Etchings on the Attic Wall

I know what you are thinking – a stampede in Calgary? Yes, believe it or not, they have an annual event in Calgary called the “Stampede” which usually takes place during July and draws more than a million people from all over the world! The entire city shuts down for a week while the festivities are going on. Before I went there, I thought that “stampede” didn’t mean what I thought it did. Actually, it is just like it sounds. They have everything from chuck-wagon races to rodeos. In fact, they are the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. When I flew in, you could see this theme immediately even in the airport. They actually have a store where you can buy a lot of western gear, including cowboy hats! Everyone in the city is wearing a cowboy hat during this event. You would think you are in Texas!

In addition to the chuck-wagons and rodeos, they have a Grandstand show, live music, agricultural showcases, stage shows, a midway, parades, fireworks, and lots of exhibitions. The Midway is a lot of fun. They’ve got rides and games for everyone. They also have a bunch of themed areas including “Western Oasis”, “BMO Kids Zone”, “Weadickville”, “Indian Village”, “The Bell Getaway”, “and “Buckaroos – Kid Central”. When I was there, they had the big Budweiser Clydesdales on display and they were very impressive! You don’t realize how big those horses are until you are up close. Definitely come on an empty stomach because there is food all over the place. They have pancake breakfasts all around the city – at Rope Square you can have your breakfast right from the back of a chuck-wagon. There are also the famous mini donuts. They are small, deep-fried, and covered in powered sugar. Yum!

Most of the action takes place in Stampede Park. They make use of the “Round-Up Centre”, a new Stampede Casino, the grandstand/racetrack, and the agricultural building. It looks like they are in the process of upgrading the park. Plans are in the works for a new hotel, underground parking, re-landscaping, and new retail, market, and agricultural buildings.

This was my first time experiencing the “wild west”, and up in Canada I would highly recommend buying tickets to the rodeo and chuck-wagon races while you are there. Just walk around, see as much as possible, and have a good time! And don’t forget to buy a cowboy hat!