The western boots and cowboy hats have been hung up for another year as the Calgary Stampede closed Sunday following 10 days of events and competitions.
Stampede president Mike Casey said it appears to be a banner year for the event that bills itself as the greatest outdoor show on earth.
"The best year we've ever had … we say it every year 'cause we get better every year."
Officials say more than 300,000 people attended the closing days of the Stampede over the weekend, and more than 1.2 million took in the festivities overall.
Although the final figures aren't in yet, it also looks like a record year for revenue. However, Casey said, the Stampede is about much more than the bottom line.
"At the end of the day, I'm not too worried about the numbers," he said.
"I'm worried about the community spirit, what I see in the community of Calgary, and I see nothing but great times. I see community associations having parties, I see downtown Calgary decorated, corporations having their functions for their parties; I see families everywhere enjoying themselves."
Organizers also saw a shift in visitors this year: The number of Canadian visitors from outside of Calgary grew by about 10 per cent.
"It's one reason why this is such a great city," Casey said.
The growing crowds represented a bit of a problem for police, but the Calgary Police Service increased its presence from 12 officers during the day to 40 at night.
"Once the family atmosphere turns into a party atmosphere, there's more alcohol; we do see some fights break out," said Sgt. Karen MacLeod.
The Stampede finished up Sunday with cowboys competing in the top events for big cash prizes.
The final day of the Stampede is dubbed Showdown Sunday, where competitors go head to head in order to rope in the top prizes — valued at about $1 million.
CBC reporter Jim Van Horne said the day's top winners will be invited back to next year's Stampede, when the event will mark its 100th anniversary.
"This is going to be a world-wide celebration," he said. "They're going to redo entirely Stampede Park, they're going to update it … more than $50 million is going to be invested in the facility."
He said the anniversary celebrations are sure to be a huge draw.
"We have seen some of the biggest crowds ever the last two days here at the Stampede — next year is going to be a blockbuster on the 100th anniversary of the greatest outdoor show on earth."
This year's Stampede also saw the largest fine ever handed out after it was ruled driver error during a chuckwagon race led to the death of a horse.
The chuckwagon safety commission fined driver Cliff Cunningham Saturday after investigating Friday night's crash which saw an injured horse put down.
The initial fine of $2,500 was upped to $12,500 dollars after the commission conducted its review.
A Stampede spokesman said the commission wanted to send a strong message about consequences.
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