ID 99924182 | Alberta © Brett Holmes | Dreamstime.com

By The Canadian Press

Les McIntyre

Calgary Stampede chuckwagon announcer celebrating 40 years in the booth

Jul 3, 2025 | 9:23 AM

Forty years ago, Les McIntyre entered the announcing booth for the first time at a small rodeo in Trochu, Alberta, and never looked back.

The longtime chuckwagon announcer at the Calgary Stampede is celebrating four decades as the voice of Alberta’s chuckwagon scene this summer as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth begins Friday.

McIntyre’s announcing career began after he fell out of a wagon during a race, resulting in a serious back injury.

He now says the injury is the best thing that ever happened to him.

McIntyre says the key to longevity has been staying away from particular vices including cigarettes, alcohol and too much coffee.

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And though he never got to race in Calgary, the Albertan says it has fulfilled his childhood dream of competing at the Calgary Stampede.

McIntyre says he has no plans to retire, joking that he’ll keep going for another 40 years.