Poster from First Calgary Stampede in 1912
Many people associate Calgary, affectionately nicknamed “Cowtown”, with its annual summer Stampede in the same way that a place like New Orleans is tied to Mardi Gras. The character of those places seems inextricably linked to these major civic festivals. Prior to the area’s post-WWII oil boom, Calgary was predominantly an agricultural area and held a traditional yearly agricultural fair called the Calgary Industrial Exhibition.
The Stampede was conceived in 1912 by an American rodeo promoter, Guy Weadick, as a way to add a cowboy-themed element to the fairly staid farm-focused Exhibition. After some fits and starts the two events combined in 1923, with the Stampede under Weadick’s longtime guidance eventually overshadowing the Exhibition. Ever since, the cowboy theme has stuck with Calgary even though agriculture, farming and ranching are now only a very small part of its economy. This year’s Stampede will take place July 7-16 and, as can be seen on the official Stampede site, will be quite a spectacle with something to offer just about everyone.
Image Credits: Calgary Stampede Archive, University of Calgary
O' Canada 
Some lovely posters and ephemera to illustrate the account!
Love the old posters! Reading the early official rules is good fun as well!
I lived in Calgary for 6 years. The ten days of the Calgary Stampede were good fun! I included it in my book, Amanda in Alberta: The Writing on the Stone.Love your collection of old posters. I have a couple myself.
Darlene, that’s a nice added bit of authenticity to your Amanda series, 🙂
Thanks!!
Will you be coming Brett? Would be wonderful to see the pictures you would take! ♡
Diana xo
There’s be lots of great photo ops, for sure! 🙂
It’s quite an institution now. Calgary is famous for it.
🙂
Interesting post. I did not know about this event and my immediate concern was animal welfare, so it was interesting to do a bit of research on this. I have to say I was very impressed with the level of care and also Dr Temple Grandin’s comments. She had a lot of good things to say. The event sounds great.
Yes, my understanding is that animal welfare is a top priority, which is good to hear.
Our travels are too random for a bucket list, but if we had one, the Stampede would be on it. Great posters!
It would be fun, I’m sure. 🙂
I can’t remember when I first heard of the Calgary Stampede, but I know I was very tiny…
It’s a big institution!
Of all the posters, I liked the 2nd one (1923) the best — the drawing has such action packed into it. The newer ones have color, but no pizzazz. 🙂
From posters to websites! Geez, they even have a Coca Cola stage. It looks like it’s going to be quite a ride this year.
Thanks for sharing.
I’m with you — the old hand drawn graphics have great style. 🙂
Great poster collection. I am from Alberta and have been to a number of stampedes, Calgary’s and those of other cities. I’ve always felt like a fake wearing a cowboy hat though. I wouldn’t know an Angus from a heifer …
I won’t tell on you! 🙂
I am in Calgary and waiting to witness the Stampede fun. Would appreciate inputs on what to see and what to miss
Hi, I think the Stampede website is a good resource to narrow down options based on your interests. I’m sure others may have some good suggestions for you as well. I hope it’s great fun for you.
I didn’t know it was started as a p.r. campaign. Some smart thinking from that person. Thanks for the information.
My guess is they were also trying to make a little extra money somewhere along the line as well. 🙂
Oh man, Brett !!! It’s a terrific post and I love the Stampede !
Thanks! A real big hootenanny!