Stampede aims to clear up COVID-19 concerns with Q&A Monday

CALGARY – With Stampede set to happen July 9, the organization plans to launch an update on safety and experience Monday.

Organizers with the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth say they’re still working with Alberta Health Services, other health experts, and partners to try and make sure everyone who goes to the event this year is safe from COVID-19.

Stampede will be different this year compared to most, with COVID-19 forcing several changes, including the cancelation of the chuckwagon races, a virtual parade, and a “reimagined” evening show in place of the Grandstand Show.

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We know from the province if we’re still in stage two when the stampede starts, it can only be at half capacity. But if we move to stage three of reopening, the stampede can go on at full capacity.

We polled over 1,200 listeners, readers, and viewers to gauge if they feel comfortable going to the event this year.

Fifty-five per cent of respondents said they’ll avoid it like the plague, 36 per cent say they’ll go if safety measures are put in place, and 8.5 per cent say nothing will stop them from going.

We have heard before we could see things like a vaccine clinic at this year’s Stampede, but some are concerned that implies unvaccinated or people who aren’t fully vaccinated can show up.

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Several questions are expected to be answered at 10:30 a.m. Monday, as the Stampede hosts a Q&A session regarding holding the show during the pandemic.

For more information on Stampede and COVID-19, visit our Stampede page.