The 2021 Calgary Stampede is officially taking place and they just announced this year’s Parade Marshal.
The Stampede has come to reflect Calgarians sense of community while attracting people from all over the world. While the 2021 Calgary Stampede may look different this year, it aims to be a safe and memorable celebration .
The first Calgary exhibition actually started as a place to share agricultural knowledge.
While the first Exhibition was held in 1886, the Calgary Stampede as we know it today was born in 1923. It was the first event that combined the Stampede (started in 1912) and the Exhibition, featuring chuckwagon races and the first pancake breakfasts.
The 2021 Stampede will take place July 9 to 18.
The Stampede organizers wanted to preserve the events that have become a yearly tradition while creating a safe environment for those attending. Due to a cancelled pandemic chuckwagon season, the Rangeland Derby will not be part of this year’s Evening Show. As for the grandstand show, it was set to feature Paul Brandt. However, he will no longer be performing. Instead, the 2021 Evening Show will feature high energy western events, competitive rodeo, live music, fireworks and more.
As for this year’s parade, it will be taking a new route and the community will be able to participate virtually.
The President and Chairman of the Calgary Stampede board of directors Steve McDonough has selected this year’s Parade Marshal, Katari Right Hand. This year’s Stampede poster will feature her as well
“I am very proud and excited to be the 2021 Stampede parade Marshall, so I can represent Niitsitapiiks” says the young woman from the Siksika First Nation. Her Blackfoot name, Nààpiwa otó piim Akikowan, means Raindbow Girl.
As Alberta implements its Reopening Plan stage by stage, the rules may be different by July 9th. The Stampede website continues to post about any event information and changes related to public health measures.
They are selling tickets to the Rodeo and Evening Show online here. They are also selling the Stampede Lottery tickets online here.