It is an event that has captured the attention of more than a million tourists from all over the world. Every July, The Calgary Stampede is celebrated in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. And because it has achieved prominence, Calgary Stampede is now one of Canada's largest festivals and has, in fact, been dubbed as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". The festival will mark its 100th year in 2012.
The ten-day event features the world's biggest rodeo, chuck-wagon racing, concerts and other shows. Other attractions include the agricultural competitions, parades and the First Nations competitions. During the event, the city takes on a merry-making mode, with buildings and stores painted in cowboy themes and the residents wearing western attires. And everywhere across the city, there are pancake breakfasts and barbecues, french fires, and traditional treats like popcorn, hotdogs and sugar candies, much to the delight of visitors.
The event's history can be traced to the first fair held by the Calgary and District Agricultural Society in 1886. In 1912, Guy Weadick, an American promoter, introduced the beginnings of the rodeo festival. Later in 1919, the Victory Stampede was started as a tribute to the soldiers of World War I. This later became an annual event when it merged with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition to become the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, the predecessor of the now world-famous Calgary Stampede.
Because of its immense popularity, Calgary is known as the "Stampede City" and carries the nickname of "Cowtown". Even the football league of Calgary is called the Stampeders. Indeed, the event has become one of the city's pride.