‘Saddled Up’: Calgarians Put Water Crisis Aside for Fun at Stampede

Visitors walk through the park on the last day of the Calgary Stampede in Calgary on July 16, 2023. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

Calgary residents took a break from their water woes on July 5, lining up six-deep downtown to watch the parade launching the annual summer Stampede festival.

“I’m saddled up,” said Rita Freese, with her grandson beside her.