Attendees at the Calgary Stampede on July 5th, 2019. (Supplied by Bill Marsh / Calgary Stampede)

By David Opinko

2020 Calgary Stampede cancelled

Apr 23, 2020 | 3:19 PM

CALGARY, AB – One of the largest annual events in Alberta will not be taking place this summer.

President Bill Gray said it was a difficult decision, but due to the province’s ban on mass gatherings, they were left with no choice.

“As you can imagine, it is very difficult to be here today to share this announcement. As a community celebration, the cancellation of our annual event comes with our community and public health and safety front and mind. It’s hard but it’s the right thing to do.”

The City of Calgary had previously banned all city-organized public events up until June 30. The Stampede was scheduled to begin July 3.

The Stampede’s official website says they will continue to evaluate potential opportunities throughout the coming months and will put even more focus on organizing the 2021 event.

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Mayor Naheed Nenshi says this is the first time in 97 years that the event will not be taking place, and that thousands of volunteers and seasonal employees will be affected.

In 2019, the Calgary Stampede had its best-ever attendance at more than 1.4-million people.

Anyone who has purchased a ticket to the 2020 Stampede will automatically carry forward to the same seat, section, and day for 2021. Those who would like a refund can email tickets@calgarystampede.com

A similar announcement was made in Edmonton today as the 141st K-Days scheduled for July 17-26 has also been cancelled.