'Fantastic year': Calgary Stampede sets second-highest attendance record

This year's edition of the Calgary Stampede was a definite hit, with 1,384,632 visitors showing their support for the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth." 

That tally fell just short of the highest attendance record of all time when 1,409,371 attended in 2012.

As the 10-day event drew to a close on Sunday, officials announced this year was path-breaking in more ways than one.

"We knew it was going to be a fantastic stampede weeks beforehand, so we had to prepare to welcome the world to Stampede Park," said Stampede CEO Joel Cowley at a press conference on Sunday.

Cowley said his team was optimistic about the turnout thanks to the advance ticket sales and hotel bookings.

He added that robust attendance numbers are a must to help the team bounce back after the pandemic.

"This is a fantastic year ... this is what we really need to set our footing going forward. We've taken on a lot of debt over the past couple of years," he said.

"Looking at this year's attendance, looking at the bookings, I would have to say we're probably back with regard to generating that economic impact and drawing people from outside of Calgary."

The weather was mostly good over the course of the 10 days, with mainly sunny days and highs ranging from 19 C to 29 C. As usual, there were a few afternoon thunderstorms — but also some smoke from distant wildfires to deal with.

There was one reported animal death. A horse was euthanized after suffering an injury during a chuckwagon race on Friday.

Around 3,000 volunteers helped make the Stampede a success this year. 

Will Osler, president and chair of the Stampede board, expressed his appreciation for their contribution on Sunday. 

"They are our heartbeat, they drive what we do," he said. "And they will continue to drive us into the future."