Travel & Experiences

Canada: Calgary Stampede kicks up its heels

These puddles formed during brief showers on opening weekend of the 2014 Calgary Stampede. For the most part, however, the weather was been warm and dry for the annual Alberta event.

These puddles formed during brief showers on opening weekend of the 2014 Calgary Stampede. For the most part, however, the weather was been warm and dry for the annual Alberta event.

  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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There is something for just about everyone at the Calgary Stampede, as this photo gallery by Los Angeles Times photographer Al Seib shows: parades, midway rides and thrilling rodeo events. Think of it as an enormous state fair with a world-class rodeo attached. The event, which began last week and runs through Sunday, overcame historic flooding on its grounds for this 101st annual celebration of cowboy culture and Canadian life.

--Chris Erskine

Come hell or high water

Doo Doo is big in Alberta. Doo Doo is a clown — a fixture of the yearly Calgary Stampede. Here, he and a new friend are celebrating the decision to go on with the 2013 Stampede despite record flooding.

  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Calgary Stampede

The grounds of the Calgary Stampede, a rodeo and festival, are a short walk from downtown Calgary. The 10-day annual event is July 7-16, 2017.

  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

And so it begins

Saturday’s two-hour parade drew families to the route in downtown Calgary, about a 10-minute walk from the rodeo grounds. Though gates opened Friday, the Stampede’s real kickoff event is the parade.   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Mounties

Canada’s Mounties, officially the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, date to the 1870s, and their telltale red jackets are known as “the red serge.” Here, a gaggle of Mounties is seen marching through downtown Calgary in a parade that was part of the 2013 Calgary Stampede.

  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Opening ceremony

Horsemanship is a central element in the annual Calgary Stampede, which includes a rodeo. These riders were part of opening ceremonies for the 2013 Stampede.

  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Besides parades, rodeo events and unhealthy food, the Calgary Stampede features sheep shearing. These competitors -- including the well-shorn pair in the foreground -- were part of the opening weekend in 2013.

Besides parades, rodeo events and unhealthy food, the Calgary Stampede features sheep shearing. These competitors -- including the well-shorn pair in the foreground -- were part of the opening weekend in 2013.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Excitement with dad

The rodeo attracts fans of all ages. Though primarily a regional event, it draws visitors from around the world.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A carnival atmosphere

Few go hungry or thirsty at the Stampede.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Cowboy gathering

There is a sport they do in Canada besides hockey and curling and hockey and football and hockey and skiing: rodeo. These competitors were part of the 2013 Calgary Stampede rodeo.

  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Bull toss

Cowboys compete in two pools, with the top four money winners advancing to the finals.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A prize

A 13-year-old cowboy with a buckle he won at an earlier rodeo event. The Calgary Stampede features several rodeo events. It is July 7-16 in 2017.

  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Spurs forward

Spurs forward is considered fine form. Rodeo events are held each day of the fair, starting in early afternoon.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Horse kiss

The event sometimes seems to feature more horses than humans. Here, a fan shows her appreciation.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Chuck wagon

The chuckwagon races are among the Stampede’s biggest draws. This mud-splattered race took place after a late-afternoon rain.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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