Calgary's mayor usually attends up to 25 events a day during Stampede — not this year
Mini doughnuts, barbecues, the parade — the Calgary Stampede is a time for politicians to be seen shaking hands and flipping flapjacks, and doubly so for whoever holds the role of city mayor.
But this year, things will be different. Calgary's world-famous event, which draws one million visitors each year, is one of many in a long list of COVID-19 cancellations — and for Mayor Naheed Nenshi, it means a vastly different July calendar.
"You know, I'm actually a bit sad about it, but at the same time, it was exactly the right thing to do," Nenshi said. "I think we'll find a way to celebrate that Stampede spirit virtually."
The 2020 Stampede would have kicked off Friday had it not been forced to cancel in light of the province's ban on large gatherings and the need for physical distancing.
Financial impact
On average over the past five years, the Stampede has brought in $79.2 million in gross revenue and turned a profit of $21.4 million after expenses.
According to the Conference Board of Canada, that means the city and the province will be dealt a massive blow to the tune of half a billion dollars after hotels, restaurants, bars and even cab drivers are factored into the equation.
WATCH | COVID-19 forces cancellation of Calgary Stampede:
The 10-day celebration also welcomes more than one million visitors to the city, according to the board, and the Stampede's year-round events contribute about $110.9 million to Calgary's GDP.
Though the rides, parade and large celebrations were deemed no-gos for Stampede 2020, a small selection of events will form a mini Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, including two fireworks shows and a mini doughnut drive-thru.
Nenshi said he'll likely drop by some of those events but doesn't see himself roaming across the city from 6 a.m. until midnight, as he does most Stampede seasons.
"I might have a little bit of time to do a little bit of reading," Nenshi said. "But, you know, in this job, if there's ever a gap in the calendar, it gets filled by something.
"And it'll probably get filled by something less fun than pancake breakfasts."
The event's cancellation led to the Stampede announcing it would temporarily lay off 80 per cent of its staff. It has also had a residual effect on the rodeo world and those contractors whose work make it possible.
The first Calgary Stampede was in 1912 and it has been held annually in the city from 1923 onward, until 2020. It even continued "Through Hell or High Water" in the aftermath of the destructive 2013 floods.
City council doesn't traditionally meet during the Stampede, but this year a couple of meetings have been scheduled.
Nenshi said he hoped the Stampede spirit would find a way to persist, even during troubled times.
"I'll be wearing my cowboy hat. I hope others will as well," he said.
