Before the Calgary Stampede was the “greatest outdoor show on earth,” it was simply an idea born from a city kid who had long since dreamt of the cowboy way of life. Inspired by agricultural exhibitions dating back to 1886 and matched with his desire to branch out as an impresario, Guy Weadick formed a vision of Calgary as an optimal environment for a frontier celebration that would see him achieve his dreams and leave a lasting legacy in the city of Calgary.
Growing up, Guy Weadick (b. 1885 in Rochester, N.Y.) was enchanted with the cowboy way of life thanks to the pop culture that included Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, which romanticised the American frontier. As a teen, he headed out west and while working on ranches, Weadick quickly developed skills in riding and roping and a knack for storytelling, which were marketable commodities in the entertainment world.
Weadick eventually made his way to Calgary with the pitch of his life, though it’s worth noting that he was not met with open arms. Unfortunately for him, Calgary was in the midst of a huge boom and the idea of a frontier celebration was quickly dismissed as a little too old-fashioned for a city where the ranching industry was fading in its influence. Initially, home to little more than a fort, a few ramshackle homes, and some tents, Calgary quickly surged in population, especially after the arrival of the railway and was known for being a place of frequent excitement. At the time, most Calgarians considered themselves to be sophisticated and the popular idea was that farming would develop with the influx of population, signalling the end of the golden days of cowboys and ranches.
Guy Weadick was about ready to give up on his ambitions after his failure, but then luckily for him, a Medicine Hat rancher by the name of A.P. Day (who would go on to become the first arena director) changed everything. If Weadick could successfully garner enough interest, Day promised to contribute to the exhibition and provide $10,000 in funds and good bucking horses.
What followed was an extremely fortuitous meeting with the owner of the Bar U Ranch, George Lane, who then set up a later meeting with Patrick Burns and A.E. Cross. The three were wealthy businessmen who owed their fortune to the cattle industry, and were enthusiastic in response to Weadick’s pitch and promised to help fund the exhibition. Rancher A.J. McLean also pitched in, and together they formed the “Big Four” and provided $100,000 for the inaugural Calgary Stampede.
Over a century has passed since then and the humble origins of the event pale in comparison to it’s larger than life modern-day adaptation. Though technological advances and daring delicacies draw a striking difference between the current exhibition and its predecessors, one thing remains to be certain: culture has remained a pillar within the foundation of this world class event, and continues to do so over a century after its inception.
Not only does the event celebrate the history of western-Canada, but other cultures too. Over the years, Calgary has evolved into an environment where people from all walks of life live and prosper together. Our city is home to more than 240 different ethnic origins, so it makes sense that we celebrate this diversity rather than stress a homogeneous society.
And that’s something that I love about the Calgary Stampede. The diversity. And I’m not speaking only in terms of celebrating ethnic diversity, but the diverse range of activities that the event offers. The exhibition has expanded into one of Canada’s largest festivals and boasts dozens of midway rides, games, an annual concert series, a world famous rodeo, and special delicacies. It’s truly a one of a kind event and stands as a testament to why over a million people flocked to the event every year.
So why is this event so important besides the fact that it allows us to play dress up and eat garbage for 10 days? The Calgary Stampede has had a profound impact on the city while preserving elements of western-Canadian history as well as distinctive cultural traditions of First Nations participants. Today, the Calgary Stampede is heavily associated with not only Calgary’s identity, but also Canada’s identity. You can’t think of Canada without the Stampede, so trying to imagine one without the other is easier said than done.
The annual exhibition has become so well known and significant in Canada’s historical timeline that it was officially designated as a national historical event in 2012, a century after the first Stampede. Many Calgarians and tourists alike have relished in the hours of entertainment the Stampede has offered, and if I’m being honest, I hope I never have to live in a world without the greatest outdoor show on earth, for a life without free pancake breakfasts and delicious mini donuts is a cruel dystopia I prefer not to picture.
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