THE CALGARY STAMPEDE

Billed as ‘the greatest show on Earth’, nothing says "yee-haw" quite as loudly as the Calgary Stampede. The world’s biggest rodeo has been going from strength-to-strength since 1923 (when it became an annual event) and now attracts over one million visitors every year. It takes place for ten days every July. Some visitors combine a trip to Calgary with a North American tour, taking advantage of some late cheap deals offered by New York hotels or hotels in Chicago and Vancouver.

A rodeo is a supremely unique experience and a real taste of the American Mid-West. Designed to show the horsemanship of cowboys and cowgirls, the event itself is intensely exciting, with a high level of skill being shown by the participants. The crowd typically has a favourite who they want to see win, meaning that the atmosphere is often charged, whilst the unpredictability of the animals keeps the throngs guessing.

The Calgary Stampede is the richest rodeo in the world and sees participants competing in six major disciplines, including the infamous bull riding. There are also four novice disciplines. The conclusion of the event is championship day, with a $1,000,000 prize on offer for the winner.

The Calgary Stampede also features a Parade, which acts as the official opening event. The parade marshal changes year on year and often reflects popular mood. The Parade is a loud and lively affair, with a marching band stoking the levels of excitement. It is definitely worth getting an early seat for this grand event.

Chuckwagon Racing as part of the Rangeland Derby is another exciting discipline which gets the crowd on its feet. Children in particular find this event exciting yet they are usually captivated by everything that’s going on in the ring.

There is more to the Calgary Stampede than competition, though, as it also acts as an agricultural show, exhibition, and festival. Kids can learn how to lasso a cow whilst they can also meet a wide range of different animals.

Indeed, the Calgary Stampede is made for kids. As well as the captivating events in the rodeo arena, there are rides, games and themed areas for them to explore. There is also an ice show which will keep them enthralled whilst the range of honest American cooking caters for even the fussiest of eaters.

A full music programme covering a wide range of styles is an important feature of the event, whilst there is one stage completely dedicated to country and western, as it should be. This adds a layer of authenticity to proceedings, making you feel that you really are in the Mid-West.

If you would like to see a real slice of Canadian life then the Calgary Stampede is certainly for you.

- More details on the Calgary Stampede can be found at the official Calgary Stampde website.