CALGARY — The president of the Calgary Stampede says the world-famous event will go ahead next week — quote — “come hell or high water.”
Bob Thompson says crews have been pumping millions of litres of water from the rodeo grounds, which were swamped last week by extensive flooding that hit much of southern Alberta.
He says professional cleaning crews are working to scrape mud away and to sanitize buildings.
Organizers are also promising to hold the traditional parade July 5 to open the Stampede.
CEO Vern Kimball says he understands that many have lost their homes and he believes the Stampede will be a welcome distraction.
He says it will provide the city an opportunity to show the world its resiliency.