2008 Calgary Stampede Rodeo - An Event Seeped in Tradition
The Calgary Stampede is an invincible and integral part of Calgary’s history and one of Calgary’s biggest tourist attractions. Although marred by numerous controversies, the Calgary Stampede Rodeo continues to be one of the most popular rodeo events. Every year, the audience attendance and participation numbers set records and the 2008 Calgary Stampede Rodeo will be no different. In fact, this year’s event promises to be better than ever. With all the regular events plus new and exciting features, it will be even more spectacular!
The Calgary Stampede, which is touted as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, is a large, non-profit festival, exhibition, and rodeo held in Calgary, Alberta for 10 days in the second week of every July. It is one of Canada’s largest annual events and the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. It features an internationally recognized rodeo competition, a midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon races, First Nations exhibitions and pancake breakfasts around the city, among other attractions.
The Calgary Stampede was inaugurated in 1912 by Guy Weadick, an American trick roper. Weadick wanted to put on a world-class rodeo event and Wild West show that would bring the best cowboys from across the continent. The first Stampede was the richest rodeo competition in North America with prize money of $20,000. It drew more than 100,000 spectators. It has been held every year since and has grown in popularity with each passing year.
Since 2006, the Calgary Stampede Rodeo is no longer sanctioned by the PRCA or the CPRA and has become an invite-only rodeo event to the top competitors from the National Finals Rodeo, Canadian Finals Rodeo and Professional Bull Riders.
Some controversies which have become an inseparable part of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo
- The traditional chuckwagon race has a very high rate of injury and many animal advocacy groups have voiced concern over the Stampede citing animal cruelty and recreational abuse as reasons for their opposition.
- In 2004, a horse was put down after it broke a hind leg in the rodeo event.
- In 1986, 12 horses were killed during the Stampede making that year the worst for loss of stock. Most were put to death because of injuries.
- The worst animal accident for a single event related to the Stampede happened on July 3, 2005. Nine horses died after jumping off a bridge and into the Bow River.
2008 Calgary Stampede Rodeo tickets at TICKETFINDER.com™
The Calgary Stampede Rodeo is a must watch for every rodeo fan and being there in person is of the highest priority. The 2008 Calgary Stampede will be held from July 4 to July 13 and the 2008 Calgary Stampede Rodeo marks the closing of the festivities (July 11-July 13). If you want to attend these one-of-a-kind events, trust TICKETFINDER.com™ to get you Calgary Stampede Rodeo tickets. Order from the convenience of your home/office and your 2008 Calgary Stampede Rodeo tickets will be delivered right at your doorstep.
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