out of cattle herding and was based on the skills required of working ranch hands. A highlight of the Calgary Stampede and one of the most exciting events unique to this rodeo is Chuck Wagon Racing. It is nothing short of heart-stopping. Also, the Stampede’s bucking stock is a rare
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and highly respected breed. Its bulls are a hard-hitting, no-nonsense bunch that challenge the best cowboys in the world. I had the fun-filled pleasure of attending the Calgary Stampede, a citywide celebration. It was the most memorable western experience I could ever have wished for. The moment I deplaned, I just knew that this experience was going to be something really special. The airport was filled with happy, partying people and live, loud, good western music with songs like “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and that perennial Hank Williams’ favorite, “There’s a Tear in my Beer.”
A PARADE FIT FOR ROYALTY
I began my adventure at Rope Square, where hundreds had already gathered to line dance and enjoy (free) delicious pancakes and bacon served right from the back of a chuckwagon! I loved the Stampede Parade, a 2 ½ mile extravaganza that kicks off this greatest outdoor show on earth, a ribbon of pageantry that featured 40 floats, 30 marching bands, 750 horses, riders and celebrities. (A few years back, William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were one of the parade highlights).
MIDWAY FAMILY FUN
Then it was on to the Stampede Midway at the fairgrounds. This place had enough to impress even the biggest thrill seekers, from hair-raising rides to challenging games, live music, agriculture shows and hundreds of shopping and food experiences. I had some terrific choices — giant squid on a stick, octopus pizza, cricket grilled cheese. I went for
