Information AboutCalgary Stampede |
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The Calgary Stampede, which bills itself as '''The Greatest Outdoor show on Earth''', is a large Festival , Exhibition , and Rodeo held in Calgary, Alberta for ten days every July. In 2006, the Stampede will take place from July 7-16. It is Canada 's largest annual event and it features an internationally recognized rodeo competition, a Midway , stage shows, concerts, Agricultural competitions, Chuckwagon races, First Nations exhibitions, and Pancake breakfasts around the city, among other attractions. In 2005 , record-breaking attendance at the 10-day rodeo and exhibition totalled 1,242,928. The Stampede Parade which occurs on opening day, is one of the festival's oldest and largest traditions. It follows a 4.5 km route in downtown Calgary. Attendance at the parade is usually about 350,000. The parade is also televised and has a viewing audience of over 2 million. During Stampede Week, the city's residents dress in Western Attire , and nearly all businesses decorate their stores and offices Western Style . The Calgary Stampede takes place at the Stampede Grounds which are located on the southeast fringe of downtown Calgary in the Beltline District . The park is easily accessed via Calgary Transit 's light rail system, the C-Train . Permanent structures at the site include the Pengrowth Saddledome (hockey arena), the Round-Up Centre (a convention and exhibition facility), the Stampede Casino, the grandstand/racetrack, the agriculture building and a number of smaller buildings. A major expansion and upgrading of the grounds is currently underway. It will likely include a new hotel, new casino, a new "main street" retail and market area, a new agriculture building, underground parking, and an extensive re-landscaping of the outdoor areas. HISTORY General Overview in the background]] The Calgary Exhibition was first held in 1886 soon after the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the city. The Calgary Stampede (a separate event) was inaugurated in 1912 by Guy Weadick , an American trick roper. Weadick wanted to put on a world-class rodeo event and Wild West show that would bring the best cowboys from across the continent. The first Stampede was the richest rodeo competition in North America with prize money totalling $20,000. It drew more than 100,000 spectators. In 1923 , the Stampede was combined with the Calgary Exhibition and the event has taken place every year since. The Midway is run by Conklin Shows , who also operate the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. Historical Timeline The early years as separate events: {Link without Title}
History of the combined Calgary Exhibition and Stampede: {Link without Title}
CONTROVERSY Many animal rights groups, including The Calgary Humane Society have voiced concern with the Stampede and rodeos in general, citing animal cruelty. The Stampede has always countered that they go to great lengths to protect the safety of animals, and the large majority of years, go by with not a single fatality. Defenders of the Stampede, especially ranchers, believe criticism is simply part of larger effort to end all human use of animals. They argue that the Stampede, and ranchers, love and protect their animals, but cannot avoid all accidents. In fact, the Stampede has traditionally had relatively few animal or human casualties for a sporting event of its kind and size (it is the world's second largest annual rodeo). After every accident resulting in an animal or human death, the Stampede conducts a review which almost always results in safety modifications. In 1986, 12 horses were killed during the Stampede (most were euthanized because of injuries), making that year the worst for animal deaths. As a result, major safety changes were implemented to make collisions less likely. Only one other chuckwagon race since, has caused a comparable death toll. Accidents Involving Humans: {Link without Title}
Accidents Involving Animals:
The worst animal tragedy for a single event ''related'' to the Stampede was on July 3, 2005 Nine horses died after jumping off a bridge and into the Bow River . The accident occurred during the Trail 2005 trail ride from the Stampede's ranch to the city. The incident occurred 5 days before the beginning of the Stampede. Shortly after the accident, the Calgary Police cleared organizers of any criminal fault, upon finding no wilful intent to cause cruelty.[http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1120844249736_116253449/?hub=Canada The Stampede's internal investigation was released in December of the same year, and failed to identify the cause. It did rule it wasn't caused by sudden noise as speculated at the time. With its release, the Stampede indicated they wouldn't try again unless they could ensure safety. Though no future rides were planned, the option to have one in the future was left open. SEE ALSO
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