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An Oasis in the Heart of Stampede Park

May

2013

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 Calgary Stampede OH Ranch

May

2013

by Ken Pigeon, Calgary Stampede OH Ranch Manager

Greetings from Calgary Stampede OH Ranch everyone!

So far we’ve talked about the guiding principles that will lead us forward here on 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.

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 :)

The City Gets a Taste of Country

Apr

2013

by Jessica Williams, 2013 Stampede Queen

What do you get when you put a whole bunch of children, farm animals, a rodeo, and farm equipment all in one building? Aggie Days!!!! This past week the Stampede has dedicated there time to teaching kids all about the farm life. Many people don’t realize that unless you grew up on a farm or close to one children may not know where milk, eggs, beef, pork or grain for their bread come from.

The two Stampede Princesses, Indian Princess and I have spent all week participating in Aggie Days and sharing our love for the rural lifestyle. Each morning we would attend the rodeo that was put on at the Corral. The first two days were for school groups only. All the classes came piling in and filled the majority of the seats. It was amazing to see so many kids experience there first rodeo. The rodeo had four events, Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Barrels, and of course the kids favorite Bull Riding. We would sit in the crowd and help cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls. When it was time for the Barrels the Catherine, Danielle, Amber, and I would help Harry the Horse demonstrate how the pattern was done. This consisted of three of us pretending to be barrels and one running the course with Harry, every once in a while we get to have a little fun! At the end of each rodeo the Royalty along with the cowboys and Ranch Girls would go into the arena and sign autographs for all the children.

Everyone year at Aggie Days the Queens Alumni puts on an event called Giddy Up. This is where children with special needs and their families can come and experience Aggie Days without such a huge crowd. It is reserved just for them. We started our morning off by posing in a photoshoot with each child and a friendly little pigmy goat we named “Muffy.” Each child was so excited to be there and it was wonderful being a part of that experience for them

The Indian Princess and I also had the opportunity to read a book to a group of children in the Scholastics reading corner. I have never seen a group of children sit so quietly and listen to the entire book. They soaked in every world that was read. After the book reading they were able to pick out a book that was about other farm animals or farming lifestyle to take home, all free from the Scholastic Books.

It may only be April but Stampede is getting closer and closer. Our schedules are filling up fast and before we know it Stampede will be here!!! Stay tuned to hear about the next events we attend!

Meet the 2013 Next Top Artist!

Apr

2013

by Laurel Lapointe, Next Generation committee volunteer

After months and months (okay an exaggeration, it was only two months) of searching through photos from our incredibly talented city, the Next Top Artist (whose paintings will decorate the walls of the 2013 Stampede Rotary Dream Home) has been decided by the design crew at Homes by Avi and Gibson Fine Art.

I’d like to introduce you to Caroline Stanley – a young, talented artist who with her trusted side kick (a very cute dog named Sisquo (pronounced sisco, who granted spends most of his time sleeping, but is helpful nonetheless) is currently putting the finishing touches on 30 pieces to hang on the walls for over 100,000 people to see. With four paint brushes in her hand (she can hold as many as six) and a palette of oil paint, she took the time to give me a brief tour of her studio and a sneak peek at the art for our Frank Lloyd Wright inspired Dream Home.

1) What is your educational background?
I always took any and all art classes in school and enjoyed it so much that I took extra classes at an art studio during junior/senior high school. After graduation I went to the Alberta College of Art + Design in 2003 to do a 4 year bachelor of fine arts degree, majoring in painting.

2) What inspired you to become an artist?
I can’t think of one thing in particular that really inspired me to be an artist; it’s just always something I’ve done, enjoyed and been good at. Growing up I had an abundance of smelly markers and crayons, and when I was about 10 or 11 I was obsessed with The Lion King and had a binder full of free-hand drawings I did of all the characters! After high school, I didn’t really know what to do besides art so art school just seemed like the right place to go.

3) Who has been your biggest influencer as an artist?
There have been different teachers and artists at different stages along the way. One teacher I took classes from around age 15-18 helped me understand a few essential things about being an artist; that we are a little unique and see things differently than most (like staring at a glass of water, studying how the light reflects off it) and also that making and showing a work of art to the public or other artists can feel like you’re exposing all your secrets to the world. His influence helped me see that I wasn’t alone in the way I thought and felt. His encouragement helped me believe I had a talent I could do something with.

