Attendance tops 500K at Calgary Stampede 2021, chucks to return in 2022
The Calgary Stampede says it welcomed 528,998 people through its gates for 10 days of fun.
With international borders closed, event organizers say overall numbers were expected to be down significantly for the July 9-18 event.
On Sunday, officials said about 75 percent of visitors were from Calgary, 13 percent from Alberta and 12 percent from other provinces nationwide.
In 2019, 1,275,465 people went through the turnstiles.
“We know initially there may have been some skepticism,” said CEO Dana Peers on Sunday.
“But we committed ourselves to open, ongoing an honest communication.”
The Calgary Stampede says it saw daily attendance numbers average around 50,000. The Stampede also welcomed around 82,000 front line workers.
Event organizers are also proud of the fact it was the first time in Canada that a large scale event of this size was hosted, since the start of the pandemic.
The Nashville North Stampede tent required all partiers to have proof of vaccination or take a rapid PCR test on-site.
Over 10 days, not including Sunday, more than 60,000 people met the pre-entry requirement.
About 73 percent chose to show proof of vaccination, with the other 27 percent being tested.
Of those nearly 16,200 people who received tests, fewer than 18 people tested positive for the virus. All were sent home and asked to contact Alberta Health Services to secure formal testing.
“I’ve been watching friends who haven’t seen each other for two years getting together and making plans for the rest of the summer,” said president Steve McDonough.
“If the Calgary Stampede had anything to do with that, I’m super proud.”
The Calgary Stampede decided to cancel the chuckwagon races for this year, which was devastating news for many local chuck drivers.
But with chuck events occurring in High River and Strathmore this month, the Stampede does not regret its decision.
“We had to make some very difficult decisions early on,” said Peers. “And we certainly look forward to chuckwagon racing again in 2022.”
In 2019, the Stampede grossed $154 million and turned a profit of $2.2 million.
In 2020, the cancelled Stampede generated $25 million in revenue, resulting in a loss of $26.5 million.
Officials were not able to provide profit margins or deficits for this year until the event concludes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
Severe thunderstorms set to hit some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind and severe thunderstorms across Canada.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Richard M. Sherman, who wrote songs for 'Mary Poppins' and 'It's a Small World,' dies at 95
Richard M. Sherman, who helped write the songs for 'Mary Poppins,' 'The Jungle Book' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' — as well as the most-played tune on Earth, 'It's a Small World (After All)' — died at 95.
Cyclone floods coastal villages, blows away thatched roofs and cuts power in Bangladesh and India
A cyclone flooded coastal villages, blew away thatched roofs and left hundreds of thousands of people without power Monday in southern Bangladesh and eastern India. At least seven deaths were reported.