Who hasn’t seen footage of fearless cowboys on bucking broncos and not wanted to try it?! In honour of the Calgary Stampede (marking 100 years in 2012 and one year since the Cambridges pitched up in cowboy hats and boots) we’re rounding up the best rodeos North America (and one in France!) has to offer.
Calgary Stampede – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Tracing back to 1912, the Calgary Stampede is now one of Canada’s largest festivals and tourist draws. The 2012 Stampede is set to be a spectacular event for the rodeo, as it’s the Centennial. In addition to the rodeo itself, events include a two-and-a-half-mile kick-off parade, the GMC Rangeland Derby – a chuck wagon derby – the TransAlta Grandstand Show, a plethora of concerts and an array of animal and agricultural displays. (July 6–15, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Calgary
Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
The world’s largest outdoor rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, has a history that stretches all the way back to 1897. Today, professional competitors compete for more than $1 million in cash and prizes. There is also an array of “Wild West” activities and attractions, including square dancing, pancake breakfasts, an art show, an air show, parades with antique carriages and cars, and a carnival midway. (July 20–29, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Wyoming
Ponoka Stampede – Ponoka, Alberta, Canada
This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Ponoka Stampede. Among the rodeo’s events are Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing and chuck-wagon racing. For those not so taken with the affairs of bucking broncos, you can head to the casino and lounge, watch the fireworks, go dancing or take in the art show. (June 25–July 1, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Alberta
Pendleton Roundup – Pendleton, Oregon, United States
Going strong for 102 years now, the big rodeo event in Oregon is bull riding in the US Bank/Pendleton PBR Classic. Cowgirls and boys have to ride the bull with only one hand strapped to its backside for at least eight seconds. Other attractions include the Dress-Up Parade, Happy Canyon Indian Pageant, The Westward Ho! Parade and the Main Street Cowboys’ Free Show. (September 12–15, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Oregon
Williams Lake Stampede – Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada
The 86th Annual Williams Lake Stampede will be an exciting rodeo with a variety of events including Bull Riding, Ladies Barrel Racing, Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling and Tie Down Roping. In addition to the rodeo, Williams Lake also offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and camping. (June 29–30, July 1-2, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Vancouver
Prescott Frontier Days – Prescott, Arizona, United States
Having started in 1888, this is the oldest rodeo in the world. Today, the rodeo and Frontier Days celebrations are combined. The main riding event is Cowboy Capital Bull Riding, which takes place this year on August 12 – it even has its own before and after dance. But not to worry: The festival is packed with plenty of other events such as the Prescott Frontier Days Parade, the rodeo Royalty Pageant, the Fine Arts and Craft Show and the Rodeo Queen Coronation, just to name a few. (May 5–September 9, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Prescott
Greeley Stampede – Greeley, Colorado, United States
Originally started in the late 1800s to honour potato farmers, the Greeley Stampede has come a long way. Today, the Stampede rodeo features Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding and Team Roping, as well as the Demolition Derby, Monster Truck Summer Nationals, the Sheep Stampede – and even a kid’s rodeo for the little cowboys in the group. (June 22–July 4, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Denver
Festival Western de St-Tite – Saint-Tite, Quebec, Canada
Located between Montreal and Quebec City, Saint-Tite was historically a hub of lumberjacks and leather makers. The leather-making tradition has endured, earning the town its nickname, “Leathertown of Quebec”, as well as serving as the genesis of the festival. Today, of course, there are more than just leather crafts to delight you – care to try your hand at Bull Riding, Barrel Racing or Team Roping? (September 7–16, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Quebec.
Dodge City Days – Dodge City, Kansas, United States
Dating back to 1960, Dodge City Days is now a big ten-day celebration. It includes the rodeo, a craft fair, barbecues, concerts, the Dodge City Days Western Parade and the Cowboy Classic Golf Tournament. You’ll also be floored by the 2012 Classic Car Show and The High Noon Gunfight. For the kids, there are the Miss Rodeo Kansas and Teen Pageant Style Show, and the Dodge City Shrine Club Kiddie Parade. (July 27–August 5, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to Wichita.
EquiBlues – Saint-Agrève, France
We now see Equiblues in its 17th year of operation. Located in the mystical wild of France’s Ardèche département, this year’s festival will last five days and include line dancing, country music and, of course, the spectacle of the rodeo: bull riding, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding. The final event is on Sunday, August 19, with cowboys and girls competing for a total of €12,000 worth of prize money. (August 15–19, 2012) Search and compare cheap flights to France.
(Images: Featured – Emilio Labrador; Calgary – Laszlo-photo; Cheyenne – a4gpa; EquiBlues – Base Camp Baker; Ponoka – a4gpa; Pendleton – glasater_99362; Williams Lake Stampede – moosealope; Prescott Frontier Days – poweron; Greeley Stampede – a4gpa; Dodge City Days – Emilio Labrador; Festival Western de St-Tite – a4gpa)
