Calgary Stampede 2017

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Calgary Stampede 2017

The Calgary Stampede is an annual event held in Canada every summer. This year it will occur from July 7-16. It’s known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth” with over a million people in attendance every year. Here’s a little bit more about the event and what you can expect if you will be one of the many people in attendance.

What are the dates for the Calgary Stampede 2017?

July 7th – 16th

History of the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede started in 1919 and was just supposed to be a one-time event. Even though it was successful, many people didn’t think that it should be held annually. After much consideration, it was brought back in 1923. Thousands of people attended the event and got into the overall wild west spirit. After more than 167,000 were in attendance the following year, it was considered to be a success and a permanent part of Calgary’s special events every July.

calgary stampede

Events at the Calgary Stampede

There are a variety of events that occur at the stampede. The parade starts just before 9 a.m. on the first day and is what actually kicks off the entire vent. There are more than 150 floats, hundreds of horses and many marching bands and performers. Some years, over 400,000 people alone have attended this parade. The rodeo is what’s considered to be the heart and soul of the event. It may just be the world’s largest rodeo. Winners receive a minimum prize of $100,000. Disciplines in the rodeo include bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and tie down roping. There are also novice events which include novice bareback, junior steer riding, novice saddle bronc and wild pony racing. Another popular event is the Rangeland Derby. It features chuck wagon racing and consists of a total of 36 teams who compete for $1.5million in prizes. The Exhibition features livestock from all around the world. Around half of the visitors to the stampede attend the exhibition. There are around 1,000 exhibitors as well as numerous competitions including the World Championship Blacksmith Competition. The Midway is the only part of the stampede that doesn’t have an overall western theme. It features carnival games and rides as well as two concert areas. Past acts included The Beach Boys and Garth Brooks.  Brooks and Dunn is performing this year on  The Stampede Market features over 410,000 square feet of retail space. There’s everything from foods, crafts, household goods and even art here. Vendor spots are so popular at the market that it can take years to be granted a spot here. Other popular events that take place include pancake breakfasts and barbecues, western wear contests and storefront mural contests.

Want to attend the Calgary Stampede 2017?

Here are the most popular packages that include the Stampede

Calgary Stampede – 4 day
Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park featuring the Calgary Stampede – 8 day
Canadas Rockies with Calgary Stampede – 9 day
Great Resorts of the Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede – 10 day
VIA Rail and the Canadian Rockies – 11 day
Glacier National PArk and the Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede – 11 day
Secrets of Rockies and Glacier National Park with Calgary Stampede – 12 day
Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede – 12 day
Iconic Rockies and Western Canada with Calgary Stampede – 15 day
Majesty of the Rockies and Calgary Stampede – 23 day

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Sue Lobo
Sue, our esteemed Operations Manager, has been honored as a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler for 2023 and 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue brings a wealth of expertise to our company, particularly in the areas of group travel, event planning, and blogging. As a passionate traveler herself, Sue has explored more than 20 countries across three continents, including captivating destinations such as Cuba, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Her firsthand experiences allow her to provide invaluable insights and recommendations to our clients, ensuring that their travel dreams become a reality. Sue's dedication to the travel industry extends beyond her role as Operations Manager. She has successfully coordinated over 200 travel groups, meticulously planning and executing each trip to perfection. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have earned her a reputation as a trusted and reliable travel professional. In addition to her operational expertise, Sue is a gifted writer at heart. She leverages her writing skills to share her love of travel and provide consumers with essential industry-related news and updates. Her engaging blog posts offer a unique perspective on the world of travel, inspiring others to embark on their own adventures. When she's not planning extraordinary trips or writing captivating travel content, Sue indulges in her passion for cooking, exploring the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the places she visits. With her unwavering enthusiasm and extensive knowledge, Sue continues to be an integral part of our team, ensuring that every traveler's experience is truly unforgettable.