© Glenbow Archives: NA-777-14

Since the arrival of the railway in 1883, ranchers and farmers have played a large role in the local western economy. Because summer is quiet for them, early July became the perfect time to hold an event which would both entertain and create new business ventures for Calgary and the West.

	© Glenbow Archives: NA-604-1a

Entertainment and fun have always been combined with business and serious sport at the Stampede. Rodeo events reflecting the lives of ranchers have been transformed over time to become fast paced entertainment and serious businesses for stock breeders, advertisers, athletes, and fans. Stampede Park visitors help boost the local economy each year through entrance fees and the purchase of food, rides, and souvenirs, as well as other goods. The original commercial motive for the Stampede has turned into a multimillion dollar industry for contemporary businesses.

	© Glenbow Collections: C-37187, C-33488, C-33397, and C-36921