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Stampede School Wraps up for the year

May

2013

Next week is Stampede School’s last class of the year. In 2012, 930 students, 42 teachers and 152 volunteer parents came through Stampede School.

What, you ask, is Stampede School all about?

Stampede School students waiting to meet a some new equine friends

The Calgary Stampede works directly with teachers to tailor make the five day program to enhance curriculum. No two weeks at Stampede School are identical.

Students might visit the Grain Academy to discover how some of our food is produced, the barns during the Bull Sale, Diary Classic, 4H-On-Parade, or Union Cemetary to learn about some of the Stampede’s legends.

Many Stampede School students get an up close and personal lesson led by Muffy Knox with Cream Puff and Doobie.

lil’ Cream Puff

Muffy and Doobie

Muffy is a horse trainer and expert. Cream Puff is an 8-year-old full-grown miniature horse. Doobie is a four-year-old Paint horse. Doobie’s a little bit more social than little Cream Puff; he likes to have his bum scratched, Muffy told us.

Muffy teaches students how to read a horses signals—a high head, raised ears and flaring nostrils mean a horse is anxious; a bent knee means they’re relaxed—and how to approach a horse. You always want them to be able to see you approaching them, make a lot of noise if you’re coming from behind so they know you are there.

The kids learn how to brush, feed and pet the horse.

Petting Doobie

Stampede School will gear up again in the fall. Until then: have a great summer!

Come Visit us at Lilac Fest on Sunday!

May

2013

by Shannon McNeney, Next Generation Committee Volunteer

Lilac Festival is coming up on Sunday, May 26th, along with another chance to win some great prizes from the Calgary Stampede’s Next Generation Committee.

This fantastic, FREE one day celebration of culture and community has been entertaining Calgarians for 24 years, with lots to see and do for all ages!

Make sure you stop by our booth, which will be located near the Roots store on 4^th Street just passed 17^th Avenue, where you can get the inside scoop on how to make the most of your Calgary Stampede experience this July 5-14!

Continue reading →

Travel Channel seeks Calgary Stampede superfans for new show

May

2013

by Corporate Communications admin

What’s that you say? You’re a die-hard fan of the Calgary Stampede?

Travel Channel will be filming a new show about fandom and food from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7, 2013 during this year’s 10-day Stampede.

So: if you throw the best Stampede parties, if your BBQ ribs/pancakes/ [insert your culinary specialty here] are legendary, if your cowboy get-up is the envy of everyone on Stampede Park…

…or if you consider yourself the ultimate Stampede superfan, the Travel Channel wants to hear from you! Please email travelsuperfancasting@gmail.com with the subject line “Calgary Stampede” and include photos of you and your friends and/or family showing off your Stampede pride.

Best of luck everyone- and Yahoo!

Let the Countdown Begin!

May

2013

by Danielle Kakoschke, 2013 Stampede Princess

It’s May…already?! Wow does time fly!! Throughout our busy schedules in and around the city, everyone- including my Stampede sisters and I- are buzzing about just how soon the start to the 2013 Calgary Stampede actually is! We are so excited to not only be spreading the word and generating excitement about the 101^st Stampede, but getting ourselves and our Stampede horses ready for such an event! Over the course of the spring we have been busy keeping up with our events around the city, learning more about the different and exciting elements to this year’s Stampede (like Deep-fried Bubble Gum…!?!) , and riding our trusty equine partners, so that we are as prepared for the 2013 Stampede as we can be!

One of the most recent events my Stampede sisters and I attended was very close to my heart as we had an opportunity to get some younger generations excited about the Calgary Stampede and recruit potential Calgary Stampede Queen & Princesses! As Royalty we were asked to visit the Percy Pegler School in Okotoks for a meet & greet and story reading with the grade 1 classes. Now why was this particular event so special to me?? Well my little sister happened to be one of the students we got to visit! -And let me tell you, she was SO excited to be able to see myself, Catherine, Jessica and Amber in our ‘Royal’ gear at HER school! It was a very memorable moment to be able to share my passion and role as a Stampede Princess with my little sister and her classmates; plus I am pretty sure we convinced a large portion of the grade 1 girls, including my little sister of course, to think about becoming future Calgary Stampede Queen & Princesses! There was also an opportunity at the school for our French Princess, Catherine, to read to the grade 1 French class. I think that this was such a neat opportunity as it showed the diversity of our trio and how we have been able to relay the Calgary Stampede message through different avenues!

