More than a million people are expected to take in this year’s Calgary Stampede, but it’s two guests in particular who will turn heads – William and Kate.
Dubbed the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Stampede will officially kick off Friday with a 4.5-kilometre parade attended by the royal couple. It’s the final day of their Canadian tour, a trip that seems to have been precisely scheduled to deliver them to Calgary for the city’s blockbuster annual event. They leave the country hours afterward.
“I, for one, am thrilled they’re coming during one of Canada’s premiere events,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said.
The royals will visit at a time of a changing Stampede, albeit one that, in its 99th year, remains controversial. Six horses died in last year’s competitions, renewing criticisms made by animal-rights groups who oppose the event.
In Britain, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are under pressure to boycott the Stampede during their tour – though the itinerary is set. “He [the Prince] really shouldn’t be endorsing this type of animal cruelty,” said Steve Taylor, chief campaigner for Britain’s League Against Cruel Sports, whose supporters are being asked to flood Buckingham Palace with calls and letters this week.
Stampede organizers, however, shrug it all off. They work with the Calgary Humane Society to improve the event and said they have made several changes this year to improve animal welfare. However, one of the most dangerous, and lucrative, events – the chuckwagon race – will go on. More
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