2012 Centennial Stampede
In his wildest dreams, Stampede visionary Guy Weadick could not have foreseen the citywide, countrywide and worldwide celebrations marking our Centennial. The festivities are drawing international media attention, and culminate in the 2012 Stampede, July 6-15.
The Centennial Stampede is built on three pillars: showcasing Alberta to the world; creating an experience of a lifetime; and building a lasting legacy. Here are some of the amazing things planned for 2012:
Centennial Cake
Centennial Cakes will be seen (for as long as they last) at a number of events around Alberta. The cakes are just one of the ways we’re joining with communities for their local events and celebrations. They’re also sweet reminders to come celebrate with us! So far cakes have been booked for everything from the Rick Hansen Foundation Party to the 100th birthday party of Stampede fan Frances O’Lesky.
May 20 - High School Rodeo Zone 1 Finals - Strathmore, AB
May 30 & 31- POPS in the Park - Heritage Park
June 8 - Farmer's Day - UFA High River
June 9 - Crossroads Market Charity Book Sale
June 10 - Bar U Ranch Chuckwagon Cookoff - Longview, AB
July 11 - Stampede on High Street in McKenzie Towne
June 11-15 - BMO Branches (6 branches; dates, times and locations TBD)
June 17 - Father's Day - Heritage Park
June 18 - Wordfest Opening - Motion Art Gallery - Eau Claire Market
June 23 - 5th Annual Race for Pace - North Glenmore Park
My Stampede
Everyone who has attended The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth has a story to tell. My Stampede is where you can find the memories, photos, and videos that tell the collective story of the Stampede. Click here to see the stories and add your own.
White Hat Roundup
The White Hat Roundup is bringing the Stampede to rural communities, paying tribute to Alberta’s heritage by celebrating agriculture, First Nations, and rodeo. Enjoy your favourite Stampede foods, entertainment and activities. Confirmed dates and locations include:
April 21 – Medicine Hat Rodeo
May 21 – High River, Little Britches Rodeo
June 16 – Pincher Creek, Cowboy Poetry Festival
July 1 – Canmore and Banff, Canada Day
Click here for more information.
Centennial Merchandise
Complement your memories with memorabilia. We are pleased to announce that special edition Stampede Centennial Roots products are available at select Roots stores and in the Stampede Store. Show you were a part of history with everything from men’s and women’s jackets to Centennial totes and packs. Other Centennial items are available at the Stampede Store. You can take home a taste of Stampede with our official pancake mix, or give a prestigious gift of limited-edition boots, buckles or hats. To shop, click here.
Centennial Saddle
A very fortunate few can own a treasured collectible. Just 100 Stampede Centennial Saddles have been custom made by legendary saddlemaker Vic Bennett. These limited edition masterpieces are signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Check availability here.
July 6-15 Events
Homecoming
Ten iconic groups – instrumental in the history of the Stampede – are being invited back for official Homecoming events. These groups will join in our Centennial celebrations and be recognized for their contributions to the organization.
Friday, July 6, 2012 – Descendants of The Big Four
Saturday, July 7, 2012 – Young Canadians
Sunday, July 8, 2012 – Agriculture Champions
Monday, July 9, 2012 – Former Calgary Stampede Queens and Princesses
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 – Showband
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 – Stampede Talent Search
Thursday, July 12, 2012 – Indian Village
Friday, July 13, 2012 – Volunteers/Board/Staff
Saturday, July 14, 2012 – Chuckwagon Champions
Sunday, July 15, 2012 – Rodeo Champions
For more information on Homecoming, click here.
Four Corners - presented by BURNCO
Join us as we bring the Stampede Centennial to the four corners of the city, celebrating with Calgary communities and promoting western heritage and values. Be sure to check out your favourite Stampede foods, entertainment and activities. Events will include pancake breakfasts, dancing, games, and agricultural exhibits.
