The Calgary Stampede Rodeo

When it comes to oil drilling, cattle ranching, and cowboy living, most people would probably turn their attention to the grand old state of Texas. As it turns out, the province of Alberta in Canada has a big piece of this action as well. Celebrating the cowboy lifestyle and tradition is the annual Calgary Stampede, one of the biggest events of its kind in Canada, if not the rest of North America.

After visiting the city last month for the Coldplay concert, I came back to soak in the sights and sounds of the Calgary Stampede yesterday. Strolling through the agriculture barns, I probably could have done without the smells, but they come along with the territory. This was my first time ever at the Stampede, so I was looking forward mostly to the rodeo event at the Grandstand. There is the rest of the fair, like the Superdogs show and a selection of midway games, but the Stampede experience isn’t complete without some bucking broncos and quickly tied calves.

Needless to say, my experience at the Calgary Stampede was certainly different than my experience at the Calgary Zoo. Being such an urbanite, I tend to be quite removed from the agriculture industry and life on the farm. My only real connection to this world is my steak dinner. Many of us don’t know anything about what it takes to get that steak to the table.

Kicking off the rodeo event was a large band complete with drummers, trumpeters, and saxophonists.

Another huge part of the festivities, of course, is the beer. Whereas most folks were perfectly pleased with buying Budweiser from the vendors, this guy got a little creative with how he chose to express his love of the liquor. Well done, sir.

Yes, they muscle down the small cows by the horns. And they do it very quickly. To get a closer look at the Calgary Stampede rodeo, check out my short video compilation below. Enjoy!