There’s plenty of things to be proud about the city of Calgary. No matter, how cheesy, loud or crazy it gets, the Calgary Stampede is one of those things! As a born & raised Calgarian, I still get excited every summer for the Stampede. I anxiously look for the booklet in the mail, mark out a day when we can go down {and hopefully catch the World Stock Dog Championship}, and daydream of mini donuts until the fateful day arrives. Are you this nuts about Stampede, or is it just me? It can’t be just me, not when attendance can crack 1.2 million people each year!! Anywho, I thought I’d just share some highlights from our adventure this year.
Our Stampede experience actually starts before we even set foot down on the grounds. Each year, we head to the Bowness Stampede Parade {with pancake breakfast beforehand}. It’s a childhood tradition, given that I grew up in Bowness & my dad still lives there. The parade ends right by his house, so it was never unusual to see horses, floats & marching bands out the front window on parade day. If you’re looking for a fun little parade for young kids, this is THE one! The official Calgary Stampede parade is amazing, and worth seeing {at least once}, but it’s quite a crazy, long event to tackle with young kids. The Bowness Parade gives you a taste of local fun, music, they toss candy to the kids, and it’s just long enough.
We’re not big on the midway {I get motion sick easily, and Sam is still kinda young for it}, so we spend most of our time down at Stampede watching the actual agriculture competitions. Our fave is the World Stock Dog Championship. Such a treat to watch! The interaction between shepherd, dog & sheep is fascinating. This year, Sam also asked if we could watch the Heavy Horse Show. It was my first time taking it in and it won’t be the last! Watching those giant horse breeds decked out in their finery, clomp around to live orchestral music, gave me goosebumps. Stampede offers lots of different things to different people. For some, it’s all about the concerts & music. For others, it’s all about the rides & midway games. Even as a kid, I loved wandering through the barns & seeing all the different livestock and now I really enjoy watching the AG competitions. Glad Sam & Marcus do too!
Of course, a BIG part of the Stampede experience is the FOOD!! Deep-fried everything, sweet, salty, saucy, delicious! None of it healthy. Pace yourself a bit, so you avoid the inevitable tummy ache until you head home. Better yet, grab a few treats to eat later or the next day {candy apples, fudge, nuts etc.}. Take it from me, mini donuts do not taste good the next day, so don’t bother. Eat three bags while they’re fresh & warm. Seriously. Wash them down with fresh lemonade! The $2 Milk & Cookies is the perfect deal for the kiddos {missed it this year, but it’s usually one of our stops}.
If you’re a tourist visiting the Stampede for the very first time, or a long time Calgarian, DO take in some of the details of the grounds. There’s beautiful public artworks & sculptures & murals. There’s little green space gems hidden throughout if you need a break. Absorb the colourful rainbows of flags, tipis, and costumes. People watching is AMAZING at Stampede!! DO find a spot with a cool drink or ice cream and just watch the crowds go by. Clean bathrooms without lines are also hidden about {try the new ones upstairs in the Agrium Western Events Centre or the ones in the Western Oasis tucked in the back of BMO Centre}.
Dressing Stampede head to toe is not required. Be yourself. Calgarians do not wear cowboy hats & boots year round. We just drag them out like a uniform during the 10 days of summer Stampeding. Plaid and denim will go a long way in your Stampede wardrobe. Also, be prepared for the late afternoon thunder & hail storms, typical of this time of year {in other words, avoid white shirts}.
Yahoo, ya’ll!!!