The 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede began on Friday with the annual morning parade with the chuckwagon races and rodeo in the evening.
One of the biggest news stories surrounding the Stampede this year once again is former Price of Right host Bob Barker.
According to the Canadian Press, Barker is voicing his disapproval of the Calgary Stampede by calling the event despicable, unsafe and should be closed down.
Good luck to that. The Calgary Stampede is starting to become one of the most significant events on the Canadian sports scene. Prize money is now in the $2 million range and the events are being shown live on CBC. People even arrived at the historic parade this morning at 3:30 a.m. to get a good seat.
This isn’t the first time Barker has taken an anti-Calgary Stampede stance. In February, Barker criticized the Price is Right for awarding a trip to the Calgary Stampede.
I know Bob Barker has been to Edmonton where he got involved in the elephant story a couple of years ago, but he has simply never been to the Calgary Stampede. Until he actually comes and sees the care the animals are given, he shouldn’t be excessive in his criticism toward what is considered the Greatest Show on Earth.
Barker would also oppose the Canadian Federal Government’s position on the Calgary Stampede. According to Damien Wood of the Calgary Sun, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pledging $5 million to the Canadian Tourism Commission where the funds will be used to promote the Calgary Stampede abroad.
It appears the Calgary Stampede is here to stay Mr. Barker.
In Friday’s action, Hugh Sinclair of Grande Prairie, Alberta leads the chuckwagon racing and Joleen Seitz of Savona, British Columbia leads the ladies’ barrel racing.
Tags: barrel racing, bob barker, calgary stampede, chuckwagon racing, hugh sinclair, joleen seitz, stephen harper
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