FOG BLOG CANADA LOG: BOTH THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL AND CALGARY STAMPEDE BACK IN THE SADDLE FOR '21!

Saddle up: Calgary Stampede returns with some changes for 2021.....CALGARY STAMPEDE FROM JULY 9, TO SUN. JULY 18.....

A scaled back Calgary Stampede kicked off for 2021 with changes to protect against COVID-19........Alberta is known for its wide expanses, and at the Calgary Stampede this year open spaces are everywhere. On the exhibition grounds, aisles surrounding the rides and food stands have been extended; in the grandstand, seating is at a reduced capacity. And despite the free pass giveaways, no one is sure how big the crowds will be – or whether there will even be big crowds.

Alberta is the first Canadian province to lift nearly all public health restrictions related to the pandemic, and the province’s most famous spectacle is on after being cancelled in 2020. But the Calgary Stampede – by far the largest event in the country since the start of COVID-19 early last year – will be a far more muted affair than in years past.

Public-facing Stampede staff are masked, the number of famous free pancake breakfasts has been reduced, and the city’s hotels, restaurants and bars report only a small percentage of the usual out-of-province and international visitors they’d see this time of year. Many downtown corporate events are off or being held with fewer people. Some Albertans who might consider going to the exhibition grounds or evening show are waiting to see how the first few days pan out. THE ICONIC STRATFORD FESTIVAL IN STRATFORD ON. IS ON FROM JUN 22 TO SUNDAY SEPT. 26!