School exams are over, spring is in the air and we are only 72 sleeps away from the world’s greatest outdoor show on earth. Just a couple weeks ago, Katie and I had the honor of helping make a young girls wish come true. Ava is 7 years old and fighting a battle against Cancer. This little girl wanted nothing more than to become a cowgirl for a day, so this is just what we did! Along with the Children’s Wish Foundation, Travel Alberta, our Stampede family, and our amazing sponsors in Lammles, we were able to make this day one she would never forget. First we headed to Lammles where we dressed her head to toe in some awesome cowgirl swag. Ava was so excited and ran straight for the red cowboy boots! Now dressed for the part we headed back to Stampede Park where a beautiful horse named Rosie awaited. One of the first times on a horse and Ava did not want to get off. She told us riding was her favorite part of the day! Next we headed over to the Big Four where we took Ava for lunch Stampede style at Mavericks. The day was not complete without a visit to our Stampede Store where they were hooked up with a tone of amazing merchandise. We even had time for some cowgirl dance lessons where Katie and I taught Ava he very first line dance. The smile on Ava and her mother’s face told the story of the day. It is days like this when I can spread some western hospitality and make children’s dreams come true that made me want to be a Calgary Stampede Princess.

Until next time, remember if you dream big and live proud, anything is possible

Kirstie

Concerts highlight the week ahead at Stampede Park with Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, and Simon & Garfunkel all making appearances in the next seven days. That, plus the Calgary Spring Antiques Show & Sale and the final two days of the 2010 Calgary Stampede Talent Search auditions.

UPDATE: The Simon & Garfunkel concert scheduled for Sunday, May 2 has been postponed to Monday, July 5 due to a vocal strain suffered by Art Garfunkel. More details at their official website. According to Ticketmaster, original tickets will be honoured for the new date. Refunds are available at Point of Purchase if you are unable to attend the new date.

UPDATE 2: The Simon & Garfunkel concert has been canceled indefinitely.

Details on these events and more after the jump.

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Save the Date

April 24, 2010

It was a cold, wet day in the city. Colder and wetter than normal, and that’s saying something. As I prowled the streets of Calgary on my daily patrol, I couldn’t help but notice that something was afoot.

Something was…different.

There were Power Rangers and Zombies in the downtown core, Ghostbusters running around with active proton packs, and if that weren’t weird enough, there were an unusual number of Jedi Knights and Stormtroopers walking together side-by-side.

What’s next? Dogs and cats living together?

I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all leading to something. Somewhere.

Intrigued, I decided to investigate. I followed this multifarious gallery of rogues as they led me to the BMO Centre. Directed by even more Stormtroopers, they proceeded to meet up with their fellow brethren. What I saw amazed me. I couldn’t believe my eyes! So many of the world’s most nefarious villains, all in one place! And in my city!

The Big Score.

This was my chance. I was ready to pounce. If I could just get the jump on them, I could…hey, is that R2-D2?? OMG! I have to get a picture!

OK, so I’m no Frank Miller, and there’s a reason why I never became a comic book writer. That said, heroes, villains, and icons were the theme of the day at Day One of the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo.

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Hi everyone! Tomorrow is a very important day for us, as we will be participating in the Step Out for Lupus Run. We are running on behalf of our wonderful sponsor and friend Liz (who owns and operates The Aria Studios). Lupus is an auto-immune disease that affects the lives of thousands of Canadians.  The symptoms that Lupus presents are varying and difficult to diagnose. The extent and severity of the disease is also different for everybody. Currently there is no cure.

If anyone is able to join us for the run tomorrow it takes place at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Registration and check-in begin at 11:00 am and the run itself will commence at 12:00.  You can choose to do a 3k or 5k run or walk. If you are unable to attend the run but would like to make a donation to Lupus  you can do so online at www.CanadaHelps.org

If you would like any additional information about the run or about lupus itself check out www.lupus.ab.ca

Hope to see you out there!!

Katie

By: Reginald Tiangha

The Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo and The Calgary Woman’s Show highlight a diverse offering of events, special guests, and other things to check out this week at Stampede Park.

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By:  Reginald Tiangha

A few events this week at Stampede Park, plus the beginning of the 2010 Calgary Stampede Talent Search!

More details after the jump.

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By Killa Burkinshaw

It’s another exciting week down on Stampede Park. The Log and Cottage Show and NHL Calgary Flames‘ battle for the playoffs  are just two of the events highlighting the next seven days at Stampede Park. Interested in what else is going on this week?

* The Log and Cottage Show is a show built specifically for log and timber frame builders and crafters to showcase their products, plus the many suppliers that support one of the ‘coolest’ industry’s around. Also supported by development and real estate companies offering ideal acreage and lakeside opportunities. April 9-11, 2010 BMO Centre. For more information click here.
* The NHL’s Calgary Flames play twice this week. On Tuesday, April 6 the San Jose Sharks come swimming into the Saddledome at 7.30 pm, followed by the Minnesota Wild on Thursday April 8 at 7:30pm. Tickets for both games are available through Ticketmaster.
* The NLL’S Calgary Roughnecks also play once this week against Colorado Mammoth. Tickets are available though Ticketmaster Saturday April 10th at 7:30pm.

That’s about it for this week. Tune into the Stampede Blog next week for more on what’s going on Here. All Year. Or follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede and @HereAllYear, or on Facebook through our official fan page!

Oki!   Hello!

I am Sahvanne Weasel Traveller, a member of the Piikani First Nation located near Pincher Creek, Alberta. I am so happy to update you all on my adventures during the first half my reign as the 2010 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess and I look forward to its exciting second half!

As a member of Calgary Stampede Royalty, we are blessed with many memorable and exciting moments. For me, two events stand out in my mind as true once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!

Along with my Stampede Sisters – Queen Katie, Princess Janelle and Princess Kirstie – and Calgary Stampede mascot Harry the Horse, we attended the 2009 Grey Cup Festival Calgary in November. From pancake breakfasts, to making appearances at fan cub events, to participating in the Grey Cup Parade, it was a warm up to what we imagine Stampede week will be like!

The finale of the Grey Cup weekend was attending the 97th Grey Cup Game. Congratulations to the Montreal Alouettes, the 2009 Grey Cup Champions!

We then went from one amazing event to another world-class event! In February we were thrilled to be able to represent the Calgary Stampede with Travel Alberta at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. It was a whirlwind trip filled with media interviews and public meet and greets. I was privileged to be invited to the Four Host First Nations Pavilion. We are all so proud of First Nations historic involvement in the Vancouver Olympics. Our three-day visit concluded with the gold medal award ceremony at B.C. Place for Canadian snowboarder Maelle Ricker. We proudly sang our national anthem with thousands of other patriotic Canadians. That was followed with a concert by Calgary’s own Paul Brandt! It was truly an experience that I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life. I witnessed, first hand, Canadian pride at its best!

We recently attended the Calgary Stampede’s Aggie Days with events that showcase Alberta’s agriculture industry. We realize now, that the countdown to the 2010 Calgary Stampede has really begun – YAHOO!

I cannot express how honoured I am to serve as the 2010 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess and to represent the five Tribes that make up Treaty 7, Indian Village at the Calgary Stampede, and the Calgary Stampede. I have been inspired by the legacy of those who have served as Indian Princess before me and I am so excited to share the rich history of the First Nation’s culture as my reign continues. I look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world at the Indian Village during the 2010 Calgary Stampede – the Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth!

Until next time….
Sahvanne Weasel Traveller

www.indianvillage.ca

www.facebook.com – Calgary Stampede Indian Princess