May 5 - Genesis Wellness Centre, 7556 Falconridge Blvd NE
May 12 - South Fish Creek Recreation Complex, 100 - 333 Shawville Blvd SE
May 26 - Cardel Place, 11950 Country Village Link NE
June 2 - Westside Recreation, 2000-69 Street SW
ENMAX Corral Show
The 2012 Calgary Stampede will feature a spectacular new production showcasing the best western horsemanship, incredible sets and effects, and fascinating First Nations’ performances. Audiences will be held spellbound by the beauty of the horses and the pageantry. Hosted in the Corral, this production is an exclusive engagement for 2012 only and is free with admission.
Bell Centennial Plaza
A special brand new venue for 2012, Bell Centennial Plaza is located at the centre of Stampede Park. Featuring a large stage with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, the plaza will showcase a diverse collection of fresh Alberta talent daily.
RCMP Musical Ride
A world-renowned tradition dating back to 1887, the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will perform daily at the afternoon Rodeo. Enjoy the equestrian skills of 32 regular members of the world’s most famous police force.
2012 TransAlta Grandstand Show, featuring Paul Brandt
The Calgary Stampede presents the 2012 TransAlta Grandstand Show, Century, featuring Paul Brandt and starring The Young Canadians. Century is a fast-paced show dominated by popular songs from the past 100 years. It builds to an amazing fireworks finale, set off from a three-storey birthday cake arriving on stage via a big-rig convoy. As the headliner, country music superstar Paul Brandt will perform a set each night and star alongside The Young Canadians throughout the show. The most awarded male Canadian country music artist in history, Brandt returns to the Stampede where he launched his career after winning the 1992 Calgary Stampede Talent Search.
Don’t miss out on this historic show. Click here for tickets.
Light up the City, presented by TransAlta
For both Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays of the Centennial Stampede, the skies above Calgary will blaze with spectacular fireworks over and above the nightly spectacle at Stampede Park. The fireworks will be launched from all four quadrants of the city, creating a light show of incredible scale and beauty. For more information click here.
Agriculture Celebration Zone
True to the roots of the Calgary Stampede, the Agriculture Centennial Celebration Zone will be open daily. Step inside the grand old Victoria Pavilion, which served as the centre of the Stampede’s agricultural activities for decades. Throughout the 2012 Stampede, the Agriculture Centennial Celebration Zone will feature engaging displays representing all of the Stampede’s agricultural properties, including the World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition, the Heavy Horse Pull, the Cutting Horse Competition, Draft Horse Town, the World Stock Dog Championship, and the North American Sheep Shearing Challenge. These exhibitions will appear as part of a daily rotating spotlight.
Friday, July 6 – Heavy Horse Show, North American Sheep Shearing Challenge
Saturday, July 7 – World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition, Metal Art Showcase, Miniature Donkey Showcase
Sunday, July 8 – Farm Family Awards, Vintage Tractor Pull, World Stock Dog Championship
Monday, July 9 – Team Penning Competition, Cowboy Up Challenge
Tuesday, July 10 – Sheep Showcase, Dairy Classic Championship Show
Wednesday, July 11 – 4-H, Canadian National Miniature Horse Show, Cutting Horse Competition
Thursday, July 12 – Aggie Days, Ag-tivity in the City, Swine Show
Friday, July 13 – Horse Haven (Light Horse), Working Cow Horse Classic
Saturday, July 14 – Beef Cattle, Steer Classic, International Livestock Auctioneer Championship, International Youth Livestock Show
Sunday, July 15 – Heavy Horse Pull, Draft Horse Town
While it is grounded in heritage, the Agriculture Centennial Celebration Zone will also cast an eye to the future, with architectural renderings of the Stampede’s future Agrium Western Event Centre.
Midway Madness
We are thrilled to announce a Centennial midway ride – the first ever to carry the Calgary Stampede brand. “Outlaw” is a rollercoaster named after a legendary Stampede rodeo bull. Riders will blast out of the chutes, dipping and twisting like the ride’s namesake, one of the greatest animals in the world of rodeo.
Guests will also be able to experience the Park from new heights. The longest temporary zip line in Canada will grace the skyline of Stampede Park for 2012. Guests will climb an 80-foot tower and zip 850 feet across Stampede Park, reaching speeds of over 60 kmph.
For more information on any of these events or other Centennial questions, email us at centennial@calgarystampede.com.