Lloyd Templeton, the 2024 Calgary Stampede Youth Poster competition winner, found inspiration in a photo of Duane Mark, a Stoney Nakoda Tipi Holder. Their shared passion for the Stampede led to a friendship, horseback riding lessons, and even a collaborative design for this year’s official Stampede boots. Templeton’s winning poster and his artwork are now on display at the Calgary Stampede, solidifying his place in the event’s history.
The Calgary Stampede’s first weekend features the Indigenous Elegance Fashion Show, showcasing designs from First Nations artists across Western Canada. The event aims to inspire and empower Indigenous communities through fashion and art.
The upcoming Calgary Stampede, a world-renowned annual festival, is anticipated to be a record-breaking event. Boasting a 1.38 million attendance last year, just shy of the record set in 2012, this year’s festival is expected to surpass those numbers, according to Joel Cowley, CEO of Calgary Stampede. The organization reports strong ticket sales, sold-out premium seats, and a record-setting canvas auction. The expansion of the BMO Expansion has also created additional space for guests. The Calgary Hotel Association reports bookings on par with last year, with a surge in corporate bookings. Tourism revenue is projected to exceed $100 million for the first time. The festival will feature over 300 musical acts, transforming Calgary into a major music destination. The city is poised to see significant growth in its tourism economy in the years ahead.
Calgary’s Paul Godard has realized his childhood dream of operating a flea circus. Inspired by a performance he witnessed at the Calgary Stampede in the 1960s, Godard’s circus features fleas that appear to perform tricks through illusionary techniques. He assures audiences that the fleas are not harmful, and he emphasizes that flea circuses were once popular in Europe. Godard’s upcoming performances include the Calgary Opera’s Wonderland event on May 10th and various busking locations around Calgary.
