Urban, And Real, Cowboys At Calgary Stampede

CALGARY, Alberta - Calling yourself "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," is no trivial claim, especially at a time when fancy theme parks are springing up all over North America.

But how many of these amusement parks have real cowboys and Indians, bucking broncos and Brahma bulls, pig dashes and chuckwagon races - not to mention one of the largest parades in the world?

For more than 80 years, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, held in the Canadian city of Calgary. has been labeled the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth - and for good reason.

The 10-day event, held in July each year, is considered by many to be the most prestigious rodeo in North America, with more than $500,000 in prize money. There is bareback, bull and saddle-bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, wild-horse racing and steer riding for little cowpokes.

Beyond the rodeo

During the Stampede, the city is awash in cowboy hats, country bands, and greetings of "Howdy" and "Ee-e-e-ehaaww" on every street corner.

More than a million people attend the Stampede every year from North America and abroad.

The Stampede was founded by an American, a trick roper named Guy Weadick, who upon seeing the city's beauty, vowed to make "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Extravaganza look like a sideshow."

A lot has changed at the Stampede since Weadick's first show in 1912.

Today's Calgary Exhibition and Stampede not only attracts nearly 500 cowboys to its rodeo, but also top entertainment to its stages.

After hours

Dusk at the Stampede means the chuckwagon races, featuring teams of cowboys in covered wagons bolting through barrels and around a racetrack.

When the wagons are done, the Stampede goes "Broadway" each night, with a grandstand show of singers, dancers, musicians and fireworks.

What else is special about a vacation at the Stampede?

How about a lumberjack show, a huge midway, a native village with members of the Blackfoot, Blood, Peigan, Sarcee and Stony tribes?

Also, competitions for the world's best blacksmith and the most prized beef cattle, a miniature horse show and, of course, the not-to-be-missed swine exhibit.

In addition to the regular rodeo and grandstand events, the '95 show will feature the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the largest show of Western art in Canada and a marching-band competition. ----------------------------------------------------------------- IF YOU GO

Doing the Stampede

Getting there: Calgary is a two-day drive from Seattle. There also are regular flights between the two cities.

When: This year's Stampede is July 7-16.

Food: Stampede breakfasts - flapjacks, bacon and eggs, and gallons of juice and coffee - are as much a part of the Stampede as the calf roping and bull riding. Dozens of Calgary businesses and civic organizations sponsor the breakfasts during the Stampede.

Calgary is cattle country, and visitors should be sure to sample some "Genuine Alberta Beef." Billy Macintyre's Cattle Company, with two locations in the city, has brontosaurus-sized steaks and ribs. Smuggler's Inn is known for its prime rib. For fine dining, the Owl's Nest in the Westin Hotel is a sure bet, as is La Caille, which features a lovely view of the Bow River.

Tourism information: For information on visiting Alberta, phone Travel Alberta (800) 661-8888. For specific information on the Calgary Stampede, phone (800) 661-1260. Traveling Smart / Close to Home focuses on topics in the West on the third Tuesday of the month. Seattle Times Travel

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