After our visit with the grade 1 students we had an interview with Routes Magazine, which is a local lifestyle magazine for the community of High River. The article is titled “Life as 2013 Calgary Stampede Royalty” and it covers everything from why we wanted to become Stampede Royalty, to how we have managed to balance our Royal duties with our other commitments, to advice for the upcoming 2014 Trio! Here’s the link to give it a read! http://routesmagazine.ca/2013/05/life-as-2013-calgary-stampede-royalty/

Although our duties as Stampede Royalty are ramping up and we seem to be getting continually busier, I’d like to take this time to say that I have been having a blast being a Calgary Stampede Princess! With the people I have been able to meet and experiences that have made some fantastic memories, this opportunity of being a member of the 2013 Stampede Royalty has been nothing short of an amazing adventure and I cannot wait to see what new and exciting adventures are just around the corner!

Have a great week and I will talk to you soon!!

-Princess Danielle

PS- Did you know May is the month of Mr. George Strait’s Birthday?? Well it is! And here is your song for the week-“Cowboys like Us” – a great song choice to get you in the Stampede spirit!

An Oasis in the Heart of Stampede Park

May

2013

by James Radke, Midway manager

This summer, while exploring the many events and sights on Stampede Park you may find that you want a change of pace. Maybe you want to get out of the weather, or the crowds, or just to relax and unwind. You are in luck! We have an Oasis in the middle of the Park just for that!

Located inside halls D & E of the BMO Centre, you will find a calm, creative retreat known as the Western Oasis. One of the best parts about the Western Oasis, besides the air conditioning, is the feeling you get the moment you walk through the doors. The Western Showcase committee creates such a welcoming, intriguing, and calming atmosphere which makes the buzz of the Midway and Stampede Market feel like they’re 1,000 Kilometers away. Imagine a gently lit room that is illuminated by 2000 soft lights, the feeling of a relaxing breeze, the sounds of trickling water and hushed voices, and the beautiful scent of 1,600 flowers, shrubs, and plants.

One of the most magnificent sights is the breathtaking water wall that is highlighted by the glow of twinkling lights and colours. As you’re walking through, make sure you take a peek in the galleries and studios of the artists, as the artwork is simply amazing. You’re also welcome to take a seat at one of the barrel tables and enjoy a glass of wine in the wine garden. For your entertainment, the favourite Bronze Living Statues will also be in the Oasis throughout the day. Do they even blink?

This year, there will also be a very unique collection of corkscrews that will be on display. Paul Squires is bringing his personal collection of antique corkscrews that date all the way back to the 18^th century. If the corkscrews are anything like the wine, they can only get better with age. The Remington Carriage Museum will also be providing the Stage Coach where you, friends, and family can have a great western photo opportunity.

Below is a list of areas to see within the Western Oasis:

Artists’ Studios offers a unique opportunity to meet and purchase art directly from the artists. The artists are on hand daily so you can learn about how that ‘must have’ piece of art was created.

Western Art Gallery features new and emerging Western artists whose original work reflects the life and times of Western Canadians of the past and present.

Western Art Auction – North America’s finest western art auction is held on Thursday, July 11. Auction pieces may be previewed in the Western Oasis until Wednesday, July 10. For ticket information visit http://westernshowcase.com/tickets.php

Western Photo Gallery showcases spectacular photos capturing the rich history of the West and the Calgary Stampede.

Artist Ranch Project Inspired by a visit to Scott Ranch, a working historical ranch in Alberta, contemporary artists will present their creations.

You can also experience a taste of western lifestyle and culture in action by visiting some of these areas in the Western Oasis:

Window on the West Stage – Guests will enjoy the eclectic mix of live music and cowboy poetry.

Creative Arts and Crafts - Daily demos take place in the Creative Arts & Crafts area where you can see traditional to modern crafting techniques. Maybe you’ll be inspired to try something new!

Calgary Co-op Kitchen Theatre features the best of western cooking with daily, non-stop cooking demos and the very popular Dueling Chefs competitions.

