Better Together at the Stampede

Have you ever been to the Calgary Stampede? After growing up and living in Ontario for most of my life, moving to Calgary and experiencing the Stampede first hand was incredible. There are events on the Stampede grounds such as the rodeo, the chuckwagon races, the evening show, the midway, live music venues, agriculture exhibits, and the parade to kick it all off. And then there are the breakfasts, barbecues, corporate and community events, and even a few beer tents. While there are some in Calgary who routinely leave town every year and can’t stay far enough away from it, I think it’s a blast.

What many people don’t know about the Stampede is that it is a 100 percent not-for-profit organization and event, run by over 2,500 volunteers. The proceeds raised during the 10 days of the Stampede go into a multitude of charitable causes—youth programs, promoting Western heritage, agriculture and environmental causes, and many more. Plus, the overall impact of the Stampede results in over $400 million of economic activity for the Calgary area every year. As a nonnative Calgarian, I have found it particularly amazing how the city almost shuts down for 10 days to support the Stampede and the many, many spinoff events and happenings during the time that it runs. Some American friends have told me that the only thing that they have seen that comes close to it is New Orleans during Mardi Gras. 

Last year, the CLAC Calgary Member Centre, along with the Local 56, 63, and 301 Boards, decided that CLAC should get in on the fun, and the annual CLAC Stampede Breakfast was born. After a decent turnout the first time holding the event in 2018, the breakfast was a huge success in 2019. Over 220 CLAC members and their families came for a free breakfast on July 6! 

These days, it’s easy for people to feel isolated and alone sometimes. There seem to be fewer community events for us to go to and voluntarily join or participate in groups. To me, the Stampede isn’t just about fancy events and parties—it’s about bringing Calgarians, Albertans, Canadians, and people from around the world together for 10 days of community and fun. If you haven’t made it yet to the CLAC Stampede Breakfast over the past two years, come experience some of that community next year for the third annual version of this event. We’ll count on seeing you there!