Stampede officials tout trail-blazing event

Wrestling with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Calgary Stampede roped in nearly 60 per cent fewer people than the 2019 edition.

Returning after skipping the 2020 edition due to the virus, the Stampede attracted 528,998 people to the grounds this year, the exhibition reported Monday.

That's 41.5 per cent of the 1,275,465 people who passed through the gates in 2019, which was the western bash's second-highest attendance figure.

Stampede officials had predicted attendance would be down by about 50 per cent and said they never had to exercise a COVID-19 cut-off protocol that would have been implemented if crowds reached a certain threshold.

Some thought this year's Stampede returned too early to be safe and had been politicized as a symbol of a return to post-pandemic normalcy by the United Conservative government. That led some people to say they'd avoid attending, while others praised the Stampede for moving the province forward in pandemic recovery.

On Sunday, Stampede officials called this year's edition a great success that's trail-blazed a way for other major events to break out of their pandemic hibernation. And, they added the decision to host it in 2021 wasn't an easy one.

“Our decision to host Stampede was never taken lightly and was made in co-ordination with health authorities, government officials as well as sponsors,” said interim CEO Dana Peers.

“We knew initially there would be some skepticism but we committed ourselves to open, ongoing and honest communication. … We proved it through our actions.”

Stampede organizers ensured there was more space on the grounds to provide pandemic peace of mind for visitors.

Missing this year due to Canada's closed pandemic borders were international visitors, who typically make up 10 to 15 per cent of Stampede crowds.

Officials also cancelled the Rangeland Derby, drawing the criticism of fans and the chuckwagon racing community, who turned elsewhere to compete. But Stampede officials say they'll be bringing back the chuckwagons next year.

Holding the massive western festival this year took courage and gave the beleaguered hospitality industry a boost, said Cindy Ady, CEO of Tourism Calgary.

And she said that decision puts the city in the forefront as a model of welcoming back international visitors.