Calgary Stampede: More Than A Rodeo Mountain Streams, Fresh Air And Friendly Smiles Make A Visit To Calgary Well Worth The Trip

Sun., June 11, 1995

Raphael Sugarman New York Daily News

Calling yourself “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” is no trivial claim, especially when scores of fancy theme parks are springing up all over.

But how many of these amusement parks have real cowboys and Indians, bucking broncos and Brahma bulls, pig dashes and chuckwagon races - not to mention one of the largest parades in the world?

For more than 80 years, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, held in Calgary, Alberta, has been labeled the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth - and for good reason.

The 10-day event, held in July each year, is considered by many to be the most prestigious rodeo in North America, with more than $500,000 in prize money. There is bareback, bull and saddle-bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, wild-horse racing, steer riding for little cowpokes, and ladies barrel racing.

Even if you’re a city slicker, you’re likely to enjoy the show. Stampede rodeo events are not only easy to understand, but surprisingly addictive. So is Calgary’s famous “western hospitality,” fueled by a sea of cowboy hats, country bands, performing Indian tribes, and greetings of “Howdy” and “Ee-e-eehaaww” on every street corner.

“The Calgary Exhibition & Stampede is not just another rodeo,” said Danny Copithorne, president of the event. “It’s pancake breakfasts, friendly smiles, clean air, mountains and streams, hospitality and open arms.”

More than a million people attend the Stampede every year, and thousands of them are Americans; would-be cowboys from Florida, New York and California, who arrive in suits and neckties but depart in rope-ties and dusters.

The Stampede, in fact, was founded by an American, a trick roper named Guy Weadick, who upon seeing the city’s beauty, vowed to make “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West also top entertainment to its stages. Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus are just a few of the country music stars who have appeared at past events.

Dusk at the Stampede means the chuckwagon races, featuring teams of cowboys in covered wagons bolting through barrels and around a race track.

Some have said the breathtaking and often dangerous event is the closest thing we’ll ever experience to the ancient Roman chariot races.

When the wagons are done, the Stampede goes “Broadway” each night, with a grandstand show of singers, dancers, musicians and fireworks.

What else is special about a vacation at the Stampede?

How about a lumberjack show, a huge midway, an Indian village with members of the Blackfoot, Blood, Peigan, Sarcee and Stony tribes? Also, competitions for the world’s best blacksmith and the most prized beef cattle, a miniature horse show and, of course, the not-to-be-missed swine exhibit.

In addition to the regular rodeo and grandstand events, the ‘95 show will feature the world famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the largest show of Western art in Canada and a huge marching-band competition.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: IF YOU GO Getting there: Several airlines offer flights to Calgary. The city is about 450 miles from Spokane. When to go: This year’s Stampede will run from July 7 to July 16. Where to stay: The Palliser is one of Calgary’s oldest, most regal hotels, and is directly on the Stampede Parade route. The Radisson Plaza Hotel is also along the parade route and houses The Silver Slipper Saloon, a nightly honky-tonk, with live country music and a huge dance floor. The Westin is not far from the Stampede grounds. Food: Stampede breakfasts - flapjacks, bacon and eggs, and gallons of juice and coffee - are as much a part of the Stampede as the calf roping and bull riding. Dozens of Calgary businesses and civic organizations sponsor the free breakfasts during the Stampede. Call the local visitors bureau for locations. Or try The 1886 Cafe, a wonderfully quaint breakfast spot near the new Eau Claire Market. Calgary is cattle country, and visitors should be sure to sample some “Genuine Alberta Beef.” Billy Macintyre’s Cattle Company, with two locations in the city, has brontosaurus-sized steaks and ribs. Smuggler’s Inn is known for its prime rib. For fine dining, the Owl’s Nest in the Westin Hotel is a sure bet, as is La Caille, which features a lovely view of the Bow River. More information: For a program of events and general information: (800) 661-1260 or (403) 261-0101. For general tourism information: Calgary Convention & Visitors Bureau (800) 661-1678 or (403) 263-8510.

This sidebar appeared with the story: IF YOU GO Getting there: Several airlines offer flights to Calgary. The city is about 450 miles from Spokane. When to go: This year’s Stampede will run from July 7 to July 16. Where to stay: The Palliser is one of Calgary’s oldest, most regal hotels, and is directly on the Stampede Parade route. The Radisson Plaza Hotel is also along the parade route and houses The Silver Slipper Saloon, a nightly honky-tonk, with live country music and a huge dance floor. The Westin is not far from the Stampede grounds. Food: Stampede breakfasts - flapjacks, bacon and eggs, and gallons of juice and coffee - are as much a part of the Stampede as the calf roping and bull riding. Dozens of Calgary businesses and civic organizations sponsor the free breakfasts during the Stampede. Call the local visitors bureau for locations. Or try The 1886 Cafe, a wonderfully quaint breakfast spot near the new Eau Claire Market. Calgary is cattle country, and visitors should be sure to sample some “Genuine Alberta Beef.” Billy Macintyre’s Cattle Company, with two locations in the city, has brontosaurus-sized steaks and ribs. Smuggler’s Inn is known for its prime rib. For fine dining, the Owl’s Nest in the Westin Hotel is a sure bet, as is La Caille, which features a lovely view of the Bow River. More information: For a program of events and general information: (800) 661-1260 or (403) 261-0101. For general tourism information: Calgary Convention & Visitors Bureau (800) 661-1678 or (403) 263-8510.