Wine Garden presented by Co-op, offers a selection of over 20 wine varieties of Canadian and international wines. Indulge in a glass of wine, along with a cheese plate or evening flambé. Wine specialists are featured daily between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Did you know in the 2012 Western Oasis…

2,000 lights were used
100 trees were brought in and cared for
1,600 shrubs, flowers, and plants were brought in and cared for
Over 200 tons of rock were lifted and placed

Written by:

Jillian Cook

Lindsey Kendrick

Mural restoration project on Stampede Park

May

2013

by Corporate Communications admin

Last week, the restored “Early Chuckwagon Race” mural was installed near the Victoria Park LRT station entrance to Stampede Park. This was the final of eight fully restored murals made possible with the participation of the Government of Canada.

Rocky Barstead painted the original mural in 1998 to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the original chuckwagon race in 1923. Like some of the other restored murals, the original was painted on wood that had begun to disintegrate.

The original mural

Barstead painted the new mural on 36 separate metal panels. He used five colours: the three primary colours-red, blue and yellow-and white and brown.

Mural panel detail

Mural panel detail

Calgary’s wild temperature fluctuations have to be taken into account as the new murals are installed. Metal, of course, contracts in cold and expands in heat, so the panels can’t be fitted too tightly together. Therefore, there are small spaces between the panels which you can’t see from a distance.

Restored mural

Make sure to check out all the restored murals around Stampede Park!

A day in the life at the Calgary Stampede OH Ranch

May

2013

by Ken Pigeon, Calgary Stampede OH Ranch Manager

Greetings from the Calgary Stampede OH Ranch everyone!

So far we’ve talked about the guiding principles that will lead us forward here on the OH Ranch, but what’s day-to-day life like on a working cow ranch?

Well, our day starts a lot like yours: with a cup of coffee. At 6:30 a.m. Rob, the Ranch foreman and I are up and out, with one of us heading to Steer Flats pasture to check on the pregnant cows and see if anyone is calving. Right now, we have 45 cows waiting to have their calves.

[The OH cattle on Steer Flats pasture. Photo taken by my wife, Deb Pigeon]

If a cow is ready to deliver, we leave her alone. The less interference, the better. These cows are designed to have calves and it’s best to let Mother Nature take care of herself. So far, she’s done an excellent job—we’ve only had to assist with four out of 173 births.

When a calf is born the mother licks it dry and then we let her ‘mother up.’ Those first few hours are critical bonding time.

Around 9 a.m., Rob saddles up to do a health check on the new calves and their mothers in Spring Coulee pasture.

[Stampede horse Rooster hanging out in the horse barn]

In the afternoon, one of us rides out to check on the cows and tag new calves while the other preps for summer, fixing fences, mending saddles in the shop, and making sure the mowers and weeders will be ready for all the lawn maintenance on the horizon.

Sometimes, I’m in the office working on capital budgets and work plans. Yes, there’s administrative work even on a rural ranch.

Between mending fences, planning for summer and the other moving parts out here, it’s the simple things about calving that make this time of year truly special. A calf hitting the ground in good health. And when the two-week-olds start racing around like a bike-gang, butting heads and thinking they’re hot shots.

[Play time, a test of wills.]

The view isn’t half-bad either.

Thanks for checking in with the OH Ranch! Next stop: summer.

You can find more about the OH Ranch on the Calgary Stampede website here.

Together we Ride Again! Stampede 101

May

2013

by James Radke, Midway manager

With Stampede 101 just around the corner, there is a lot to be excited about! Thinking about all this excitement reminds me of all the adrenaline pumping rides that all thrill-seekers can find on the Midway. One of the best parts of summer, besides Stampede of course, is when you’re driving around town and you see the convoy of Midway rides coming down the road! That’s always been the sign that Stampede is just around the corner. I know we’re not quite there yet, and the roads are still “ride convoy” free, but it’s hard not to get excited when it’s only 56 days away!

With all that being said, when you’re planning your Stampede visit, you should know there are rides, games and thrills for people of all ages and for all thrill-tolerance levels! So whether you’re looking for the heart pounding, brain scrambling, extreme thrill, or the light-hearted, smile instilling, mild ride, there is something for you!

