Roping, riding and racing at the Calgary Stampede in Canada

Steer wrestling is another popular rodeo event.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Four-year-old Ryder Shaw is excited in the arms of his father, Grant Shaw, during last year’s Calgary Stampede.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

With more than an ample supply of food booths, no one goes hungry on the midway.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Students show off their fiddling skills in downtown Calgary, Canada, just before the start of last year’s Stampede parade.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

It’s hats off to the Calgary Stampede parade through downtown (which is just a 10-minute walk from the rodeo grounds). This year, avid horseman William Shatner will serve as grand marshal.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Mounties march along the parade route.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

The chuckwagon races are among the Stampede’s biggest draws. Seen here, a pre-race rainstorm on opening weekend last year made for a particularly muddy contest.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Lindsey Rampersad offers a vintage from the local Okanagan region at the Stampede’s wine garden.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Spiral Spuds on the midway.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Spurs forward is considered fine form in the bareback competition. Rodeo events are held on each of the Stampede’s 10 days.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Last year’s sheep-shearing competition drew standing-room-only crowds on opening weekend. The contest features competitors from around the world.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Concerts are another big draw. Artists performing this year include Keith Urban, Reba McEntire and Shania Twain.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Rain on opening weekend at last year’s event created some puddles on the grounds, but failed to stop the event, or the crowds from showing up.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Downtown’s skyscrapers rise beyond the grounds where the Calvary Stampede is held.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Briggs Madsen, 13, wears the belt buckle he won in a rodeo competition.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Kristina Callihoo gets close to a horse at last year’s Calgary Stampede. The event sometimes seems to feature more horses than humans.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

A group of cowboys gathers before last year’s opening ceremonies.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Opening ceremonies last year at “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)