b'2025 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY CALGARY STAMPEDE CALGARY STAMPEDE 2025 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY26 27Relay RacesFor the first time, the Calgary Stampede hosted a Relay Racing qualifying event during the Rotary International Convention in June, where 24 teams from Alberta and Saskatchewan competed for a coveted spot to race during the Stampede. Two teams advancedDH Ranch Relay (Tsuutina Nation) and North Blackfoots (Siksika Nation).During Stampede, the Relay Racing action began with the Womens Race, where fearless female riders showcased their riding skills in a single-lap sprint. That set the stage for the fast-paced, fan-favourite Relay Races, featuring elite teams of Indigenous competitors from across North America in a thrilling display of horsemanship, speed and precision.2025 Relay Race ChampionOmak Express (Colville Confederated Tribes)Grandstand Show presented by Freedom Mobile2025 Relay Race Champions Omak Express. Stampede guests try Pickle Pizza on the Midway. 2025 Western Trailblazer Award Winner, Tom Barker, aka Birthday Girl (centre-right), presented with her buckle at Pride Day.The 2025 Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show presented by Freedom Mobile captivated audiences with 10 unforgettableStampede Experiences The Stage of Wondersnights of music and spectacle inspired by the glamour and energy of the Grand Ole Opry. Marking the start of an exciting newThrills on the Midway The Stage of Wonders: Neon Frontier amazed audiences inside the partnership with Freedom Mobile, the show delivered countryBMO Centre, showcasing all-Canadian talent through a lineup of flair, powerhouse vocals and breathtaking visuals. The 2025 Calgary Stampede Midway offered guests more roomunforgettable performances. Guests experienced two thrilling to explore than ever before, featuring an expanded layout thatnew productions: Magician & The Muse, a spellbinding blend of Headlined by Albertas own Carolyn Dawn Johnson, the productionenhanced overall guest experience.illusion and artistry by Sean Watson and Chanelle Munroe, and featured stunning performances by LEGINThe Gauchos of Fire,Dean Gunnarsons Jaws of Death Escape, a heart-pounding act of aerialist Vladyslav Tsarov and the Keith Sayers Freestyle MotocrossAlongside the thrills, the Midway continued its tradition of boldfearless endurance and world-class showmanship.team. More than 120 members of the Young Canadians dazzledculinary innovation. Major Midway food trends this year included audiences in a finale that celebrated Western spirit and Canadianapickles, poutine and global fusion, with standout creations such asFor one night only, the venue transformed into a licensed with O Canada, a dazzling drone display and Stampedes signatureFiery Dill Coke, Deep-Fried Pickle Oreos, Mopane Worm Poutine andcomedy club for Stampede Standup, an all-Canadian showcase fireworks spectacular. inventive dishes like the Ramenrito. Classic favourites like mini donutsfeaturing comedians Erica Sigurdson, Pete Zedlacher, Derek and corn dogs remained a staple for Stampede guests of all ages. Seguin and Dan Duvall. Together, these performances made the Stage of Wonders a celebration of homegrown157 food locations talent, creativity and show-stopping entertainment. 53 featured new Midway foods 50 rides on the Midway Pride Day at Nashville NorthSurge 2 Stampede Rainbow boots and Western spirit filled Nashville North for the 12th annual Pride Day at the Calgary Stampede on Saturday, The Calgary Surge brought the excitement of professionalJuly 5. Supported by BMO, WCD and Motts Clamato, the basketball to Stampede Park with a Canadian Elite Basketballevent celebrated the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with local drag League (CEBL) game held on BMO Kids Day at the Scotiabankperformances, line dancing lessons and Stampede fun.Saddledome. The Surge 2 Stampede event offered fans anThe Western Trailblazer Award presented by BMO was awarded to energetic blend of sport and celebration, adding a new dimensionTom Barker for advancing inclusion in rural Alberta and the country to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. music industry. As Chair of Okotoks Pride, President of Country Music Alberta and drag performer Birthday Girl, Barker continues to Carolyn Dawn Johnson headlines the Grandstand Show. break barriers and create spaces where everyone feels welcome.'