We’re lucky enough to work with our Midway partner, North American Midway Entertainment (N.A.M.E), to bring you some of the best rides to the Midway. N.A.M.E is the world’s largest travelling outdoor amusement park, which serves over 15 million fairgoers every year in 4 provinces and 20 American states. For Stampede, N.A.M.E brings the main Midway rides, games and several food concessions. They also bring the Kids’ Midway, which is perfect for the mini thrill-seekers! You can check out the rides and the “Size Wize” program on their website at www.namidway.com

Photo Credit: Tye Carson

For those of you who soared across the Park on the Centennial Zip Line last year, you’ll have to try out some other sky-high rides, as it was only for the Centennial celebration. However, we’ve got a new ride coming to town! The brand new Mach 3 is a tummy tumbler, with two sets of seats mounted back-to-back on each end of a 37 metre arm. Each four-seat assembly can swing a full 360 degrees while in rotation. Once Mach 3 begins, you better hold on tight because the arm will rotate up to 13 revolutions per minute, producing an acceleration of 3.5g on the riders! It might be a little daring for me, but maybe Space Cowboy Commander Hadfield will be up for the challenge? You can check out the new Mach 3 in action by visiting N.A.M.E. on Facebook.

For your riding entertainment the newest rollercoaster, Outlaw (named after the famous bull), that premiered for our Centennial, will be returning! Riders will need to raise their hands as they blast out of the chutes, dipping and twisting, much like the famed Stampede Outlaw – who was considered one of the rankest animals in the world of rodeo.

Some of our independent vendors will also be bringing your favourites like the Skyscraper Two, the Slingshot and the Eurobungy. If extreme rides aren’t your thing, you can plan a trip on some of the Midway classics like the Ferris wheel and WestJet Sky Ride!

If you want to save some money, and who doesn’t, you can pick up a Stampede Midway Card, available exclusively at Safeway until Thursday, July 4^th. There are two card options available, which offer over 20% in ride savings! The first card is the 56 Coupons card, which is valid on all 10 days of Stampede. The second card option is a Ride All Day card, which is valid only on weekdays and only for the day it is activated. Another perk of these cards, is that if your feet get tired and you want to zip across Park, they can be used for the WestJet Sky Ride!

After writing about all of these cool rides and experiences, I have one more ride related topic that I want to mention. The Queens’ Alumni Committee together with Southland Transportation has this really great program called Giddy-Up Grits. This is a program which provides a morning of Stampede fun for children with special needs.

The experience includes a pancake breakfast (Yum!), clowns and jugglers, free rides in the Kids’ Midway and on select main Midway rides, mascots and celebrities, a petting zoo, Superdog tickets, and FUN! This event is invite only, but if you or someone you know is interested in participating, you can email queensalumni@calgarystampede.com for more information.

I hope you enjoyed reading about all of the rides and ride programs, and are getting as excited as I am!

Ps. Did you know that it takes less than 2 seconds to drop 130 feet on the Mega Drop Tower?

Photo Credit: Mike Ridewood

Written by:

Jillian Cook

Lindsey Kendrick

Commander Chris Hadfield is Calgary Stampede’s 2013 Parade Marshal!

May

2013

by Corporate Communications admin

Did you hear? Commander Chris Hadfield will be Calgary Stampede’s 2013 Parade Marshal! As huge admirers of Commander Hadfield, we are over the moon (sorry guys, couldn’t resist) that he will be here with us to celebrate this year.

Here’s how it all went down.

After this Twitter exchange…

Calgary Stampede President Bob Thompson issued this offical invitation on YouTube.

And Commander Hadfield said “Yes!”

We are so honoured that you’ll be joining us Commander Hadfield- see you in July! Yahoo!

I’M NOT JUST A FARMER

May

2013

by Teresa Falk, Aggie Days Committee

Several years ago I found myself browsing through coffee table books at a local bookstore looking for a book featuring Canadian Prairie photographs as a gift for some American friends. I came across a book titled, “It’s Just Prairie.” Flipping through the book I discovered beautiful photographs of my favourite place in the world – the Canadian Prairies. But something bothered me – the title. I thought, “It’s not JUST Prairie; It’s Prairie!”

