BMO Kids’ Day

It’s a grand day for the kids today. Children under the age of 12 and accompanying adults get free admission from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. They’ll enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Grandstand Courtyard from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Buckaroos Stage

There’s entertainment all day long in the lower level of the Big Four Building. New for 2009 is the Loose Moose Theatre for kids where traditional tales get a cowboy twist. Showtimes are throughout the day.

BMO Kids’ Zone

Little cowpokes can get involved in some Stampede-style competition with the Kids’ Tractor Pull and Kids’ Team Penning at Saddledome Lane in the BMO Kids’ Zone.

2010 Poster Unveiling

Be on hand for the 2010 Calgary Stampede poster unveiling at the Window on the West Stage in Hall D of BMO Centre at 10 a.m. The poster original artwork will be auctioned off along with 85 works contributed by Canadian and American artists at the 2009 Western Art Auction, July 9.

Hungry?

Try Stampede’s Deep-Fried Jelly Beans on the Midway.

New “Must-Sees”

Disney’s High School Musical: Summer Celebration! A full cast of singers and dancers perform the favourite songs from all three hit High School Musical movies on the Coca-Cola Stage. Showtimes are at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Bobs & Lolo engage kids with dancing, singing and playing along in an exciting world filled with bikes, gardens, rocket ships and more! Daily 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. Additional shows July 8, 11 and 12 at 11 a.m.

On Stage for Wednesday July 8, 2009

Nashville North: Crystal Shawanda 9 p.m..
Coca-Cola Stage: The Ending 8 p.m., Thornley 9 p.m.
Saddledome Plaza Stage: The USA Break Dancers 5:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Pengrowth Saddledome: Taylor Swift 8 p.m. (sold out)

Today’s Rodeo Results

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/rodeo/results/

Tonight’s GMC Rangeland Derby Race Results (available after midnight)

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/chuckwagon-races/results.html

Well I got my wish, it was a great night for wagon racing.  The track was dry and the racing was fast.  Obrey Motowylo tore up the track with a day money win, and Rae Croteau and Chad Harden both had good runs off the 4 barrel.  We had the re-draw last night and I managed to keep all my drivers except 1- Jim Nevada.  I had to quit Jim to ride for Luke Tournier, which was tough because Jim is a brother to me.  Jim’s barn is where I have always hung my hat, we have travelled together for 20 years, and we are partners in one of the horses that he is using this week.  But Luke Tournier has been my first call ever since Jim retired a few years ago, and Jim isn’t running with the WPCA circuit anymore.  Oh well, the boys in the barn are bugging me pretty hard, calling me a traiter and stuff, but it is all in good fun.  We just passed the midway point, but the next 3 days are crucial to get in to the top 8 for Saturday night.  One way or another, it will be exciting.  Thank You

Well we got through tonight and as it turned out, it wasn’t that bad.  It rained about 2 feet this afternoon, and we knew the track and infield was going to be a mess.  As and outrider, a muddy infield is tough because if you can’t get your footing, it could be a wreck waiting to happen.  There is a lot of things going on after the horn blows that people don’t see, like if you have to check a horse (slow him down) or run hard just to keep up with him so you can swing into the saddle.  When the infield is heavy, it is harder to keep up with the horse, or slow him down, or even jump on because of the mud.  What can happen is if you get behind the horse and you try to pull on him to slow him down, he is going to go to the left, which is where the lead team of the barrel outside of you is going to be, so there might be a collision and I don’t have to tell you who is going to win that battle (it won’t be the outrider).  That being said, the Stampede did a great job with that infield because it was a lot better than it used to be a few years ago.  I remember one year when it was and 3 feet deep in that infield, it was up to your knees.  As for the races, two of my outfits got hit with penalties last night, Luke Tournier got nailed with a 5 second interference call, and Chad Harden got 3 seconds in outriding penalties.  Doug Irvine and Rae Croteau ran fast and clean so they are right where they want to be.  I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow, it’s so much nicer when it is dry.  Goodnight.

