Calgary Stampede 2019: World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo

The Calgary Stampede is known as the largest outdoor rodeo event in North America. Held every year in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in July, it is commonly cited as a “spectacular celebration of western hospitality”. It isn’t uncommon for locals and tourists alike to start donning their Wrangler Jeans, plaid shirts and the iconic white cowboy hat before the event, which symbolizes Calgary’s western hospitality. This is just one of the reasons it is referred to as one of Canada’s largest outdoor attraction for tourists and locals.

Calgary Stampede’s History

The history of the stampede dates back to 1886 when the first exhibition was put together by the Calgary District and Agricultural Society. Back then it wasn’t much more than an opportunity to share knowledge about practicing agriculture in the West. Eventually, an American trick roper, Guy Weadick, entwines himself in the Calgary story. He collaborated with other rodeo cattlemen and together they became known as ‘The Big Four’. They organized a fair in September 1912. It was not until 1923 when, for the first time, with the full support of civic and public leaders, the Calgary Stampede was born. For more on Calgary Stampede history, check out their website. 

Due to its unique history and public interests, the event has a deep appreciation for the town of Calgary. It is central to its identity and a proud marker of the town’s history and culture. The Calgary Stampede is not just a rodeo event, but an exhibition for the city, where attractions and showings come together as one. The opening event is always the Parade which has a different theme every year and is much anticipated by locals and tourists.

The rodeo event is the heart of the whole affair, one of the most famous and loaded competitions in the rodeo world. It includes six major events– bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, tie down roping, saddle bronc, and bareback riding. Four events for children are also included – junior steer riding, novice bareback, novice saddle bronc, and wild pony racing.

If there is one other event which can claim to stand toe to toe with the rodeo in terms of importance, it is the Rangeland Derby. It was inaugurated by Guy Weadick when he developed chuckwagon racing in 1923. This is one of the prized events of the Stampede, which is almost as important as the rodeo itself. According to Calgary’s website, they state that the Chuckwagon Racing is a family tradition. To check out the full story on the infamous Chuckwagon Racing, head over to CalgaryStampede.com

“Fathers and sons, it’s an ongoing theme in the chuckwagon racing world. If you view the list of competitor’s in the GMC Rangeland Derby over the years, you’ll find the same last names over and over as generations of fathers and sons make their mark.”

Apart from the activities listed above, Calgary Stampede is also known as one of Canada’s largest music festivals, with five stages and 300 performers. Including the one and only Corb Lund!

Corb Lund will be rocking the Calgary Stampede on Sunday, July 7th around 4 PM at The Big Four Roadhouse! Be sure to RSVP before it’s too late: Get Tickets HERE!

The Coca-Cola Stage is their main stage filled with headliners such as T-Pain, Reuben in the Dark, Metric, Bishop Briggs, Feist, and so many more! The entertainment comes free with Park Admission, which is an added bonus for Calgary Stampede fans!

There’s a reason why Calgary Stampede is named the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, because it isn’t just an annual event to the town of Calgary. Calgary Stampede is a non-profit organization that runs 365 days a year. Their mission is to preserve and celebrate Calgary’s western heritage, culture and community spirit.

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Make sure to keep an eye out for the Cowboy Lifestyle Network Team as we head to the streets of Calgary! For more information and to buy your tickets, make sure to head on over to the Calgary Stampede website and follow them on social media for all event updates. Cowboy Lifestyle Network is excited to announce some upcoming promotions in relation to this event, so keep an eye out for those as well!

Lammle’s Everything Wrangler Sale is valid from June 6-16th, 2019. The promotion will be in ALL Lammle’s locations! Click Here For More Information!