Calgary Stampede promises 2 fireworks shows that are bigger and higher than ever

The COVID-19 pandemic may have forced the cancellation ofthis year's Calgary Stampede, but the citywill still be treated to fireworksthis year.

And the Stampede promises the display will be massive bigger and higher than traditional Stampede fireworks.

"If you can see the city skyline, you'll be able to see the fireworks," the Stampede said on its website.

The show, called the Bell Fireworks Spectacular, will light up the night sky on Friday, July 3, and Sunday, July 12, at 11 p.m.

And, surprise! Friday seems to be one of the few days with no rain in the forecast, according to Environment Canada, which predicts sunny weather with a high of 27 C in the day and clear skies at night.

The grounds will be closed to the public for the fireworks, as the entire park will be used to put on the display.

Stampedebreakfast, mini-doughnuts, food trucks planned

On April 23, it was announced that the annual rodeo, midway and exhibitionwouldn't happen this year because of the public health crisis, the first time Calgary's signature event has been cancelled since 1923.

However, along with the fireworks, Stampede officials have also promised there will still be aStampede breakfast and some of those mini doughnuts in a pandemic-aware, physically distant format.

The Stampede is setting up a mini doughnutdrive-thru on the grounds, operating July 6-11. That will be open daily from noon to 9 p.m. Pre-purchasing will be available soon at theCalgary Stampede website.

For the kids, the Stampede is hosting a freepancake breakfast also drive-thru on the grounds on July 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Stampede cancellation will rip about $500M from Alberta economy

Advance registration is required and will be available soon at the Calgary Stampede website.

And on July 4 and 5, the Stampede has organized afood truck rallyon the grounds and at other locations that will be announced at a later date.

Stampede usually pumps $540M into economy annually

The Stampede cancellation is a major blow to a city andprovince already reeling from the economic impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns coupled with the collapse of energy prices.

On average over the past five years, the summer event has brought in $79.2 million in gross revenueand turned aprofit of $21.4 millionafter expenses.

The Calgary Stampede draws more than one million visitors to the city each year and, according to the Conference Board of Canada, it pumps $540 million into the provincial economy annually.

The Stampede's year-round events contribute about $110.9 million to Calgary's GDP, the board says.