Calgary Stampede

The Stampede itself is more than simply a rodeo. Yes, it has bull-riding and chuckwagon races, and there is an Indian village on the Stampede grounds, but there is more. A gigantic midway dominates the interests of the youngsters, and a casino captures the attention of many an adult. Free shows and entertainment abound, and informative and fun displays are also found in abundance. Many of the livestock barns are open to the public, and every night features firework displays. Each year the Stampede features a concert by at least one major musical celebrity.

There is typically one morning each year where early birds can get into the grounds for free if they arrive before 9:00 AM.

While there is parking available near the Stampede grounds, this is typically expensive and not worth your while. Park your vehicle instead at on of the "Park and Ride" lots near the C-train and ride the train to the park. There are actually two C-train stops near the Stampede grounds - the one closest to downtown being closest to the Saddledome.

• Dates: July 7-16, 1995; July 5-14, 1996
• Address: Box 1060 'Station M', Calgary, AB, Canada, T2P 2K8
• Phone: 1-800-661-1260 (USA and Canada)

A brief blurb on the Stampede, included despite the fact that when I approached the Stampede folks about doing a significant speil on the Stampede (for free) I was given the (barely polite) "go away".

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