Let GMC bring you to the Calgary Stampede!
June 30, 2010, is the last day to enter GMC’s Saddle Up a Sierra contest. You could win a VIP trip for two to the 2010 Stampede, resulting in a 1-in-4 chance of taking home a brand new 2010 GMC Sierra truck.
For more details, visit https://www.gm.ca/gm/english/request/gmc/saddle_up_a_sierra-srd?eventcode=U312629&adv=97630.
It’s time to Cowboy Up.
A big hit on RFD-TV in the United States, the Extreme Cowboy Race will be making its debut in Canada at the 2010 Calgary Stampede.
Originally created by Craig Cameron, the Extreme Cowboy Race is a timed and judged race through an obstacle course that is designed not only to push horse and riders out of their traditional comfort zones, but also test the communication between horse and rider and the horsemanship skills and athletic abilities of each competitor.
A multi-faceted equestrian sporting event, just some of the obstacles that have been featured in previous races have included barrel jumps, log pulls, water crossings, archery shoots, and balloon shooting with pistols or rifles.
A customized version of the Extreme Cowboy Race sanctioned by the Extreme Cowboy Association (EXCA) will be held at this year’s Stampede.
Known as the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge, it will be designed to take advantage of the audio, video, and other various capabilities of the Saddledome to create a customized race course never seen before, and you can catch it there at 3 p.m. daily between July 10-12.
Wondering how you’re going to keep track of everything you want to eat on the Midway this year? Well, we’ve come up with a handy checklist of all the food you could eat out there – the wild and wacky, as well as the tried and true. So, print off this list, and check off the items once you’ve had ‘em. But maybe wait until after riding the rides…
The New Ones
___ Hot Wisconson Cheese
___ Belgian Waffles
___ Pulled pork parfait
___ Wood fired pizza
___ Meat Pies
The Wacky Ones
___ Alligator Pizza
___ Deep fried dill pickles
___ Japanese hot dog
___ Taco in a bag
___ Deep fried jelly beans
The Ones-on-a-stick
___ Pizza-on-a-stick
___ Chicken-on-a-stick
___ Cheesecake-on-a-stick
___ Pickle-on-a-stick
___ Chipstix (potato-on-a-stick)
The Classic Ones
___ Corndog
___ Mini Donuts
___ Fresh lemonade
___ Cotton candy
___ Fudge
Last weekend, I attended a fitness workshop near Lyalta. It was supposed to be a lot of fun, as Dot, my teammate, and a number of other teams were taught how to use a lot of the equipment we’ll have at the Calgary Stampede. Everybody at home was mad that Dot and I are leaving, and they are quite vocal about it. If they weren’t so pathetic and small, they might have a place at Draft Horse Town too, but that is a whole other story. I was as excited about having a sleepover as I was about meeting some of the other competitors and athletes. Our farm manager, driver and foster parent – we’ll call him Bob, trailer-ed us to Lyalta and helped us to get ready for the first day’s events.
Dot and Dolly doing some roadwork with Bob and Bob
Bob got us ready and we had an outside trainer – we’ll call him Bob too, inspect our harness to make sure our equipment was set up right. Then the day started. I was so excited, I couldn’t stop prancing up and down. All I wanted to do was run. Pretty soon, though I regretted my ‘race day’ planning because I succumbed to exhaustion. If I had only paced myself better, I wouldn’t have hit the wall later in the day. I always find the first 10 minutes of exercise the hardest, but I did ‘hit my groove’ later. Dot was worse than me. She started out fast and really pushed me psychologically. She never says anything, but I know when she is ready to really move. Then she just stopped and didn’t want to go. When we don’t work as a team its really frustrating and I ended up doing a lot of the work. Bob had quite a talk with us both during and after the session, trying to motivate us to work together and just keep moving. He was right, but I was too tired to listen.
The next morning, I was feeling good but a little stiff. But no rest for us, we got back at it. Amazingly, I had more energy than the previous day. I think I was actually getting fit! We went around and around the field. This time we walked, but we were pulling a lot of weight behind us. We kept in unison and it was soooo much easier! Bob saw it too and kept praising us for doing it right. I really felt like we were doing it perfectly and I know Dot did too.
We’re back with another edition of Stampede Mythbusters. I’ve been asking around to find out if people are going to Stampede this year and this myth seems to be a popular reason people give when they say they don’t plan on attending. It’s a great topic to investigate because it’s something that applies to everyone – Stampede is too expensive. Or is it?
Now, don’t get me wrong, if you WANT to spend a lot of money during Stampede, there are oodles of ways to lighten your wallet. But, if you’re like me, you want to have a great time, enjoy some old faves, check out some new things, and know that your bank account isn’t going to be hit too hard at the end of it.
How much does it REALLY cost?
Let’s start off with some numbers so that we’re all on the same page.
Stampede Gate Admission – $14 ($11 if you take advantage of some of the deals – see below.)
Rodeo admission – $12 gets you in, but you’ll be standing. For good value, I recommend the Bronze seats – $24.50 which includes your gate admission and the best part is you’re up high so you’re covered from excess sun (or rain!).