I thought back to this book recently when a few people told me about this article titled, “I’m JUST a farmer.” I couldn’t agree more with the writer. A farmer is not just a farmer. Today’s modern farmer is a businessman (or woman), mechanic, marketer, accountant, agronomist, veterinarian, truck driver, human resources manager and so much more. And besides all this, farmers have one of the greatest responsibilities – to help feed a growing world.

The nature of a farmer’s work requires diversity and versatility. Farmers have a whole wealth of skills under their belt but they’re typically not ones to brag about these skills. They’d rather fly under the radar – simply going about their day-to-day lives getting the work done.

Unfortunately, farmers are known for thinking of themselves as just farmers. But rather, a farmer should be proud to be a farmer and say it with pride.

If you’re a farmer, the next time you’re at a party and someone asks you what you do, I encourage you to say with pride, “I’m a farmer,” and talk about the skills needed to run a successful farm.

And if you’re at a party and you hear someone say, “I’m just a farmer,” I encourage you to pipe up and remind them of the variety of skills they possess and need to be a successful farmer.

2013 Calgary Stampede only two months away !

May

2013

by Catherine Morneau, 2013 Stampede Princess

I look up at the date today and I realized that there`s already only five months left in our reign. I feel like not too long ago we were just starting. This amazing adventure kept us so busy we haven’t seen the time fly by. And what to say about the Stampede being only 2 months away!! I can`t wait, I am so excited! Every week our schedule is getting more and more busy.

The past week has been a fun week, filled with few different events. Last Saturday we were busy with the amazing photographer Ted Dawson, one of our generous sponsors, for a great photo shoot. Ted has been giving lots of his time to the Royalty program since… since a very long time ago, over 20 years! A huge thank you to Ted who sponsored unbelievable portrait and group shots of us. These will be there to for us to remember how wonderful our year was as Royalty.

On the Sunday, it was time for us to put our running shoes on for a great cause – the Lupus Run/Walk. So we, the Calgary Stampede Royalty, including Indian Princess, decided to run a 5k. We are busy all year long but we don’t get the chance to run 5 km everyday so let me tell you that this was a challenge, but we all did an amazing time! But I forgot how sore you can be from a long run… haha. But, no time to complain, the next Monday night we were riding our royal horses Hawk, Snoopy and Kansas. Rodeo season has started and parades are coming quickly! We have to get these ponies back in good shape!

The highlight of my week was our TV interview at Hello-Bonjour on Shaw TV on Tuesday night, I always get excited when I get a chance to express myself in French! So Jessica and Danielle did a portion in English and after I did the same but in French. It`s great for me to represent the French community of Alberta!

I just want to remind everyone that you can follow our adventure on Facebook at Calgary Stampede Queen and Princesses and on Twitter at StampedeQandP!

Catherine

2014 CALGARY STAMPEDE INDIAN PRINCESS PAGEANT

May

2013

by Amber Big Plume, 2013 Indian Princess

The Calgary Stampede Indian Princess celebrates the spirit of the partnership established in 1912 between the First Nations tribes of Treaty 7 (Kainai, Nakoda, Piikani, Siksika and Tsuu T’ina) and Guy Weadick. This partnership was founded upon a basis of mutual respect and cross cultural sharing – a partnership, that now over 100-years later, has remained as an important opportunity for the Treaty 7 First Nations to celebrate and share our cultures with visitors from around the world.

In 1965, it was determined the need for an Indian Princess to act as an Ambassador for the Indian Village. Eighteen year-old Gloria Little Light from Tsuu T’ina was selected as the first Indian Princess.

Since those humble beginnings as Indian Village Princess, the Calgary Stampede Indian Princess – as it is now known – is an official Ambassador for the Calgary Stampede and encourages the dedication to the preservation of the Treaty 7 traditions and instilling pride of the rich First Nations culture.

Now, the search for the 2014 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess begins!

Each year, an incredible young woman from one of the five tribes of Treaty 7 is selected to serve as the official representative of Indian and the Calgary Stampede.

As a member of the official Stampede Royalty program, the Indian Princess and will educate those she meets about the rich and colorful First Nations culture, while representing the Calgary Stampede and City of Calgary locally, nationally and internationally.

The 2014 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess Pageant will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 in the Main Ballroom at the Carriage House Inn (9030 Macleod Trail South) at 2p.m. This pageant is open to the public.

