One of the many reasons I love living in Calgary is our way of celebrating the Calgary Stampede. There is nothing anywhere that compares. I sincerely encourage you to c'mon over and see what its all about. Ten days of partytime! This year its July 4 to July 13. The whole city seems to participate. Everywhere you look there are cowboys and cowgirls. Even I drag out the western shirts, the jeans, the boots and the Stetson. There's just something about the flavor of Stampede that gets in your blood.
We have world class rodeo with entrants from Canada, USA, Australia and more. The chuckwagon races are an exciting and hair raising event. Throw in an evening grandstand show that will rival anything you ll see in Vegas. Spice it all up with a full service midway and of course the obligatory fair food with some added specials such as buffalo burgers and Alberta prime rib. Dont forget the Indian Village and the bannock burgers. Toss in parades on the stampede grounds and free entertainment all over the place once you ve paid your admission. Agricultural exhibits and shows, a building bursting at the seams with commercial exhibitors, gun fight recreations, antique machinery in operation and fashion and art shows.........there's something for everyone. Nashville North with big name performers and enough beer to drown the driest thirst can take up the better part of an evening.
The downtown core is filled with free Stampede related events all ten days. There's square dancing, chuckwagon breakfasts on the street with pancakes and bacon and even some with sausages. You'll see, and maybe have a chance to ride in old time rigs such as chuckwagons, stagecoaches and a surrey with the fringe on top. You'll be treated to street entertainers and hawkers as well as Indian Parades with all of Southern Albertas' five First Nations Tribes. Dont miss the opening parade on July 4th. Horses, Indians, marching bands, drill teams, military and lots of floats.
If you want to see more of the festivities go to:
and
http://stamped-dowtownattractions.com
Cruise around those two sites and you'll be hooked.
Other events include Stampede breakfasts at most of the major malls. They'll have live entertainment, a great breakfast and very likely some dancing. You'll find chuckwagon dinners in the evenings at various sights around town as well. So put on your western wear and come have the time of your life.
Special offer to SCrs who take up this challenge..........Botties BBQ will happily host you for a backyard event.
Come and get it!
