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The Stampede's roots are traced to 1886 when the Calgary and District Agricultural Society held its first fair. American promoter Guy Weadick launched the first rodeo in 1912 though the second was not held until 1919 when the Victory Stampede was organized to honour soldiers returning from World War I. A 1923 merger with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition created the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede and it has been an annual event since. Over two million people visit Stampede Park annually as events are held throughout the year. With over $2 million in prizes, the Stampede is among the richest rodeos in the world and attracts top competitors from across North America. The risk of injury or death to horses and calves has led to calls by animal welfare groups to ban the calf roping event, chuckwagon racing or in some cases, the entire rodeo. |
