The Calgary Stampede is going to be staged come hell or high water, Stampede president Bob Thompson said June 24.
“Throughout our 101 year history, we have never cancelled a show,” said Thompson.
Crews are working feverishly around the clock to pump out millions of gallons of water from buildings and clean up the grandstand, infield, racetrack and corrals, which were swamped starting last week when heavy rain swelled the normally quiet Elbow River. The event is scheduled for July 5-14.
Mud and standing water remain on the grounds and in buildings. Damaged goods are being removed.
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Chief executive officer Vern Kimball said volunteers, corporate Calgary and international groups have come forward offering help to get the grounds cleaned up.
The midway would normally be assembled a week beforehand, but setup will be delayed until the grounds and buildings are deemed safe. Buildings must be cleaned and disinfected before volunteers and the public may enter.
Kimball said setup for the entire event usually takes three weeks, but this year work will be compressed.
“We will be going 24 hours a day as opposed to 16 hours a day,” he said.
The Stampede is a major tourist draw and brings about $340 million to the city during the 10 day cowboy festival.
All hotels in downtown Calgary were closed as of June 24 because of flooding, loss of power and water services.
However, Stampede officials are confident the tourist industry will be restored in time.
Thompson said the parade will also be staged, but the route may change.
“We are hoping to be a beacon of light during these rather tragic circumstances,” said Kimball.