By Brenna Trann, Mother of a 4-month old.

If you’re feeling brave or you just cannot give up your Stampede experience and want to bring along the lil’ buckeroo, you need to be aware of some things.

Strollers can be really good and really bad. In these crowds a stroller means you need to be very patient and know where you’re going. They are great in the Ag-tivity in the City booth where there is lots of room for you to walk and park. But get ready to leave your child’s ride at the door at Superdogs.

Bathrooms. Well they might have change table in them, but it can be tight fit in there.  Look for a quiet bathroom in the Western Oasis (my favorite place).  I found the Western Oasis in the BMO Centre to be the best place if you need to feed your babes.  Quiet, low lighting and lots of benches with plenty of room for your kids and stroller. Plus there are food kiosks for the older kids.

Just outside the Boyce Theatre near the entrance for the Stampede Market is a secret gem, a dark carpeted quiet room, the perfect place for the little buckaroo to crash for a little bit. Jaycee Park outside the Agriculture building is a nice peice of lawn to sit on, not much shade, but a place to sit for lunch at least. Speaking of lunch: for a wide variety of foods try out The Range in the basement of the Big 4 building.

By: Jen Jensen

Okay, I know you are already thinking, Grandstand show… it’s the same year after year. However I am confident you will be genuinely surprised and impressed in the obvious attempt the Stampede has taken to bring in a new show in 2009. Not only do they have professional singers, dancers, trapeze artists, motor cross drivers but the music is not the same three songs over and over in six different languages. The comedian… funny and a stage that keeps your eyes so busy your wondering if the choreographer was brought in from Cirque De Soleil. Performers flying over the Grandstand, the moon as a back drop and a fireworks show that is nothing short of spectacular bring it all to a close! Still don’t believe me… see the pics to tease your entertainment taste buds and then head on down to the park to experience it for yourself. (more…)

It was fun to be back at the Calgary Stampede. I really enjoyed seeing all the Committee members. Great to see all the people who work at the Stampede. Thanks to Jessica Bearns who helped get TJ ready and help me down the alley each day before our run. TJ can get really fired up and having a buddy horse their beside her keeps her a lot calmer.  I think this is only the 2nd time I have ever seen it rain that hard on Monday. We were soooo wet. My black hat was so wet that it died my blonde hair black. I did get the die washed out. 

The best part about Calgary Stampede, when I was running, is how much the crowd gets into the Barrel Racing. One can hear the cheers, like a wild roar. It is so thrilling to be a part of this excietment. I hope we as barrel racers can encourage all the young girls who like this sport, to get involved and have it their goal to participate in Calgary some day. 

I remember when I was about 10 years old that it was my dream to be the Calgary Stampede Queen. Then in 1973 I was honored to wear that crown. What a wonderful year. Then as the years went on and I got more involved in Barrel Racing I try to qualify as often as possible. 

See all of you on Saturday, July 11, when I will be trying to qualify for the Sunday Show Down. 

Western Heritage Day

Seniors are invited to come down and enjoy the Calgary Stampede with free admission all day plus free refreshments and entertainment in the Stampede Corral. Seniors also receive free WestJet Skyrides all day and a free bingo play at the top of each hour.

Showbands Live!

Don’t miss Showbands Live! Where nearly 1,000 competitors from as far away as Australia and Taiwan compete for top honours and prize money. Competition starts at 1 p.m. The Showcase Performance is at 6 p.m. and the awards ceremony is held at 8 p.m. in the Pengrowth Saddledome.

Rodeo

Rodeo action continues at 1:30 p.m. today. New for 2009 Western Heritage Day, seniors can get Free Copper Section Rodeo and Evening Show tickets (limited seating). Tickets are available at the Grandstand Ticket Office starting at 10 a.m.

Ag-tivities

The Canadian National Miniature Horse show wraps up today with shows from 8 a.m. to noon at The Big Top and from 3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Northern Lights. The Canadian Supreme Halter Champion will be awarded at the end of the show.

