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