100 Years of the Stampede

Newspaper Name: Calgary Herald

Province: Alberta
Town(s) Served: Calgary
Published: 07/01/2012
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There’s no other event in the world quite like the Calgary Stampede. It’s a mash-up of a rodeo, chuckwagon races, concerts, entertainment, a parade, a fair, a midway, culinary experiences, First Nations’ displays, art and craft competitions, agricultural displays and competitions, and parties. For more than 100 years, the Stampede has impacted the community by bringing people together, celebrating western traditions and culture, and stimulating the economy to the tune of $226.7 million across the province per year, making it the highest grossing festival in Canada. It also stimulates the economy via its need for 300 full-time employees, 1,400 part timers and 3,500 seasonal workers, along with thousands of volunteers. The Stampede, which now attracts more than a million visitors each year, also represents the can-do spirit of many Canadians and the idea that a single person with a single idea can achieve remarkable things. This story was selected for the competition because it recognized the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede – a Canadian event that is unique around the world; an event that’s become part of many international travellers’ “bucket lists”; and an event that celebrates rich traditions of Canada’s West.

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