Stampede Spirit Comes to Toronto

Toronto got a taste of the Calgary Stampede on Wednesday (May 20), 43 days before the main event, as the Rock ‘N’ Horse Saloon transformed into a western scene with BBQ eats, cowboy hats and a live performance by Trinity Bradshaw.

“We are here in Toronto to spread a little bit of that western hospitality and Stampede spirit, and invite everybody to come out west and take in the Calgary Stampede,” Lindsay Jardine, Calgary Stampede’s tourism sales manager, said to PressToday. “We’ve been around for now 103 years so Stampede’s endured, but it changes every year. It’s still the greatest outdoor show on earth and one of the best parties in all of Canada.”

Aside from iconic events like the parade, Chuckwagon races, rodeo and grand stand show, visitors to the Stampede, happening July 3-12, can also expect lots of music and fashion. Calling it a bucket list item, Jardine says ticket sales are slightly higher than this time last year.

“We are really happy with the numbers,” she says. “It’s shaping up to be another great year for us.”

Pictured at the event are (l-r) Jennifer Booth, Jardine and Theresa Howland of the Calgary Stampede with living statues.