No need to get on a plane to find the best in the world - just come to the Calgary Stampede. Nowhere else on earth will you find...
1) All of the reigning world rodeo champions
For the first time every current world rodeo champion will compete at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo this year. Cowboys and cowgirls from around the world are coming to the Stampede Rodeo to take home the big money.
2) The richest and roughest outdoor rodeo on Earth
With over $2 million to be given away, the Stampede Rodeo brings the toughest two and four-legged athletes to Calgary including five-time world champion bareback bucking sensation Grated Coconut, a product of the Stampede's Born to Buck breeding program.
3) The GMC Rangeland Derby - THE one that really matters!
That pounding of hoofs and trembling of the ground can mean only one thing; the world's premier chuckwagon event, the GMC Rangeland Derby, has begun! During nine nightly heats and with a brand new Semi-Final Saturday, don't miss the heart-stopping action as 36 drivers, 228 horses, and their teams of outriders vie for over $1.15 million in prize money! Only at Stampede Park.
4) A music festival of super stars
It's a world of music - from rock to country, from marching bands to solo acts, the Calgary Stampede isn't just about music - it is music. All on the charts and all at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. This year is better than ever. Pengrowth Saddledome concerts include big names like Reba, George Strait, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney. Check out the Coca-Cola Stage and Nashville North - they're free! The unbelievable number and variety of acts is simply mind-boggling. The Trews, Hinder, Teri Clark, Bif Naked, Simple Plan, Eva Avila, Divine Brown, George Fox, Shane Yellowbird, Deric Ruttan, Daniel Wesley... the list goes on and on!
5) The 30th Anniversary World Champion Blacksmiths' Competition
Stoke that forge! Swing that hammer! Vulcan himself would be proud as the sparks fly, the anvils ring, and the Stampede hosts the 30th anniversary edition of the World Championship Blacksmiths' Competition. Every year, the world's top craftsmen in this time-honoured profession give their all in what has become known as the "Olympics of Blacksmithing," both educating and entertaining the public with their skills and abilities. This landmark edition has three previous global champions returning for another shot at a world championship. The heat is on!
6) World Stock Dog Competition
It's doggone challenging - and fun. Come and cheer on 80 of the top dogs and handlers from around the globe at the World Stock Dog Championship presented by Halliburton. It's the ultimate battle of wits and agility - canines versus sheep. And with more than $25,000 in prizes money - it's the richest arena trials in the world.
7) A really big food court
At 193 acres, Stampede Park qualifies as one of the largest outdoor food court in the world. For your eating pleasure, try the deep-fried jelly beans, deep-fried Coke, Tornado potatoes, a hot beef sundae or grab a taco in a bag and you can wash it down with some wheat grass juice. For those looking for something more traditional, Weadickville serves up hotdogs at old-fashioned prices.
8) International Livestock Auctioneer Competition
The fastest mouths in the world will be at it again this year during the 21st annual International Livestock Auctioneer Competition using their charm and skill to compete for the title of International Livestock Auctioneer Champion.
9) International Youth Livestock Show
Again this year, future leaders of the agriculture industry will showcase their talents at the International Youth Livestock Show. Agricultural skills, knowledge and practical experience, as well as problem-solving, operational and entrepreneurial savvy, will all come to the forefront during this seven-day event which draws in youth from around the world.
10) World-class environmental practices
With roots in agriculture, the Calgary Stampede has a hearty level of respect for land and the environment. In fact, the Stampede is considered a global leader and model organization for festival environmental practices worldwide and is proudly ISO 14001 certified.