Grandstand and chucks – $15 puts you on the tarmac (lots of excitement down there for the Chucks, but harder to see for the Grandstand). For good value try the silver seats – $41.50 – you’re down low so you’ve got a great view of everything, plus it includes your gate admission.
What does it get me?
Stampede Gate Admission is a smokin’ deal. Essentially, you get access to everything except the rodeo, chuckwagons/evening show, concerts going on in the Pengrowth Saddledome, and rides on the midway. Honestly, the Coke Stage concerts themselves are worth the admission price but you’ll also be able to check out things like the Acrobatic Ice show, the High Dive act, old faves like the Superdogs, the Western Oasis, and the Stampede market; honestly I could go on and on.
Your pre-purchase rodeo and evening show tickets INCLUDE admission to the Park. Often it’s a better deal to buy your seats ahead of time.
I HIGHLY suggest using the Stampede Planner to see what sparks your interest and which days will let you get the most bang for your buck. I really like the ATCO Kitchen Theatre so I ran a search on that and am going to stop by to check out the dueling chefs! The best part is the free samples at the end!
Looking for a Deal?
There’s no need to pay full price to get into the park or to ride the Midway. There are several deals that offer you at least a couple bucks off your gate admission. Check out the deals page to find the one that’s right for you. If you plan on snapping up the midway deal, act fast. It’s only available at Safeway stores until July 8th.
Ok, I think that’s a pretty good overview of what it really costs to get in the gate, watch the rodeo, or take in the Chucks and Grandstand show. If you want to upgrade your experience with the purchase of something like mini-donuts, luckily they are only a few dollars more!
The point I’m trying to make is that you really do get a LOT for your dollar; you can still enjoy your old favorites as well as the new attractions. If you are looking to save some money, there are ways to do it too.
Finally, why not win to get in? There are lots of cool contests going on through the Stampede Twitter and Facebook pages. Check out Twitter at @calgarystampede and @HereAllYear, or the official Facebook fan page, and stay tuned to the Stampede Blog as Stampede Mythbusters keeps bustin’ those myths!
This is the Visiting Bands first post, and we’re really excited to kick it off!
We’ve got bands visiting from around the world in 2010 (including Australia and France) and some local favourites, too (the World Famous Calgary Stampede Marching Showband!!) – so don’t miss your chance to see all of them over the 10 days of Stampede. Keep an eye out for them at Stampede Park, at some of the downtown attractions like Rope Square, and at Caravan Breakfasts around the city. You’ll hear them before you see them…:)
And this is your place to get all the details of where and when the bands will be performing, what you can expect from their performances, and maybe even some ‘behind the scenes’ action!
Be sure to save the date for Showbands Live! Prelims will be Tuesday, July 13 in the afternoon starting at 1:00 p.m. in the Pengrowth Saddledome. The slate is wiped clean and the afternoon finalists compete during the evening round starting at 6:00 p.m. It’s a must see marching extravaganza!
As summer schedules start to kick in, many people find they’ve got some extra time to volunteer. If you know of an exceptional volunteer in your community, then the Calgary Stampede wants to hear from you!
The Calgary Stampede’s Western Legacy Awards honour people from our community who have demonstrated a commitment to the western values of pride of place, commitment to the community, hospitality and integrity.
If you feel that you know of an individual or group of people that are positive contributors to the community and would like to help them get the recognition they deserve, then nominate them for a Western Legacy Award!
You can submit a nomination under three categories:
Individuals and groups are eligible to be nominated, and you can nominate yourself as well.
Examples of past winners include the Cheadle Lions Club (2008 winners for Innovation) for their community project that raised funds for the World Foodgrains Bank, and Miles Robert (Rob) Aronson (2008 winner for Youth) for creating the Spread the Love project that provides sandwiches to the hungry and homeless.
Nominations close on July 30, 2010. Winners will receive a custom belt buckle by J. Vair Anderson Jewelers and the awards will be given out at an awards banquet to be broadcast by Shaw TV on October 13, 2010.
If you submit your nominations by June 30, 2010, you’ll also be entered into the early-bird draw for two tickets to the Lazy S (Stampede’s luxury seating) for the Stampede Rodeo on Sunday July 11, 2010.
Finally, look for previous Western Legacy Award winners to appear in this year’s Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday July 9.
For more information on the Calgary Stampede’s Western Legacy Awards or to submit a nomination, please visit the Western Legacy Awards website.
Jennifer Mack, winner of Homes by Avi's 2010 Calgary's Next Top Artist competition, posing by one of her creations in the Rotary Dream Home
Instinct. Inspiration. Destiny. Predetermination. Fate.
Call it what you will, but sometimes life has a funny way of letting you know what it is you’re meant to do.
Take artist and painter Jennifer Mack for example. Winner of Homes by Avi’s 2010 Calgary’s Next Top Artist contest for painting a couple of stunning horse portraits, she started painting at nine years of age and then quit after she found that she couldn’t quite paint a horse the way she wanted to.