New “Must-Sees”

The Heebee-jeebees are new on the Coca-Cola Stage for 2009. Showtimes today at 12:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Indian Village

The Indian Village has been part of the Calgary Stampede since 1912. Watch traditional handgames, cheer at a tipi raising contest, admire native handicrafts or learn about traditional meat cutting skills. Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Hungry?

New at the Harvest Room Café located in the Plus 15 level, BMO Centre try the Wonton King’s signature Wonton Soup.

On Stage for Tuesday July 7, 2009
Nashville North: George Fox, 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Kentucky Headhunters 9 p.m.
Coca-Cola Stage: Inward Eye 8 p.m. The Trews 9 p.m.
Saddledome Plaza Stage: Treaty 7 Native Dancers 2:30 p.m.  A Band of Outriders 7 p.m.

Today’s Rodeo Results

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/rodeo/results/

Tonight’s GMC Rangeland Derby Race Results (available after midnight)

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/chuckwagon-races/results.html

By Brenna Trann

Of course Superdogs are super, but you’re going to miss out if you don’t go early.  The shows are at 10am, 1 pm, 4pm and 7:30 in the Stampede Corral. These shows fill up fast.  Plan to leave your stroller outside in the corridor.  IF you don’t make it to the 7:30 show head down the hall to the Boyce Theatre for Stampede Talent Search.  The Corral is right beside the Kids Midway and provides some great air conditioned down time.

Here is a peek at the Superdog show seen through the eyes of our Roving Reporter:

By: Jen Jensen

I remember as a little girl my dad saying “everyone loves a parade” and this year in Calgary it was no different. The people I met were from all over; some traveled a great distance (and the yearly die-hards were there at 6:30am or earlier) and some were there for the first time, all waiting in anticipation. For me, I find the attraction to be a few of the ol’ favorites that make it here year after year such as the army tanks and the Stampede Show Band and there are always some new highlights. It impressed me this year that the crowd gave a standing ovation as the law enforcement and army passed by. It made me realize this is one of the few opportunities we get to show our appreciation publicly. The diversity always surprises me, I made sure to catch a shot of the guy riding the Brahma bull:

Cowgirl belly dancers (I mean where else can you see that in one place): (more…)

So I made it to Alberta today.  Rather than going into the Stampede grounds I decided to stay at fellow barrel racer Lindsay Sears’ house for the night and I will get up and roll on into Calgary tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.  I heard it rained really hard today, and that it is supposed to continue that for a few days.  I’m not going to lie…this is NOT a barrel racers dream!  I have two horses with me and I will decide who to run after I see the ground conditions for myself.  I am not going to let a little rain get in the way of enjoying the atmosphere at the Stampede though.  The energy in the city is going to be amazing!!!

This is all I have for now, but I will report back to ya after I get there and take it all in!!!

By Sarah

More than 350,000 people lined the streets of downtown Calgary on Friday to check out the big kick-off to the Stampede – its infamous parade. This year, among the likes of Parade Marshall (and home reno guru) Mike Holmes were dozens of Calgarians who had signed up to be celebrity rodeo clowns to lead the parade.

When the parade finished, the crowd of clowns gathered for a wrap up event at the Hose and Hound pub in Inglewood. Not only did the clowns bring a lot of smiles to the crowd, it seems they also enjoyed themselves during the walk through Calgary streets.

“This was my first year being a rodeo clown, and it won’t be my last,” said long-time Calgary Stampede sponsor and Senior Vice President of Altus Energy Services Norm Denoon. “We had a fabulous time, it was a great event!”

Interested in being a Celebrity Rodeo Clown? Learn more about the program here.

By: Reginald Tiangha

Spotlight’s back and this time with a new venue!

