'Pent up demand': Calgary Stampede returns with parade, spectators and no limits
The rides are going up, concession stands are waiting, stuffed animals are displayed at games tables and the Calgary Stampede is raring to go Friday in its first return to full capacity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 10-day celebration of cowboy life was cancelled for the first time in its 112-year history in 2020.
It was back last year with a scaled-down version that included rapid COVID tests being required to enter some tents, a limit on how many people could be at Stampede Park and physical distancing guidelines.
In addition, the popular chuckwagon races were cancelled and the parade was held on the Stampede grounds with no spectators allowed.
That's not the case this year.
"Stampede is back. It's been a tough couple of years for all of us, so you can feel the vibe around here and we're looking forward to the excitement," said Steve McDonough, the Stampede's president and chairman of the board.
"Everything is back to what you know and love, but it's even better. We've taken all the learnings from last year and we've redesigned the Calgary Stampede for the future -- it's ready to go."
McDonough said the event isn't about to throw caution to the wind after COVID-19. He said there will still be hand sanitation stations throughout the park, there will be places people can go to avoid the crowds and masks are optional for people who might be a little bit nervous.
"Last year people were very, very cautious. I don't think we're going to break any attendance records. Last year it was at about 532,000 people," he said.
"If we come up to the million I'll be extremely happy."
McDonough is relieved that the limited Stampede went ahead last year at a time when public events were unheard of.
"We're still going to be shaking the rust off and if we didn't have the 2021 Calgary Stampede it would have been that much more difficult," he said.
"We were the first major group and gathering in Canada. Our protocols were used by every other sport and fair gatherings across Canada."
Scooter (Greg) Korek, vice-president of client services for North American Midway Entertainment, will be making his 45th appearance at the Stampede.
Growing up in Calgary ,he joined the midway group as a teen. He said the return of regular fairs has been spectacular and began in Miami in March. It was most recently in Manitoba.
"I think there's some pent-up demand out there in the community and some of these fairs, in Manitoba, hadn't played since 2019 and we had a spectacular run and I don't expect anything less here at the Stampede," said Korek, who's 62.
"We're kind of putting the pandemic behind us and getting on with some fun."
North American Midway Entertainment was forced to quarantine for two weeks last year before being allowed to set up shop in Calgary.
Korek said the layout of the midway will be slightly different this year to accommodate the expansion going on throughout the park. He said there are three new rides this year including the largest travelling ferris wheel in Canada
The Calgary Stampede runs from Friday to July 17.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 7, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.