The Calgary Stampede kicks into gear today and officials hope a combination of sunny skies, kid-friendly programs and new attractions will smash attendance figures and bring much-needed tourism dollars to the city.
From flapjacks and chuck-wagons to midway rides and acrobatic stage shows, there’s something for everyone at the 10-day carnival, said spokesman Doug Fraser.
"If the weather holds true, we’ll be looking at a record this year. We’ve got so much more to offer this year in new events."
Final touches will be applied to food kiosks, games tents and art displays before today’s annual Sneak-a-Peek, which offers visitors a chance to check out the fairgrounds and rides the night before the 10-day festival officially begins.
New this year is a rock ‘n’ roll ice show — starring figure skater Elvis Stojko and Vaughn Chipeur — as well as fiery high divers and equine entertainment with super-sized Clydesdale and Percheron horses.
Foodies will find the usual culinary fare on the midway, but there are a few new dishes to watch for, including a pulled pork parfait and the caloric deep-fried strawberry shortcake.
The Stampede plans to add 80,000 seats at family-oriented attractions in a bid to appeal to pint-sized visitors and the stroller set.
This year’s event, which runs until July 18, will increase capacity at child-friendly shows by as much as 40 per cent.
Calgary tourism officials hope it’s enough to counter a drop in visitors, hit in recent years by the recession, new U.S. passport rules and a soaring Canadian dollar.
The Stampede has an annual economic impact of about $325 million to the city.
"There’s apprehension," admits Tourism Calgary CEO Randy Williams. "Everyone is hoping that our peak tourism season — June, July and August — will be better and the Stampede will kick things off. It’s critically important."
The number of U.S. visitors to Calgary has eroded by almost 50 per cent in the past six or seven years and continues to be sluggish, Williams said.
Indeed, local hotels say reservations are flat compared with 2009, especially for the second week of Stampede.
That translates into good deals for last-minute travellers, said Joseph Clohessy, president of the Calgary Hotel Association.
But it’s disappointing for hotels normally booked solid this time of year.
"Groups used to book the Stampede one year, even two years out. Now everything is instant . . . people make decisions on short notice," Clohessy said.
Stampede gate receipts have slipped since 2006, when more than 1.2 million people took in the 10-day show.
Officials say Mother Nature plays a big part in attendance figures, with cool and often soggy conditions at least partly responsible for last year’s decline.
Environment Canada’s forecast for the next seven days shows mostly sunny skies, with daytime highs reaching 27 C.
Indeed, there are early signs this year’s show is off to a promising start, with brisk demand for tickets to the rodeo and chuckwagon events.
"Virtually the entire infield Grandstand seats are sold out. There’s a few here and there. Our corporate sales are ahead of last year by about 10 to 15 per cent," said Fraser.
Along with new shows, rides and food, visitors can expect to also find more police officers patrolling the grounds.
"There’s always random searches at the gates to look for alcohol and other items not wanted at the park. People will see a bit more of that happening," said Insp. Keith Cain.
With as many as 100,000 people in the park at one time, the Stampede is comparable to a city within a city, he said.
Police plan to use bait cars downtown and in Stampede parking lots in an effort to deter thieves.
Ticket prices remain unchanged from last year at $14 for adults and $7 for children aged seven to 12.
tgignac@theherald.canwest.com
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