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.
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
The Calgary Stampede is a bucket list event for culture lovers. Pair it with a Canadian rail journey using our Best Train Trips in Canada guide to see the Rockies along the way.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published with 2017 information and is retained as a useful reference. For the most current details, contact Atlas Travel Center — our advisors stay up to date on all travel conditions, pricing, and availability. We’ve been in business since 1987 and hold an A+ BBB rating.
