CALGARY – The “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” isn’t just a rodeo with bulls, broncs and belt buckles. While there are plenty of nods to western ways, the Calgary Stampede is also one of Alberta’s premier tourist attractions, kicks off with a two-hour parade and offers a giant midway with heart-stopping rides and deep-fried delights. Here are some interesting numbers:
— 101. Number of Calgary Stampedes. The first was organized by Wild West performer Guy Weadick and livestock agent H.C. McMullen in 1912 as a cowboy championship. It has continued uninterrupted despite two world wars, a Depression and the recent flood.
— 13. Number of days officials had to pump out water, clean up debris and repair buildings after grounds were flooded this June.
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— 1,409,371. All-time attendance record, set in 2012.
— $256 million. Amount of money the Stampede contributes to the Alberta economy every year.
— $2 million. Total prize money for rodeo events, the most for an outdoor rodeo. Chuckwagon winners share $1-million purse.
— 200,000. Number of pancakes served at community breakfasts during the Stampede.
— 2 million. Number of mini doughnuts consumed by visitors.
— 27. Number of tipis set up at the Indian Village.
— 850. Average number of horses in the parade.
— 2 tonnes. Manure left behind by animals on the parade route.
— 0. Number of times officials say it has rained on the parade.
— 4. Number of beer gardens on the grounds.
— 13. Food stands offering fries or deep-fried something.
— 20. Hot dog and sausage stands.
— 25. Sweets and treats kiosks.
— 3,000. Seasonal employees hired for the 10-day event.
— 2,000. Year-round volunteers.
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