Application deadline is August 23, 2013 at 4:30 p.m.

We encourage the women of Treaty 7 nations between the ages of 18-24 to challenge themselves for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reign as the Calgary Stampede Indian Princess!

For more information please contact Sarah Rivest at 403.261.0137 or via email at indianprincess@calgarystampede.com.

Applications are available at Stampede Headquarters, Stampede Indian Events or can be downloaded at:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/139364360/2014-Indian-Princess-Application

The Calgary Stampede Indian Village is presented through the generous support of PENN WEST EXPLORATION who are committed to sustaining relationships with Aboriginal communities built on respect, openness, honesty, integrity and trust while working together, to develop mutually beneficial community, education and economic opportunities. www.pennwest.com/sustainability/aboriginal-relations.html

Time to let you in on the secret! NEW food on the Midway 2013

May

2013

by James Radke, Midway manager

If you are anything like me you have been anxiously awaiting the day when we share the news about all things food at this year’s Stampede. This is the day when you start planning your trip to Stampede based solely on where your stomach and nose will take you. You may even start training for the feast that awaits you this July. I have some words of wisdom: if you don’t have an addiction to bacon, you will; and if you are watching your figure, get over it for ten days.

After a great Centennial year, everyone has been asking “what’s next”? Never willing to back down from a challenge, at Stampede 101 you will get to enjoy the first ever Calgary Stampede Food Truck Rally and a nearly doubled New Food on the Midway list.

18 of Calgary’s favourite food trucks will be rollin’ onto Park on July 11-13. They are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready to cook you up some of their best dishes. Express your love for food and release your inner Foodie by visiting the favourite local food trucks on Park.

2013 is a record breaking year for new food, with an unprecedented 31 items! There is sure to be something new for every Stampede food fan, from delicious International flavours to downright daring offerings.

Taking deep fried to a new level. Of Awesome.

Our food vendors are always looking to try to turn everyday food on its head. Usually this involves some form of deep frying and 2013 is no exception

Double Bacon Corndog

A hot dog is wrapped in bacon, deep fried, dipped in real bacon bit infused batter, deep fried again and served with maple syrup and more bacon bits.

Sweet Corn Corndog

Fresh sweet corn is husked, cut off the cob and added to traditional corndog batter to create a fresh twist on an old favourite.

Banana Bacon Ear

Elephant ear dough is wrapped around bacon and bananas, deep fried and served on a stick.

Deep Fried Pickled Beans

Continuing the pickle craze, green beans are pickled, battered and deep fried.

Deep Fried Butter

The old adage that calories don’t count during Stampede is put to the test with this treat. Cubes of butter are tightly wrapped in homemade pie crust before being deep fried to perfection.

Deep Fried Pie

Homemade pie crust is filled with your choice of pie filling before it is wrapped, deep fried and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Soft service ice cream is available to top it all off.

Deep Fried Doritos

A deep fried snack made of Doritos, beer and bacon, could it get any better? Doritos are dipped in a beer batter, sprinkled with bacon bits and deep fried.

Deep Fried Bubble Gum

Despite the name, deep fried bubble gum is not of the bubble blowing variety. Puffy marshmallows are infused with bubble gum flavoring, dipped in a pink pastry batter and deep fried. The result is an unexpected gooey delight!

Deep Fried Avocado

Pieces of avocado are coated in light tempura batter and deep fried.

Deep Fried Philly Cheesesteak Rollup

The traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which gets rolled up and deep fried.

Chip DogNot your typical meat and potatoes. Take your hotdog on a stick and then surround it by spiral cut chips.

International Delights
With visitors from all over the world our list would be incomplete without a few International dishes. While some have remained true to tradition we couldn’t help throw a Stampede twist on a few.

Eggroll On a Stick

A Chinese favourite gets the Stampede treatment when we take a classic eggroll and serve it on a stick

Shrimp Chips

A mixture of shrimp and tapioca flour is rolled out, sliced, dried and then deep fried. A staple Asian snack!

Naaco TNT

A sweet, salty, spicy, fresh & crunchy puffed rice based salad from India. It is made by mixing a variety of vegetables, sauces/chutneys, spice powders, fresh herbs, lime and puffed rice together and serving it in a waffle cone.

