Calgary Stampede Day 6 wrap: Kids Day crowds, Jimmy Eat World photos and more!

It was just about the perfect day to hit the Calgary Stampede Midway on Wednesday, with the temperatures being very comfortable and kids under 12 getting in free!

It was BMO Kids Day at the Calgary Stampede and that brought tens of thousands more to the grounds to enjoy the fun.

Thursday is sure to be another big day, but there is an air quality advisory out right now, so take precautions if necessary while out on the grounds. It’s a great opportunity to head down and take in some of the indoor activities.

Attendance on the grounds once again topped numbers from previous years, with 139,812 heading down. That brings this year’s attendance to 877,447.

While there are still a handful of days left and anything can happen, Calgary Stampede CEO Joel Cowley said they’re thrilled with attendance at this year’s event. He said the real difference between 2022 and 2023 was there was still a post-pandemic reluctance on the part of visitors.

Not so this year.

“This year we knew we were going to have a great stampede about a month ago when we started seeing hotel bookings pick up and sales pick up on our on our tickets, and most encouraging, both in the hotel bookings and our ticket sales,  is the international crowd is back this year,” he said.

“That’s what really generates that economic impact for our city and our province and the country as well.”

Jimmy Eat World takes the stage

The band Jimmy Eat World capped off a great Wednesday at the Calgary Stampede, with their show on the Coca-Cola stage.

Earlier this year, LWC’s Aryn Toombs caught up with Zach Lind, drummer and co-founder of the band with his thoughts on coming back to Calgary.

If you didn’t catch the show – here are some highlights.

There’s more music today on the grounds – here’s what’s happening.

Nashville North

Tristan Horncastle – 4-5:45 p.m.
Mariya Stokes – 6-7:45 p.m.
Dan Davidson - 9:30-10:15 p.m.
Jade Eagleson - 10:45 p.m.-12 a.m.
Drew Gregory - 11:59 p.m.-2 a.m.

Coca-Cola Stage

School of Rock Calgary - 12:30 p.m.
School of Rock Douglasdale - 1:45 p.m.
Gayle - 8-8:45 p.m.
Stephen Sanchez - 9:15-10:30 p.m.

The Big Four Roadhouse

Jordy Kinjo - 4:45-8 p.m.
X Ambassadors - 10:30-11:59 p.m.

Calgary Stampede Rodeo and GMC Rangeland Derby

There were some sweet rides in Wednesday’s saddle bronc competition, as the cowboys bested the stock with not a rider being bucked.  Stetson Wright and Ross Griffin tied atop the field with and 87, followed closely by Millarville’s Layton Green with an 86. 

That’s just the tip of the iceberg for infield action on Day 6 of the Calgary Stampede and GMC Rangeland Derby.

Here’s your results.

Saddle Bronc

Bareback

Bull riding

Barrel racing

Steer wrestling

Tie-down roping

GMC Rangeland Derby