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| (Photo courtesy of: http://www.executiveofficespace.net) |
But the Stampede isn’t just a rodeo. It includes everything: a midway with stomach turning rides, stage shows and concerts, agricultural shows, beer gardens, you name it! The Stampede literally has something for everyone; it is coined as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
To make the best out of your Calgary Stampede experience, just follow these helpful tips:
Helpful Tip #1: No Boots, No Wranglers, No Service
Now to start, there is a huge build-up to the Stampede. Calgary transforms from a business hub for oil and gas, to a virtual western saloon. Flags for the event are posted on lampposts and streetlights. Stacks of hay make their way into the parking lots and into the lobbies of hotels and skyscrapers. And the glass surfaces of downtown are filled with window paintings of cowboys, bulls, and horses. But best of all, people begin to dawn their cowboy boots and Wrangler jeans. It has become a common rule of Calgary: during the ten days of the Calgary Stampede western wear is the required apparel. Wear a business tie and it will be cut off… seriously! You will walk the streets of downtown and only a sparse few of those uptight business men will remained in their suits (usually visitors), the rest are all in their chic western wear. Now this helpful hint has turned out to be more of a rule. So Rule #1: western apparel is mandatory (it is not an option).
Helpful Tip #2: Free Pancake Breakfasts!!!
For each day of the Stampede, there are at least 20 pancake breakfasts put on by communities, shopping centers, businesses, or even down town office buildings. So take advantage of this… it’s FREE! Who wouldn’t want to start off their morning with a warm and fluffy flapjack with maple syrup? And it comes with orange juice and sausages too! Just check the local newspaper or online for a schedule of all the public pancake breakfasts in Calgary and their location.
Helpful Tip #3: Free Concerts!
Now I know what you may be thinking… all free concerts are just local bands trying to make it to the big time. But, at the Calgary Stampede it is a little different. At the Stampede all you have to do is pay an entrance fee to the fairgrounds to hear some great artists and bands. In the past the Coca Cola Stage (that’s where the free concerts take place) has been host to big names such as Reba McEntire (and for those of you who are less inclined to the twang, there are numerous non-country bands booked on the stage too). So check out the Coca Cola Stage lineup at the Calgary Stampede to make sure you don’t miss out!
Helpful Tip #4: The Mind-Bending Midway
Like all festival-like events, the Calgary Stampede is host to a midway filled with stomach turning rides and carnival games. If you are one of those people that can’t get enough of those machines that toss and turn you, and those games that tempt you with super-size-me plush toys, this is the place to be. Just remember… know your limit. Nothing hurts more than a regurgitated lunch from way too many rides, or an empty wallet from going a little bit over board on the games.
Helpful Tip #5: The One Must Do of the Stampede
The Rodeo! Put on that cowboy hat and those fancy boots and get ready for the biggest “yahoo” of the entire event. The Stampede hosts the best of the best in the sport of rodeo. People come from all around to compete for the million-dollar prize. Yeah that’s right folks, the biggest prize money in rodeo. If there is one thing you have to do during the Stampede, this is it!
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| (Photo courtesy of: http://www.halfmileofhell.com) |
And don’t forget the chucks! A unique rodeo event in Canada; the chuckwagon races are a true remnant of the old west cattle drive days. The last to leave camp was the cook, but he had to be the first to set up at the next camp. At the Stampede, the “stove” is loaded in the back and then the race is on, the wagons careen around barrels with the outriders close behind. It’s a race to the finish!
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