Stampede leads the way as live events return
Safety measures will exceed public health guidelines, Dana Peers writes.
The last year has been one heck of a ride for all of us!
Our lives have been turned upside down, our sense of security has been threatened, and our patience has been sorely tested. But Albertans have stepped up, as we always do. We have worked to follow the guidelines of Alberta Health, and get vaccinated at a remarkable pace. Now, we're in a place where that period will hopefully soon be behind us, and we can embrace the life we all want to live again.
As we enter summer, we are all excited to return to the familiar and fun of community gatherings and celebrations. We see airports opening and tourists on the move. We see businesses reopening and restaurants bustling. But, although our economy needs as much stimulus as possible, people may still be anxious. And that is totally legitimate. Our community wants to move ahead, but they want to do it with prudence and responsibility.
At the Calgary Stampede, we understand that sentiment. We respect that sentiment. We have planned our annual celebration around that sentiment.
Over the last couple of weeks, the Calgary Stampede has done a lot to tell our story. We did that because people deserve proof that we will be acting responsibly. We also did it because there has been some misinformation circulating, and you deserve to make decisions based on the facts. To that end, we have been laser-focused on getting into the community with an honest conversation about our safety protocols. These measures are designed to exceed public health guidelines and to allow our valued guests to Stampede their own way in 2021.
Yes, the Stampede will lead the way in the safe return to live events in Canada. Know we don't take that responsibility lightly. Stampede 2021 will look a bit different. For example, we will be limiting gate entry to allow for greater space. We will be providing people with seating options to provide a greater sense of comfort. Our front-line volunteers and employees will wear masks, and our guests will be respected and encouraged to make the masking choice they are comfortable with. Perhaps the most significant sign of the Stampede as a trailblazer in the safe return to live events is Nashville North. As live music returns in a unique canopy-style tent, venue patrons will be asked to provide proof of vaccination or take a rapid test before entry.
These safety measures, and others, exceed what has been asked of us by Alberta Health and other authorities. That's because we want to do everything we can to operate safely and to send a clear signal that the well-being of our guests, our partners and our people drives our decision-making. While we appreciate the confidence invested in us by each order of government, we will not rest until we have the confidence of you — our community.
Stampede is an internationally acclaimed event with a rightfully proud history. We got here because of public support, and we will do everything we can to retain that support. Despite our enduring success, the Calgary Stampede has been knocked down in the past — including two world wars and a devastating flood — but each time we have faced adversity we have got back up, dusted ourselves off, and put on The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! We will do the same in 2021.
Yes, some of Stampede will look different this year. Let's accept that the last year and a half has asked everyone to reconsider how they do what they do. This also applies to the Stampede. Our focus is to bring you the best experience in the most responsible way possible. We hope that your decisions will be made on the facts and that you will join us for some Stampede fun this summer.
We want to do everything we can to operate safely and to send a clear signal that the well-being of our guests, our partners and our people drives our decision-making.