The Calgary Stampede

Spurred boots, belt buckles and bull-riding is a common scene from the Wild West, but every July the Calgary Stampede takes over the city with the world's largest rodeo. A celebration of the western way of life, the Calgary Stampede puts together 10 days of rodeo, parades, musical performances, food and a lot more for what is called, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

A lot of historic events were recorded back in 1912, from the sinking of The Titanic, all the way to the formation of the Republic of China. It was also the year of the first Calgary Stampede rodeo and parade.

Guy Weadick was a New Yorker working as a cowboy and vaudeville entertainer in a popular traveling Wild West show. He had a vision to preserve the authentic culture of the Old West in a rodeo and exhibition of epic proportions, hence, the Stampede was concepted. And today, it is a family-friendly event that drew more than 1.4 million attendees on its 100th anniversary.

The aptly named, Stampede Park is home to the 10-day festival and hosts everything from bareback bull riding and steer wrestling to amusement park rides and livestock shows for attendees and travelers. The parade marks the official start of the Stampede and is comprised of a horse procession, mounted police, more than 150 floats and traditional Native American dance.

Members of the First Nations have been participating in Calgary's events since 1886, despite resistance from the Department of Indian Affairs. Hundreds of tribe members joined the inaugural Stampede, and the Native population has played a central role in the festivities ever since.

Of course, it wouldn't be a rodeo without competition being held. More than $1 million is doled out on the championship day and each individual event champion takes home more than $100,000 in prize money.

Weadick's craziest idea is one of Calgary Stampede's most exciting events in which the derby pits chuck wagons against one another in the "Half Mile from Hell". Four horses, one rider and a tented wagon race three other teams around a track where a lot can go wrong. Also the very reason that raises the excitement both the participants and the crowd.