10 fast facts about the Calgary Stampede
Digital Reporter
Friday, July 6, 2018, 3:15 PM - Calgary's world famous stampede kicked off Friday and will run until June 15.
Here are 10 fast facts about the annual affair.
- Between 1.2 and 1.4 million people visit the Calgary Stampede each year.
- The first official Calgary Stampede was held in 1923.
- Record-breaking floods almost prevented the 2013 Calgary Stampede from happening.
- The event requires the help of approximately 300 full-time and 1,400 part-time employees, with an additional 3,500 seasonal workers are hired for the actual stampede.
- Stampede officials estimate the stampede brought $172.4 million into the city, and $226.7 million to the province of Alberta in 2009.
- The festival's Chinook Centre pancake breakfast serves more than 60,000 people each year.
- Each year, a queen and two princesses are selected as Stampede royalty, selected through a contest open to women who live in Alberta between the ages of 19 and 24.
- Most livestock for the rodeo events come from the 22,000-acre Stampede Ranch located outside of the town of Hanna.
- Prince William and Catherine attended the stampede in 2011 parade as part of their tour of Canada
- At least seven movies have been filmed at the stampede.
Temperatures in the mid-twenties and clear skies are expected in Calgary through the weekend.
PHOTOS: THE CALGARY STAMPEDE
The 1923 stampede. By W. J. Oliver (1887-1954) - Calgary Stampede Archives, Public Domain, Link
Stampede Grounds as seen from the Calgary Tower in 2008. By Resolute - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
During the 10 day 'Greatest outdoor show on earth' the Calgary Stampede, there are many displays and parades celebrating the history and culture of Alberta and the historical 'wild west' throughout the city. Here is a beautiful and regal processional of local Native Americans in full dress on horseback through the downtown city core. Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Pancake breakfast at the Chinook Centre. By Resolute - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
