Canada: Calgary Stampede kicks up its heels

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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)

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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)