Calgary Stampede Centennial

Photo Credit: gabri_micha

In 1884 Calgary was incorporated as a town, and in 1912 Calgary hosted the very first Calgary Stampede, then named the Frontier Days and Cowboy Championship Contest. Since then the
Calgary Stampede has grown into something much bigger and brighter, something that consumes Calgary every July and makes our city come alive.

Whether you enjoy the Calgary Stampede or not, we should all agree that for those two weeks in July there is always something fun happening around our city. Whether it's the Stampede Parade, pancake breakfasts at midnight (look at FlapJack Finder to find pancake breakfasts), or Stampede parties of every kind. These things, no matter how silly they might be, bring the Calgarian community together.

With so many possibilities there really is something for everyone, here are a few things going on during the Calgary Stampede:

Photo Credit: are you gonna eat that

• If you love rides and games you can spend a night at the Midway. 
• If you are interested in animals or agriculture you can take a look at the Exhibition. 
• If you want to shop and buy knick knacks then you can walk through the Roundup Centre Market. 
• If you're into music then you can watch nightly performances on the Coca Cola Stage, or grab tickets to the Grand Stand Show.
• If you like eating then you can experience snacks like mini donuts, blooming onions, and chips on a stick.
• If you really want to experience something Western and see some real cowboys, you can attend the Rodeo or the Rangeland Derby. 
• Or better yet, if you want to party like a cowboy you can go to Nashville North or the Cowboys tent.

Photo Credit : Lief (Bryne)

Now this list doesn't include all the events happening outside of the Stampede grounds, but believe me there are lots more!

If you're a Calgary Stampede critic, which I'm sure many of you are, I'm going to urge you to lighten up a bit! Go out, dress up like a cowboy, and appreciate the experience for what it is: 100 year old fun!