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Mention Calgary, Alberta to many people around the world and often you will get a look of recognition and an animated story about an adventure that they had there at a Stampede many years ago.
The ten day long Calgary Stampede draws more than 1.2 million people to the festival every year from all across the globe. Its long standing tradition of displaying the cowboy arts goes all the way back to 1912 and has grown to be the largest outdoor rodeo in the world.
When you think about western culture most people think about the American Wild West, which might make you wonder why Calgary of all places would host such a large event based in cowboy culture. However, for those of us who've had a healthy dose of Canadian history from school, it is no surprise. Those not raised here might not realise that Canada was full of cowboy culture from at least the mid-1800s.
It is true that our western culture was different from that of our neighbours to the south, but many aspects of every life were just the same. Over time these aspects have evolved into the modern rodeo with all of the bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and chuckwagon racing. These entertainments can all be enjoyed yearly at the Calgary Stampede and at rodeo events around the world.
In Calgary it is possible, even outside of the Stampede event, to live in the modern cowboy culture. There are many ranches around the Calgary area where you can go and learn about the cowboy way of life and enjoy horseback lessons and tours. There are also a variety of historical parks around Calgary, including Heritage Park Historical Village. There's even a traditional First Nations festival every summer with the Tsuu T'ina Rodeo and Pow-wow.
If you're interested in cowboy culture or the history of the Wild West, or even just looking for an adventure, come and check out Calgary. While the peak of the western adventure happens every year at the beginning of July, the city and its surrounding area retain their rustic charm all year 'round. In fact, many visitors come out and find that they've fallen so in love with our city that they just can't bear to leave. Come on out and see if you can resist our western charm.
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