Cochinita Pibil

A pork taco with Adobe salsa, lime, red onions, habaneros (for the REAL Cowboy)

Flautas de Pollo

Rolled chicken tacos that are deep friend and with sour cream, Lettuce and Salsa on top

Not your average sweet treats!
Got a serious sweet tooth? We’ll put it to the test with our combination of decadent desserts and unique treats.

Chocolate Dipped Jalapeno

Just as it sounds. A jalapeno is dipped into chocolate to make for a sweet and spicy treat

Chocolate Covered Bacon

Combining two of our favourite food groups, bacon is dipped in chocolate and served on a stick.

Frozen Yogurt

This self-serve frozen treat comes with toppings galore. You are the boss of your yogurt destiny!

B52 Fudge

Fudge with a buzz! Baileys fudge is topped with Grand Marnier fudge and then topped off with Kahlua fudge.

Chocolate Cinnamon Bear Fudge

Cinnamon Bears are added to this crowd pleasing fudge to blend sweet and spicy.

Western Cake Pops

Finally cake on a stick. Gooey chocolate cake shaped as cowboy boots and hats then dipped in milk chocolate. Giddy up!

Dessert Fries

Home cut french fries are coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a side of special frosting dipping sauce.

Chocolate Bacon Fudge

Bite into this decadent chocolate fudge and you will discover bacon bits that have been added to the mixture. Sweet and salty!

Chocolate Bacon Apple

No fair is complete without a chocolate coated apple and Stampede is no exception. Roll that apple in bacon bits and you are on a new playing field.

Downhome Good Eats
Sometimes you just want some good ol’ fashioned home cooking but your mom is at Family Feud. Let us take care of the cooking for you!

Philly Cheesesteak

Thinly sliced pieces of steak, sautéed onions and melted cheese are all served on a hoagie roll for this Philadelphia favourite.

Idaho Nachos

Idaho’s version of nachos starts with waffle cut fries that are then topped up with all the fix’ins.

Godzilla Mac and Cheese

Classic gourmet Mac and Cheese with a Japanese flair. ‘Reel Mac and Cheese’ is topped with Nori (roasted seaweed), teriyaki sauce and a squiggle of Japanese mayo. Arigoto.

Idaho Taco

A jumbo Idahoan potato is baked, opened and then loaded to the brim with your favourite taco toppings.

Double smoked bacon wrapped cheese perogie skewer

Pan fried perogies wrapped with double smoked bacon, skewered and served with a dollop of sour cream and chives

For those who dare!
Sometimes you have to show your friends who’s boss. The best way I can think of involves an ounce of pickle juice served straight up.

Pickle Shooters

Think you have the stomach for it? Shots of pure pickle juice are available for those daring enough to try.

To help you plan your trip check out the New Food on the Midway map!

I will leave you with dreams of cake pops dancing in your head, but be sure to stay tuned for more exciting updates on all things food for this year’s Stampede.

Written By:

Jillian Cook

Lindsey Kendrick

School’s Out….Let’s Stampede!

Apr

2013

by Amber Big Plume, 2013 Indian Princess

Dadanast’ada!!

UPDATE TIME!!!

At the end of March the Stampede Royalty attended the GMC Rangeland Derby Chuckwagon Canvas Auction, escorting the drivers on and off stage to be bid on; and it was broadcasted on Shaw TV. It was so much fun!! It was a very cool experience to escort some of the guys that you see racing every year during the Stampede. I had to escort some of the taller guys too, and with being 5’2”, I can imagine how odd it looked.

I also got to meet Terry “Mantracker” Grant and tell him about my recent trip to Berlin where I met his cousin Ted! You’re welcome Ted!

My stampede sisters and I also participated in a photo shoot for Avenue Magazine and will be featured modeling clothes from the Stampede Store, be sure to keep an eye out for the issue!!

