Some Calgarians feeling the Stampede fatigue

Some Calgarians are feeling Stampede fatigue as the non-stop action on and off the Stampede grounds continues during the 10-day annual festival.

From walking around in the heat to corporate parties, concerts, rodeos and a list of never-ending social activities.

On top of complaints about everything seeming expensive and bumping into people in the park, is it time for the Stampede to wrap up?

“Everybody’s just fed up with it,” one person told CityNews.

“A little bit, but we’re near the end,” said one woman when describing her fatigue. “So, you know, in a couple of weeks we’re going to be missing it.”

“Going over two weekends … the whole city is a flurry … nothing gets done,” another resident explained.

Psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at Mount Royal University Dr. Dan Davoe says those who haven’t been to the Stampede can feel agitated by increased traffic and noise.

Davoe also says it can also take a toll on those actively engaged with Stampede activities.

“You might be partying or going out on long hot days and you’re getting lots of physiological fatigue or if you’re consuming too much junk food or alcohol, and you might be getting too little sleep as well,” he told CityNews.

“So you’re gonna get tired out, a little extra stress, a little extra sadness or we might even feel a little bit of anxiety as well.”

CityNews spoke to several Calgarians at Stampede Park to hear about how they’re dealing with the fatigue.

“I’m pretty exhausted, me and my children, we want to go home, but … there is so much else to do,” one visitor said,

“Good to see things especially before it gets busy. But yeah, normal life sounds good. Ready to see the daily grind,” another visitor said.

While a few comments were describing a want to return to normal, some seemed ok with the fatigue.

One youth said they could “go on forever.”

Another said they could go on despite saying they kept getting bumped into and “everything seems expensive,”

“My feet are very full because I’ve been on my feet for about 18 hours, but I think I could push through with a few mini doughnuts,” he said.

Davoe says those experiencing fatigue should slow down, stay hydrated, and take a good nap.

He adds that those who don’t go to Stampede and still have fatigue should turn towards nature, go for a hike or take a trip out of town.