4) How would you describe your style of painting?
Haha people always ask me this and I don’t really know! Maybe I just don’t want to restrict myself to a labeled box. I like to play so given the chance I feel like my art can take on different styles. But I guess if I had to pin it down for now I’d say something like saturated realism, saturated being that I tend to intensify colours. I love patterns and colours and design so when I’m out and about these are the types of things that catch my eye that I want to capture. While most people would be looking at the big picture of beauty, the mountains and the lake and the sky, I would be fascinated by small details like the colour of bark on a tree or the way the water moves over rocks. (Side note about Caroline’s studio – there is a wall of inspiration that contains close up photos of nature that depict the small details of colour and beauty that is often overlooked)

5) If you could purchase one piece of art to hang in your living room – who would it be by?
Hmm…This is a really hard choice; I really enjoy Jon Hartman’s paintings. The huge cityscapes from a bird’s eye view, I love his use of colour and line and how they have a playful ease to them.

6) How will winning the Next Top Artist change your career?
Winning this competition still seems crazy to me, unreal, even though I’m working on all the paintings for it. It was such a shock to even make it into the top 5, not a change of direction I was expecting so suddenly. Since graduating ACAD in 2007, I’ve been doing a lot of pet portrait commissions (except for the 2 years I spent traveling). This has been my main source of income and what many now know me as; “the girl who paints dogs!”. It’s great to actually be functioning as a fulltime artist and painting a subject that I love (dogs) but there’s been an itch in my fingers for a few years for a way to expand into something else, but with my lively hood depending on sustaining the commissions and some fear about “well what else can I paint? and once I do, what do I do with it?” it’s been hard to seriously branch out into anything else. Winning this has essentially provided a huge switch in the tracks!

Having only 3 months to complete an entire body of work has forced me to put all the dog paintings on hold and focus on painting nature, a subject I’ve been taking close-up pictures of for years. It’s been a nice change of scenery, reminding myself that I’m more than a painter of dogs, and hopefully others will see that too.

The representation at Gibson Fine Art will also be huge, my art hanging in a gallery?! It’s kind of something I wasn’t sure would ever happen! Honestly I didn’t really have an aim or goal in mind for my art. I was just doing what I do, taking things as they come, keeping my eyes open for potential doors and I guess just having faith that something would come when it was meant to. Then this opportunity falls in my lap. Just nuts! So being given this opportunity will definitely change my art career, to what extent I’m not sure (I still have maaannnnyy people waiting for dog portraits!) but it’s given me an outlet for another avenue of my art which I’m very thankful for. Overall I’m excited about the chance to capture nature through paint, having my art seen by thousands of people during the Stampede and after, and just being able to express the beauty of intricate designs, colours and patterns for the viewer to experience. It’s an unbelievable honour.

7) What’s your favourite Stampede memory?
My favourite Stampede memory is going as a little kid: they use to have duck and pig races that were awesome! The ducks would race waddle around the track and then climb up a little ramp and go down a slide into a kiddy pool full of water at the end. And the little pigs would just run like crazy! It was great! Come to think of it, I wonder how they got the ducks to ‘race’?

8) What Stampede Midway food do you love?
Stampede food has got to be mini doughnuts. Corndogs are also delicious!

Looking for more information on Caroline’s artwork – browse her website or follow her progress on the Stampede artwork on Facebook.

Want to purchase tickets to win the Rotary Stampede Dream Home or other amazing prizes? Buy advance tickets and get:

11 tickets for the Rotary Stampede Dream Home
9 tickets for the Kinsmen Wheels
Entry into Early Bird Prize draws on June 11 (if purchased by May 24!)
Park admission
50% off Calgary Stampede Rodeo or Evening Show Tickets (limited quantities available)

Check out the Great Stampede Lotteries website for information.

Countdown is on to the 2013 Calgary Stampede!

: Wall of Inspiration as you enter Caroline’s Studio

: Caroline with her many paint brushes in her hand

: Caroline working on a painting for the Dream Home

: Sisquo – Caroline’s side kick

: Painting that will be show cased during Stampede

Guten Tag Berlin!

Apr

2013

by Amber Big Plume, 2013 Indian Princess

Hello! Dadanast’ada! Guten Tag!

Since my last update I had the HONOR of representing not only the Calgary Stampede and Indian Village, but to represent Alberta and Canada, at the world’s largest trade show in Berlin, Germany! I had an amazing time!!

ITB Berlin consisted of 27 pavilions, each was sorted by the continent and in each continent were different countries all promoting travel and showcasing their country’s food, music, culture and tourist attractions. For example, walking through the Africa pavilion, you would encounter people from Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya etc. Walking through the different pavilions allowed me to meet people from all over the world! I saw it as “walking across the world”. This was such a different experience for me because I didn’t just meet people from Germany, I met people from the entire globe and had the change to invite all to Canada, Alberta and the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

While in Berlin, I did have a few opportunities to sight-see and experience some Berlin’s attractions such as the Charlottenburg Schloss (Palace), which was incredible! It was my first time being in an actual castle and I was blown away by its architecture and history.

