'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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.