STAMPEDE PERSEVERES
When a fast-talking showboat in a big hat came a calling back in 1912, no one could have foreseen what a lasting legacy he’d leave. As full of confidence as he was, American wild west promoter Guy Weadick likely wouldn’t have dreamed his idea for a Calgary rodeo would still be a viable and thriving enterprise more than a century later.
With the backing of the Big Four — Calgary cattlemen and entrepreneurs Pat Burns, Archie McLean, George Lane and A.E. Cross — the Calgary Stampede was born, putting the city on the map as the place to rope and ride for cow folk. It still is. Among the richest payouts in rodeo, the Stampede attracts all the top names in bareback, saddlebronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel and chuckwagon racing, and the baddie of them all, bull riding.
It’s not just about who raises the trophy at the end of the 10 days. Every year there are poignant stories of disappointment, injury, resilience and loss. Last year’s inspiring tale was that of 67-year-old Mary Burger, an Oklahoma barrel racer who sped past much younger competitors and went home with the $100,000 title.
Perhaps one of the most touching stories this year was that of Saskatchewan bull rider Tanner Byrne, who donned his best friend’s boots in a winning ride on Wednesday. That friend — his travel partner Ty Pozzobon — took his own life in January, succumbing to mental illness as a result of multiple concussions. Byrne felt his pal might have been smiling down on him that day.
By Sunday’s end, there’ll be many more smiles as competitors collect their winnings and the Stampede brass celebrate what has turned out to be a very good year. Despite the faltering economy in Calgary, the numbers at the turnstiles show a healthy uptick in attendance. Every day this week, save Sunday’s decrease of 2,200, daily numbers have been up over those from 2016. Barring a disaster this weekend, attendance should surpass last year, qualifying it as a success. Some of that can be attributed to the unusually great weather. Aside from the hideous squall on Tuesday, the sun has been shining on Stampede goers every day. What also helped is the Stampede’s acknowledgment that this city isn’t out of the woods and many citizens are still reeling over lost jobs and income. Smart marketing was behind the $5 entry on several evenings and on Tuesday’s nod to Canada’s sesquicentennial with $1.50 entry until 1:50 p.m.
Just as Weadick struggled in the early 1900s in his bid to create the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, Calgary and the Stampede have faced many challenges over the years. With creativity and doggedness, they are prevailing. More than championship buckles or midway stuffies, that’s the real prize to be treasured.