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\t\t\t\tCalgary Stampede ground on July 9, 2026. (CityNews\/Joel Mendelson) <\/p>\n
\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n
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The Calgary Stampede is welcoming roughly 1.5 million visitors this year, and officials say a large, coordinated safety operation is working behind the scenes to keep the 10\u2011day festival running smoothly.<\/p>\n
Stampede public safety director Kerrie Blizard says most prohibited items confiscated at the gates have come from parents who simply forget what\u2019s in their bags. <\/p>\n
\u201cThink it\u2019s just people remembering that if you wouldn\u2019t bring it to the airport, don\u2019t bring it here,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
Blizard notes items like scissors left in a child\u2019s backpack are common.<\/p>\n
She encourages families to prepare before arriving and make sure youth know where security officers are located. She also says to set a meeting spot with friends, and charge phones ahead of time. <\/p>\n
Calgary mom Brittney Wilson says her family uses a \u201csecret password\u201d system to help keep her children safe. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf the adult doesn\u2019t know, they scream and yell and kick and bite,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Stampede officials work closely with Calgary Police Service (CPS), Alberta Health Services, the fire department and other agencies out of a temporary operations centre on the grounds. <\/p>\n
CPS Acting Sgt. Jon Pierce says the setup allows officers to respond quickly and maintain a strong presence throughout the park. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve built up the number of officers on the grounds. Little bit more visible, just our presence alone I think has helped,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
This year, the Stampede has been without major incident. Last year, police responded to a triple stabbing on the grounds<\/a> that resulted in an 18-year-old being charged.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\tCalgary Stampede ground on July 9, 2026. (CityNews\/Joel Mendelson) <\/p>\n \t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n Add CityNews Calgary as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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