This year, the Calgary Stampede, which also bills itself as the "Greatest Show on Earth" is taking place on July 3-19, 2009. Before you put on your cowboy boots or daisy dukes, here are 5 facts that you should know about the history of this event.
1. The Calgary Stampede is one of Canada's largest annual events and the world's largest outdoor rodeo.
2. Guy Weadick, a native of Rochester, N.Y., falls in love with Alberta's ranch country and wants to share his passion with the world and sells the idea of a week-long rodeo to four Calgary businessmen known as the "Big Four" .
3. The Big Four were ranchers George Lane and A.J. McLean, beef processor Pat Burns and brewery owner A.E. Cross.
4. If features internationally recognized rodeo competition and attracts more than 1.2 million visitors.
5. The first Calgary Exhibition was held in 1886 soon after the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the city and the Calgary Stampede was held on Sept. 2-7, 1912.
6. The Calgary Stampede remains one of the premier rodeo events with over $2 million in prize money being handed out to winners on the final Sunday competition.
Last but not least, we can't forget to mention that it's one of the wildest 2 week party festivities around, but you already knew that fact!
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