I also visited the Berlin Cathedral, which is the largest church in Germany and was completed in 1905, but its history dates back to the 17^th century. I not only got to tour the cathedral but I was lucky enough to tour the dome as well and look out from the dome to the city of Berlin.

Finally, one of the highlights of sightseeing was Brandenburg Gate. I performed my traditional women’s fancy shawl dance right in front of it!! It was a proud moment for me to represent and share such a prominent part of Treaty 7 First Nation’s culture on the other side of the world. If you would like to watch the dance it can be seen here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh0W8Eensdc

Another highlight was an International Press Breakfast where I met many people not only from Germany, but from Eastern Canada and the United States. I also met Miss British Virgin Islands…her crown was incredible!

Finally, I attended a Canadian Tourism Commission reception at the Canadian Embassy and presented a piece of artwork by Indian Village sponsor and artist Paul Van Ginkel, on behalf of the Calgary Stampede Indian Village to the Embassy. This presentation was an honor!

I would just like to thank the Calgary Stampede Tourism, Sally Leung and Lindsey Jardine for this opportunity and their hard work in organizing this trip. It meant so much to me and I cannot begin to explain the experience I gained from I and it was truly something I will never forget! I would also like to thank the Canadian Tourism Commission for being so welcoming to me while there, along with everyone from Travel Alberta. This was truly a trip of a lifetime and I am extremely thankful and humble about the experience I gained from it.

Until next time!

Indian Princess Amber

FROM BIO-COMPOSITES TO BLUSH: HOW AGRICULTURE MEETS OUR DAILY NEEDS IN NON-FOOD WAYS

Apr

2013

by Teresa Falk, Aggie Days Committee

Aggie Days is almost here! Here is a guest post by Cami Ryan. Cami is a researcher with the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan and a member of the Calgary Stampede’s Ag Media Committee. Her family farmed and she grew up as a “townie” in rural Saskatchewan. Farming and agriculture have always been an important part of her life – both professionally and personally. Cami lives with her family and a collection of critters on an acreage just south of Calgary. Check out her blog: http://doccamiryan.wordpress.com/

Don’t miss Aggie Days this weekend at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park. Admission is FREE for everyone! And make sure you become a fan and follower of the Aggie Days Facebook and Twitter accounts for all the latest news!

“Food” is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think about farming and agriculture; things like fruits or vegetables or commodity crops such as wheat, barley and canola. Food is an essential part of our every day lives and we are fortunate to live in a part of the world where we can enjoy a variety of foodstuffs sourced from our friendly farmer.

But did you know that farming and agriculture is more than just “food?” Whether you live in the city or the country, products of agriculture are all around you. And you just might be surprised the shape and form those products take!

Take, for example, biocomposites. A biocomposite is a material formed through the combination of a polymer with natural plant fibers such as hemp or flax. Biocomposite materials can be easily molded into things such as car dashboards or car door panels. (See the biocomposite specs on the “Kestrel” car developed in Alberta by Motive Industries). Biocomposites are also used not only in the manufacture of weed control materials or textiles but also in the development of green building products such as biofibre insulation and cement and fibreboard panels (see the Alberta-based company, TTS, for information on their biocomposite products and innovations).

: Car panel door, photo sourced from: Wikipedia

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have agricultural goods used in the manufacturing of hair and skin care products as well as cosmetics. Emolient oils (EOs) are extracted from the seeds of crops such as flax, palm, soybean, sunflower, hemp or canola. EOs can penetrate the skin and bind to the membrane of the skin making them useful additives to a variety of beauty products such as skin moisturizers, anti-dandruff shampoos and even permanent waving agents. Cornstarch, derived from corn, is often used in eyeshadows and blushes.

Peas have been known to be used in facial masks. Oats and oat products serve as effective moisturizing and skin protection agents. And let’s not forget “Royal Jelly.” Royal Jelly is secreted from the glands of worker bees to feed larvae and queen bee within a bee colony. Not only does Royal Jelly have anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory properties (and pharmaceutical application), it is also widely used in cosmetic and beauty products. Lanolin is a yellow waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep. It is used in a variety of products from cream make-up to lipgloss to hand and skin moisturizers. Even bull semen is used as an additive in hair care products!

These are just a few of many examples of how agriculture is all around us. Agriculture is more than just food… it is an essential part of our everyday lives. No matter where we live!