Crews hard at work setting up Stampede grounds

There's a flurry of activity at Stampede Parkas workers get all the vendors and rides set up before the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth begins.

The clock is ticking before thousands of people file through the gates for the first full Stampede without pandemic restrictions in two years. But staff at the park say they are ready to meet the challenge.

"We are looking forward to an exceptional Stampede this year. I think that the whole Stampede team is really excited to welcome Calgarians and visitors alike to a traditional Stampede and what you would expect from a typical Stampede. The last week has been totally transformational," said Kyle Russell, director of Stampede programming.

Although some things definitely look different on the grounds, notably with the ongoing construction of the BMO Centre and the relocation of the iconic Coca-Cola Stage, visitors can expect their favouritesfrom Stampedes past to be back again.

"If you remember something that you love from Stampede, you can expect it this year," said Russell.

One thing people always talk about are the food offerings, and there will be dozens of places ready to serve up tasty and strange treats to make sure your stomach isn't grumbling. Mini donut and lemonade stands are being set up, alongside places ready to sell items like mealworm hot dogs and mac-and-cheese ice cream.

If rides are more of your thing, there will be even more on offer this year as a couple of new additions are getting installed on the grounds.

"We brought a double-decker merry-go-round, which is the only travelling one in North America right now, which is going to be right in front of the Big Four. And I guess the big news is we brought the Superwheel, which is 150 feet tall. It's 136 climate-controlled gondolas, which is going to give you a panorama of the entire park, of downtown Calgary it's spectacular," said Scooter Korek, with North American Midway Entertainment.

The pandemic held back carnivals around the world, and to see the return of the Stampede is something that brings a smile to the faces of those helping set the scene.

"Come on down, let's have some fun, let's get the pandemic behind us," said Korek.

Behind the scenes, work continues in the stables as the animal care team is getting everything prepared for the chuckwagon races and rodeo. The BMO Centre is also being prepared,for indoor attractions and vendors.