Need a place to escape from the hot sun, rainy weather, or pesky mosquitoes? Need a place to rest your achy feet and kill some time in-between events? Need a place to sit and relax or play some video games while you wait for your friends to make their way to the Park? Need a free place to check your e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter? Then the Bell Getaway located on the second floor of the Big Four building is just the place for you!

New this year, the Bell Getaway is a place where one can escape the chaos of the midway and either relax or sample some of the latest in technology. It consists of a lounge, digital showcase, a free Internet café, and the Rocktagon. (more…)

By Sarah

Wondering what time an event starts? Do you need directions on the Stampede Grounds? Stampede guests can get quick answers to their questions via text message. Simply text STAMPEDE followed by a question to 24680 and a Stampede Guest Services representative will respond (standard text messaging rates apply). Questions are answered between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., July 3-12.

Tonight was a pretty good night for my wagons.  Chad Harden fired off the 4 barrel in Heat 3 to take day money, Doug Irvine ran second for the night, and Jim Nevada was 4th.  So far, my wagons are stiitng pretty good, just where we want to be, but it is a long week and we need to keep things together.   Rae Croteau took a couple outriding penalties last night which set him back, but he is running strong so hopefuly he can rebound.  Hopefully the rain will stay away a little bit, we got lucky again last night.  I haven’t had a chance to get over to the rodeo yet, maybe today would be a good day for that.  We re-draw the heats after tonight so I need some luck to keep all my good outfits from being hooked together in the same heats.  Thanks.

World Stock Dog Championship Finals

Watch these highly skilled dogs herd sheep through a course and into a pen as their handlers guide them with a whistle or voice commands. Some handlers even direct their dogs with only the slightest hand gestures. It’s fascinating to watch and finals begin tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Pengrowth Saddledome with the winner taking home $10,000.

Team Penning Championship Finals

Watch a race against the clock as the skills of horse and rider square off against the herd instincts of cattle. The winners of today’s finals will get their share of over $200,000 in prize money. This event is located in the Pengrowth Saddledome at 5 p.m.

Rodeo

It’s the last day for Pool A to compete in the six major rodeo events – saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and ladies barrel racing. Each event has $17,500 up for prize money daily. They are vying for a spot in Final Sunday for the richest ride in rodeo with total prize money topping $2 million.

Farm Families Recognized

BMO and the Calgary Stampede honour 19 outstanding Alberta farm families with the BMO Farm Family Awards in the Palomino Room from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Meet Dora The Explorer

Come on, vamanos! Dora is visiting Jaycee Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 6 and July 7. This is a special chance to get a hug and a photo from this popular children’s character.

New “Must-Sees”

Visit Western Oasis, new for 2009 and located in the newly expanded BMO Centre Halls D and E. Enjoy western art and lifestyle displays while taking a break in the relaxing oasis areas, complete with natural outdoor elements such as stone, greenery and water features. While there, don’t miss the Western Oasis wine garden where guests can enjoy wine samples and learn more about wines from our Stampede hosts.

Check out Les Vitamines on the Saddledome Plaza Stage. New for 2009, this hilarious pair of juggling acrobats has wowed audiences across North America. Showtimes throughout the day.

Music

Today’s Best Music Monday presented by Energy 101.5 features a great line-up: Carly Rae Jepsen, Serena Ryder, the New Cities and Simple Plan on the Coca-Cola Stage. The afternoon performance with JUNO award-winning Serena Ryder is the first time the Stampede presents a highlight act on the Coca-Cola Stage during the day. The show begins at 3 p.m.

On Stage for Monday, July 6, 2009

Nashville North: Aaron Pritchett 9 p.m.
Coca-Cola Stage: Serena Ryder 3 p.m. Simple Plan 9 p.m.
Saddledome Plaza Stage:The Calgary Stampede Showband, the USA Break Dancers, Treaty 7 Native Dancers (times throughout the day)

Today’s Rodeo Results

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/rodeo/results/

Tonight’s GMC Rangeland Derby Race Results (available after midnight)

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/chuckwagon-races/results.html