Calgary Stampede organizers say proof of vaccination will be required to get into one popular live-music venue when the 10-day cowboy festival starts Friday.

B次元官网网址淲e will require guests to show proof of vaccination or take a free rapid (COVID-19) test to gain entry to Nashville North,B次元官网网址� vice-president Jim Laurendeau told a media availability on the grounds Tuesday. B次元官网网址淭his will be unique among CalgaryB次元官网网址檚 live music venues this Stampede and provide a high level of assurance to our guests.B次元官网网址�

Other safety measures will include cutting daily attendance in half, sanitation stations for the public and enhanced cleaning throughout the grounds. Staff and volunteers will be required to wear masks and get rapid tests.

The chuckwagon races arenB次元官网网址檛 being held and the parade to kick off the Stampede will be confined to the grounds without any public viewing.

The world-renowned rodeo and fair is returning this year after being cancelled last summer due to the pandemic.

Nashville North is one of the most popular attractions during what is referred to as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Dr. Jia Hu, a public health physician who is working as an adviser to the Calgary Stampede, said heB次元官网网址檚 convinced the event can be held safely.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e in a pretty good spot here in Calgary and Alberta B次元官网网址� our vaccination rates are higher than I would have dreamed possible six or eight months ago,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲e will be implementing some of the most robust and innovative safety protocols in Alberta.B次元官网网址�

Some safety measures are breaking new ground, he added.

B次元官网网址淎s far as I can tell, this is certainly the first event in Alberta where weB次元官网网址檙e requiring proof of vaccination or a rapid test.B次元官网网址�

Laurendeau said tickets have been selling steadily, but there wonB次元官网网址檛 be millions of visitors per day as was the norm before the pandemic. He said most visitors are likely to be coming from Western Canada.

B次元官网网址淲e are really expecting this to be CalgaryB次元官网网址檚 Stampede this year and southern AlbertaB次元官网网址檚 Stampede,B次元官网网址� he said.

B次元官网网址淐ertainly we would see some people from other nearby places in neighbouring provinces, but we are all aware that international travel is still constrained at the moment.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址擝ill Graveland, The Canadian Press