The Calgary Stampede roared back to life yesterday with its signature parade winding through downtown streets. Having covered this event for over a decade now, I can confidently say this year’s kickoff had an electricity I haven’t felt since pre-pandemic days.
Thousands of Calgarians lined the route despite threatening skies, creating a sea of white cowboy hats and plaid shirts. The parade marshal, our own Canadian music icon Shania Twain, brought genuine star power to the proceedings. Watching her wave to the crowds from her float, I was reminded how the Stampede continues to balance its western heritage with contemporary appeal.
“This parade represents everything I love about Calgary – our western roots and our modern spirit,” Mayor Jyoti Gondek told me as she prepared to join the procession. “The Stampede connects us to our history while pushing us forward.”
The Calgary Stampede has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings in 1912. What started as a small agricultural fair has transformed into a world-renowned 10-day festival drawing over a million visitors annually. The economic impact is substantial, with recent estimates from Tourism Calgary suggesting the event generates approximately $282.5 million in economic activity for the city.
Beyond the parade, this year’s Stampede features an impressive lineup of attractions. The midway has expanded with three new thrill rides, including the “Titan,” which sends riders spinning 45 feet above ground at dizzying speeds. As someone who’s experienced most of the Stampede’s offerings, I’d recommend tackling this one before indulging in the fair’s infamous food options.
Speaking of food, this year’s culinary offerings push creative boundaries even further. Walking through the grounds yesterday, I spotted everything from pickle cotton candy to deep-fried coffee. The annual weird food competition has become a highlight for many visitors, including local food blogger Sarah Martinez.
“The Stampede food scene has become its own cultural phenomenon,” Martinez explained during our conversation at the food pavilion. “People come specifically to try these outrageous creations that they can’t get anywhere else.”
For those seeking more traditional entertainment, the rodeo competitions remain the heart of the festival. Professional cowboys and cowgirls from across North America compete for more than $2 million in prize money across events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling.
The evening grandstand show has also received a significant upgrade this year. The production, titled “Frontier Spirit,” combines western heritage themes with modern technology, including drone light shows and enhanced pyrotechnics. Having caught a preview during media night, I can attest it’s well worth the ticket price.
Community engagement remains central to the Stampede’s mission. The Indigenous Showcase at Elbow River Camp offers visitors authentic experiences with representatives from Treaty 7 Nations. Daily powwows, traditional cooking demonstrations, and storytelling sessions provide important cultural context that enriches the overall Stampede experience.
“We want visitors to understand the deep Indigenous history of this land,” explained Elder Roy Bear Chief, who has been involved with the Stampede for over 25 years. “This isn’t just about entertainment – it’s about education and building bridges between communities.”
Weather forecasts suggest a mix of sun and clouds for the remaining Stampede days, with temperatures expected to hover around seasonal averages. Veterans know to pack both sunscreen and rain ponchos – Calgary’s notorious weather unpredictability is part of the Stampede experience.
For families on a budget, there are several ways to enjoy the festivities economically. Free pancake breakfasts pop up throughout the city, with the Chinook Centre hosting one of the largest tomorrow morning. Additionally, Tuesday’s admission prices drop significantly for Family Day, and early entry to the grounds before noon often features discounted rates.
Despite rising costs for attractions and food (expect to pay about $12-15 for most midway items), attendance figures from opening weekend suggest this could be a record-breaking year. Calgary Stampede spokesperson Kristen Anderson noted a 12% increase in advance ticket sales compared to 2023.
“Calgarians should be so proud of what the Stampede has become,” Anderson said. “It’s truly a world-class event that showcases the best of our city and our culture.”
As the festivities continue through July 14, visitors can expect nightly concerts at the Coca-Cola Stage, with performances by Canadian artists like The Reklaws and American country star Cody Johnson. The Nashville North tent remains a popular late-night destination for those looking to extend their Stampede experience into the early morning hours.
After experiencing yesterday’s opening ceremonies, I’m reminded why the Stampede endures as Calgary’s defining event. Beyond the carnival atmosphere lies something more meaningful – a celebration of community resilience and prairie hospitality that has weathered economic downturns, floods, and pandemics.
In many ways, the Stampede mirrors Calgary itself – rooted in tradition while constantly reinventing itself for the future.