In April I got to attend Aggie Days! I remember when I was in grade 3, Aggie Days was a highlight field trip and I always remember that was the first time I learned how to milk a cow and spin a rope. Seeing the kids at Aggie Days reminded me of how excited I was to learn about agriculture in Alberta. I was at Aggie Days all 5 days from the Wednesday to Sunday and had a blast! The first 3 days were open for schools and on the weekend was open for the public. The Calgary Stampede Queen and Princesses and I attended the Rodeo every day and did rodeo demonstrations in the dirt with Harry the Horse, three of us were the barrels and one of us would run the barrel racing pattern. I was also busy at the Indian Events exhibit signing autographs, giving out paper crowns and participating in dance demonstrations every day. After the 5 days at Aggie Days we managed to give out 7,500 crowns and sign 700 postcards! That’s a record so far.

I then traveled to Chestermere where I was a guest speaker and did a dance demonstration at Prairie Waters Elementary School. The school was hosting a culture fair and awareness day and I was proud to represent the treaty 7 First Nations culture as an aspect of this culture fair.

This past Friday, I was a celebrity food seller at Lawson Lundell Celebrity Hors d’oeuvres in support of Alberta Theatre Projects and teamed up with the Marriott Hotel, of whom the chef, Lorraine Fowler, won two awards for her d’oeuvres. I had the chance to meet actor Shaun Johnston who plays “Jack Bartlett” on CBC’s “Heartland.”

On Saturday I was also a guest at the Calgary Dance Stampede event, I was a performer to over 200 guests! It’s so exhilarating to me when I get to perform and share my culture in front of that many people.

We are now 72 days away from Stampede 2013 and the calendar is getting busier and busier. This morning I wrote my last exam at the University of Calgary and I’m now ready to Stampede!

For those who would like to receive more updates during my year, you can follow me at any of the social media options below.

Until next time!!

CSIP Amber

Royalty Springing into Action!

Apr

2013

by Danielle Kakoschke, 2013 Stampede Princess

Spring is here (plus or minus a few “snowy” set backs ) and I cannot believe that it is almost the end of April already! As we do get closer to the summer months, my Stampede sisters and I cannot help but wait in anticipation and excitement knowing that the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is just around the corner! Through our excitement in waiting for the Calgary Stampede to kick off, we have been hitting our busy spring schedule full force! From Aggie Days, to school visits, to photo shoots, my Stampede sisters and I have been so excited to spread some Stampede excitement in and around the city!

Just recently we were asked to be special guests at a 4-H Foothills District Fun Night in High River. 4-H is one of Canada’s longest-running youth organizations for young people between the ages of 8 and 21. This program gives youth opportunities to learn new skills from public speaking to keeping records of their 4-H projects, while making friends and connections within the community. I was a member of the Okotoks Outriders 4-H Light Horse Club for nine years and believe that the program itself helped me greatly in developing numerous skills that I have been able to use as I have progressed throughout my life. Therefore, when I heard that we were requested to a attend 4-H event I was very excited to be able to return to the program and share my story of how 4-H has contributed to my journey in obtaining my dreams and goals, like becoming a member of the Calgary Stampede Royal Trio!

At the District Fun Night some of the local sheep, dog, beef and horse 4-H clubs attended and competed in a lip-sync competition. While the members showed off their lip-syncing skills, members, friend and family enjoyed a great night with a wonderful dinner, silent auction and dance! As the special guests, my Stampede sisters and I were invited to judge the lip-syncing competition as well as give a presentation on the highlights that we have had in our year so far, and inform everyone about the upcoming competition for the new 2014 Stampede Royalty. Although none of us had ever judged a lip-syncing competition before we had a blast watching each club entertain us with their funny costumes, choreography and creative props! From Tim McGraw to Grease we heard it all and had a great evening not only judging the lip-sync competition but mixing and mingling with the 4-H members and getting everyone excited for the Calgary Stampede!

As I said before spring is a very busy time for my Stampede sisters and I so be sure to keep checking out blogs, Facebook page and Twitter (@StampedeQandP) to keep up with what exciting adventures we get up to around the city!

Enjoy your week in the sunshine and I’ll talk to you soon!

-Princess Danielle

P.S- Your George Strait song for this week is “The Seashores of Old Mexico”- perfect to get you in the mood for some warmer weather!

P.P.S- The month of April is Royalty birthday time! Both I and my Stampede sister Queen Jessica have birthdays at the end of this month. We are both so excited to be celebrating our birthdays with each other as Stampede Royalty-truly a birthday we will never forget :)