CALGARY – Stampede organizers are calling this year’s event “the best ever”.
The greatest outdoor show on earth wrapped up Sunday evening.
A total of 1,174,697 people walked through the gates over the 10 days, an increase of almost 30,000 people from 2010.
Officials are crediting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit for the boost and say their visit was the highlight of the festival.
Stampede President Michael Casey says to increase the attendance numbers more the park will need to expand in size.
“We’ve got plans to bring in new attractions. We’ve got the plans to add to the park.”
“Quite frankly, it’s difficult to expand it beyond that and keep it comfortable and safe.”
Tourism officials hope the good publicity makes Calgary a destination for more out of town guests.
“Overall this summer we’re hoping to see a 3 per cent increase. We do see that, we do have a recovery, we’re slowly creeping back from that recession,” says Gisele Danis, Tourism Calgary.
However, it wasn’t all good news; two horses were killed on two separate days in the Rangeland Derby.
Despite the loss, the Stampede says their new animal care rules are making a difference – in 2010, six horses were killed in the chuckwagon races.
“It’s probably a little too early to say yes, it had a definite effect, but I think as we go forward and our vets and partners that will go forward, this is a process, not an answer,” Casey.
The Stampede is looking forward and preparing for a major milestone in 2012.
Stampede officials will begin rolling out the centennial events beginning in October. There’s still no word on who they are considering as the grand marshall for the history anniversary but promise it will be notable.
The traffic tunnel from 9th Avenue to the park will also be open and construction will begin on the new Agrium Western Event facility.
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