Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede, which bills itself as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, is a large, non-profit festival, exhibition, and rodeo held in Calgary, Alberta for ten days every July.

It is one of Canada's largest annual events, and the world's largest outdoor rodeo. It features an internationally recognized rodeo competition, a midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon races, First Nations exhibitions, and pancake breakfasts around the city, among other attractions.

Every year the attendance at the 10-day rodeo and exhibition totalled more than 1 million.

The Calgary Stampede takes place at the Stampede Grounds, which are located on the southeast fringe of downtown Calgary in the Beltline District. The park is easily accessed via Calgary Transit's light rail system, the C-Train.

Permanent structures at the site include the Pengrowth Saddledome (hockey arena), the Round-Up Centre (a convention and exhibition facility), the Stampede Casino, the grandstand/racetrack, the agriculture building, and a number of smaller buildings.

A major expansion and upgrading of the grounds is currently underway. It will likely include a new hotel, a new casino, a new "main street" retail and market area, a new agriculture building, underground parking, and an extensive re-landscaping of the outdoor areas.
from: Wikipedia

Stampede Parade

The Stampede Parade, which occurs on opening day of the Calgary Stampede, is one of the festival's oldest and largest traditions.

It follows a 4.5 km route in downtown Calgary. Attendance at the parade is usually about 350,000. The parade is also televised and has a viewing audience of over 2 million.

With an average of 4,000 people in the Stampede Parade, 750 horses, and 40 floats and from 24 to 30 marching bands, this is for sure The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

During Stampede Week, the city is flooded with tourists who join locals in the spirited atmosphere by dressing in western attire. A large number of businesses decorate their stores and offices in a western style.
from: Wikipedia