‘Oohay’ or ‘Yahoo’: The dos and don’ts of the Calgary Stampede

After years of COVID-19 restrictions, the Calgary Stampede is back this year to its pre-pandemic levels, and many are gearing up for the return of the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

The annual, 10-day rodeo, exhibition, and festival is slated to kick off Friday, July 8. Ahead of the big event, CityNews asked Calgarians for their best advice for dos and don’ts.

One person tells us, it’s all about maximizing your time to make sure you don’t miss anything.

“Plan your schedule ahead, go to the website, and it’ll show all the events and the times.”

Another Calgarian says they “find the best way to take in Stampede is to go camping.”

“Drink many beer and have a good time,” said a third person.

Someone suggests taking advantage of everything Stampede has to offer.

“Take a break, have a drink, sample some of the excellent food at the Stampede and you’ll have a better time.”

Andria Irwin is new to Calgary, but she quickly got acquainted with the city after seeing the ‘YAHOO’ sign backwards from her apartment balcony, asking her neighbour what the sign meant.

“I texted her I was like ‘when did they put up this OOHAY sign?’ and a couple of minutes later, I got a text message from her, and it was just like, ‘oh yeah the YAHOO, I think it’s there for stampede,” Irwin said.

“I’m looking forward to the parade, I’m looking forward to the fireworks,” Irwin continued. “I love pancakes and I’ve heard that’s a big part of stampede week, the pancake breakfast.”

Some things Stampede-Goers should steer clear from:

“In terms of don’ts, don’t drink and drive, it’s never the safe thing to do, and always remember to have a lot of fun,” said a Calgary man.

“I think the weather really is unpredictable, and you don’t know if it’s gonna rain,” said a Calgary woman.

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Rain or shine, Calgarians have a lot to look forward to, as the 10-day celebration comes back in full force this July.

“I’m most looking forward to the moment when the guy holds up the Yee-haw, no no, the Yahoo,” said Irwin, with a laugh.

She says she’ll take in Stampede donned in western gear, with her dog, Eugine, sporting his flashy red bandana.

Calgary Stampede runs through Sunday, July 17.