Since 1912, Calgary Stampede has been a staple of summers in Southern Alberta, but amid the coronavirus pandemic the 2020 event has been canceled.
The rodeo was scheduled for July 3-12.
“This is an extremely difficult announcement to share, but it is the right thing to do,” Calgary Stampede President & Chairman Dana Peers said. ”As a community celebration, the cancellation of our annual event comes with our community and public health and safety front of mind.”
According to CBC, Calgary Stampede has brought in $79.2 million in gross revenue over the last five years on average, with an average profit of $21.4 million. Additionally, the event draws more than a million visitors to the city each year and provides an annual boost of more than $100 million to Calgary’s GDP.
“The Calgary Stampede has been around for 108 years, through two World Wars, the Great Depression and a devastating flood. But the loss of this year’s Stampede is bigger than our not-for-profit organization. Many local businesses are part of the greater Stampede, from the restaurants, bars and hotels, to the retailers, ride share and taxi drivers who support western culture throughout our city. We know the financial impact this will have on them,” a release said.
The organization will now shift its focus to preparing for the 2021 event.
“I promise you this does not mean the end of Stampede Spirit in our community this year,” Peers said., “We know our community is strong and resilient. We’ll get through this together. Keep your hats on.”
