What Happens At Stampede, Stays At Stampede

We're now a week removed from the Calgary Stampede, and by all accounts, the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" was another smashing success.  After working hard to make sure the 2013 edition went off without a hitch following the flood, 2014 seemed to bring about some sort of normalcy.  Yet, there's an uncomfortable truth that is starting to be uncovered as the drunken haze begins to lift.

While no one really questions the fun of the midway, the cowboy heritage in the exhibitions or the majesty of the horse events (outside of a few animal rights activists), there is one side to Stampede that was really thrown into the limelight and might have to be addressed heading into the 2015 edition of the event.  And that's the parties.

I'm all for having a good time.  But in the last couple of years, I've really been turned off by anything bar/gathering related at Stampede time because of just how ridiculous things get.  And I'm not alone.

We've all heard the stories about how much pancake batter and bacon strips are cooked up in the bigger Stampede breakfasts.  So a couple of years ago, I went on a mission to find out just how much booze is sold during the ten days.  The Stampede itself wasn't able to disclose what it sells on the grounds, so I asked around to the different bars and one of the reps at Cowboys replied.  The quote I got was "one of our suppliers say they sell as much beer during Stampede as any major Canadian sports team does in its entire season."  That's ONE supplier. That's JUST beer.  And that includes the Toronto Blue Jays, who have an 81-game schedule at home.  I did the math.  Use this as an example: let's say one tent hosts 10,000 people in a day.  Average out four beverages per person (I know that's probably conservative).  Let's say the drinks are $10/each (tips included).  That's $400,000 in a day or $4-million for Stampede.  In one tent.  I know of some waitresses who claim they can get $10,000 in tips over the ten days without even trying.

So this is big business.  It's landed Stampede in magazines and other "top ten lists" for being a top party destination in the world.  But with it, comes some pretty big problems when the spirits get flowin'.  You have the usual antics of barfights and "public disorder", like puke and other bodily fluids hitting the streets.

Then you have the "other" reputation that's been created with all of the booze.  It's the reputation that surrounds news reports about STI rates skyrocketing during Stampede.  It surrounds divorce rates rising and a "baby boom" of sorts that happens every March/April.  Yet, people read/hear/watch these stories and just kind of giggle about it, like "oh it's just Stampede!"  How can this be perceived as being "good, clean, wholesome fun"?

And then there's the whole issue of how women are treated during the ten days.  All I needed to do was watch social media to see just how disgusting it really was.  Women being touched, fondled, you name it without invites being sent out.  These are issues that happen every day, but it seems to be amplified because "it's Stampede so lighten up."  A couple of friends of mine went out one night to enjoy a concert and ended up leaving about three songs in because guys couldn't keep their hands to themselves.  One of the producers at our radio station shared some of her horror stories on-air one day during Stampede, including a story about a woman who ran into the guys washroom because the ladies room lineup was ridiculously long.  The story included a guy trying to break into the stall to get at her.  In what world is any of this acceptable behaviour?

Now I get it.  Some guys and gals go out with certain "intentions".  But does that mean EVERYONE has those same intentions?  And that's part of the problem.  It's almost as if that you get away with it once and you expect to get away with it every time.  It's leading to absolutely dangerous scenarios (rape, abuse, assault among others).

This isn't "western hospitality".  Everyone deserves to let down their hair, kick up their boots and have a good time, no questions asked.  Stampede is supposed to be a celebration.  But there's a line that shouldn't be crossed.  We're better than this (or at least I'd like to think we're capable of being better than this).  Is it really a good time if you're the only one having a good time or you're forcing it on someone else?  No one should have to be looking over their shoulder, wondering what the next stranger they cross paths with will do.

"What happens at Stampede, stays at Stampede."  I guess...