Guy Weadick and Flores LaDue

Guy Weadick and Flores LaDue were key figures in shaping Western heritage entertainment in North America. Weadick, an American promoter and performer, co-founded the Calgary Stampede in 1912, helping popularize rodeo culture. Canadian-born LaDue, a world champion trick roper, was both his professional partner and wife, often taking center stage with her daring performances. Together, they blended showmanship with authentic ranching traditions, creating a legacy that celebrates the spirit and history of the West.

Stampede Showband

The Calgary Stampede Showband was created in 1971 to serve as a musical ambassador for the Calgary Stampede. Since then, the band has become known worldwide and achieved many distinguished accomplishments and awards. Currently, the group features more than 150 performers between the ages of 16 and 22 and performs year-round, making nearly 200 appearances annually. The Stampede Showband program is designed to develop youth within the performing arts and encourage each member to achieve musical, performance and personal excellence.

First Nations Culture

Through movement, music and regalia, Faith Starlight shares the beauty and meaning of fancy shawl dancing with guests at the Calgary Stampede. A member of Tsuut’ina Nation, she performs in Elbow River Camp presented by Enbridge and throughout Stampede programming, honouring generations of tradition through powerful expressions of living heritage. Her performances reflect the deep connections between First Nations peoples, their cultures and the land. 

Heavy Horse Show

Heavy horses have been part of Calgary’s agricultural shows since 1886, making this the Stampede’s longest-running, uninterrupted competition and the oldest heavy horse show in North America. A highlight of the event is the Heavy Horse Show, where teams from across the continent compete with impeccably trained, one-ton horses in gleaming harnesses. Rooted in ranching and farming traditions, it pays tribute to the vital role draft animals played in building Western communities, preserving the legacy of horsepower on the prairies.

"YAHOO"

While all whoops of joy are welcome at the Calgary Stampede, “Yahoo” remains an instantly recognizable symbol of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Heard across the grounds and woven into its branding, the enthusiastic call captures the energy and community pride of the celebration. More than just a shout, “Yahoo” reflects the excitement, hospitality and Western flair that define the Stampede, inviting visitors and locals alike to join in the shared tradition of fun and festivity.

Chuckwagon Racing

The Rangeland Derby presented by Play Alberta chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede trace back to 1923, when it was introduced as a new rodeo spectacle inspired by the wagons that once fed cowboys on cattle drives. Today, it remains one of the Stampede’s most iconic and fast-paced events, with teams of horses pulling wagons in high-speed races around a track. A nightly highlight, it showcases teamwork, precision and risk, while preserving the ingenuity and spirit of frontier life that helped shape Western culture.

Pancake Breakfasts

Pancake breakfasts at the Calgary Stampede date back to 1923, when cowboys began serving free flapjacks from chuckwagons along 8th Avenue, offering food as a gesture of Western hospitality. Over time, the tradition spread across the city, with community groups, charities and businesses hosting their own events.

Today, that spirit lives on through volunteerism. Thousands of volunteers organize, cook and serve free meals each year, turning simple breakfasts into large-scale community events. Their efforts reflect the heart of the tradition, creating shared experiences that define the Stampede’s culture of generosity and connection.

Bull Riding

Often called “the most dangerous eight seconds in sports,” Bull Riding is a true test of nerve at the Stampede Rodeo. Drawing top athletes from around the world, the event showcases courage, resilience and exceptional skill. Rooted in ranching traditions, bull riding captures the raw intensity and spirit that define the Stampede Rodeo.

Belt Buckle, Cowboy Boots & Hat

Belt buckles, cowboy hats and boots are iconic elements of traditional Western attire and enduring symbols of cowboy culture. At the Calgary Stampede, they form part of the recognizable “Stampede uniform,” worn by competitors, performers and visitors alike. Together, they embody the pride, tradition and spirited sense of belonging that define the Stampede’s celebration of Western life.

Barrel Racing

At the Calgary Stampede, Barrel Racing has been a part of the Rodeo for decades, reflecting the growing recognition of women’s competition in professional rodeo. What began as informal competitions evolved into a premier event, drawing top riders each year. Today, it highlights precise horsemanship, quick decision-making and speed, while underscoring the long-standing contributions of women to rodeo and Western culture.