“When I was probably 9, I got an oil paint set from my parents. I did the mare and foal as a 9 or maybe as a 12 year old would. I mixed up together a couple of paint colours that didn’t work. And I tried and tried to fix it, and I couldn’t. So I gave up painting.” Jennifer said.
“I gave up painting.”
It’s that time of year.
People start dressing in western gear, don their cowboy hats, and businesses get into the spirit of things as well by dressing up their establishments with hay bales and colourful window art.
For the last few years now, you may have noticed Stampede volunteers giving away prizes in various places throughout the city during Stampede time if they spot people wearing cowboy hats (aka “Get Your Head in a Hat”). We do this to recognize the effort that people put into embracing the Stampede Spirit.
Did you know that we also do it for businesses? Every year, we try to recognize groups or businesses in Calgary that put in that extra effort to help provide a friendly and warm western atmosphere for the public. Stampede volunteers travel around the city scouting for groups or businesses that have decorated in a western theme, and recognize them with a plaque thanking them for their participation in continuing the western spirit of the Calgary Stampede.
However, as a volunteer myself, I have to admit, with the city growing every day, it’s getting harder and harder to locate all the businesses or groups within Calgary that take that extra step each year so that they can be properly recognized.
So, here’s where you can help!
By Killa Burkinshaw
Stampede is less than two weeks away so most of Stampede Park is in preparation mode for the 10-day festival. I hope all you loyal blog readers are dusting off your boots and getting ready like I am.
To get you all in the Stampede mood, we have a couple contests that are going on Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook- Looking for something to do on July 9th? We want to give you two Gold Rodeo tickets ($99 value)! Go to http://cs.calgarystampede.com/basics/contests/fans-and-followers-contest.html and write the following message in the comment box to be entered to win: “I became a fan of the Calgary Stampede Official Group and entered to win two Rodeo tickets for July 9 courtesy of Wrangler Jeans!”
Twitter-Introducing the Stampede Spirit Photo Wrangle contest! http://bit.ly/cLk6Bo
That’s all for this week. For updates and info on everything Stampede, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede and @HereAllYear, on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening Here. All Year.
Many of you loyal Stampede Blog readers should know by now that many of the agricultural based competitions that occur on Stampede Park during Stampede time have evolved from actual farm-related tasks. We’ve already covered Sheep Shearing, Sheep Herding, the Heavy Horse Pull, and the World Champion Blacksmiths’ Competition here on Stampede Spotlight alone.
Another such event is Team Cattle Penning. The sport of Team Cattle Penning (sometimes abbreviated to Team Penning for short) is, in my opinion, one of the Stampede’s best kept secrets when it comes to fast paced and exciting events appropriate for all ages, and the Calgary Stampede Team Penning Competition is happening in the Saddledome July 7 -12.
Yahoo! Its me again, Angela Benson, with The Young Canadians of The Calgary Stampede!! Let me tell you we are really ramping up to what is the Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth. Wanted to share some of the inside scoop on this years Grandstand Show, and let me tell you what a party it is going to be! “World Party” the theme of this years show and it celebrates the astounding beauty and wonder of life on Earth with singing, dancing, acrobatics, daredevil motocross stunts, comedy routines, drumming, magical special effects, and firework displays you’ll remember forever. Also included are over 400 high definition video panels projecting images on stages and screens, surrounding spectators with digital elements. With a line-up of world class performers like Canada’s own Eva Avila, Ta’Rea Campbell from Disney’s Lion King on Broadway, Troupe CrowBarre and their amazing Russian barre act, Latetia and Artur performing high over the audience on their silks, flying motorcycles, Tim Nutt to tickle your funny bone and original scores from Mr. Dave Pierce, the musical director for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Stampede 2010 is sure to be unforgettable, for tickets and more information click here.
Besides those electrifying performers we also have Daniel ‘DaFunky Mystic’ Celebre who will be featured in this year’s Grandstand Show. Da FunkyMystic was hand picked as a dancer by Michael Jackson himself for Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ tour. A tour that unfortunately never happened. Mystic trained with Michael Jackson himself for 12 weeks and can be seen in the documentary of the same name. A Michael Jackson tribute segment will happen during the 2010 Grandstand Show and, thanks to Mystic, Jackson’s signature style will be featured.
The Young Canadian cast members and myself have had the opportunity of training with Daniel since April, learning the art of Electric Boogaloo and Michael Jackson’s iconic movements. Let me tell you first hand this is no easy feat, but we are working with the best of the best. Recently we had a video shoot featuring Daniel that will be shown during our Michael Jackson Tribute segment and I have included some photos from that day. You can see what an influence Jackson was to Daniel and The Young Canadians are so proud and honored to work with someone who is as excited about the world of performing arts as we are! Take a look at some pictures that I took from the shoot.
In the midst of all this we held auditions for the 2010/2011 Young Canadians School of Performing Arts and have some talented new hopefuls that have been invited to attend our audition workshop in August to audition with current YC that hope to get back into the program.
Catch up soon, I better get back to rehearsals, giddy-up!
Angela Benson
I can’t wait for July 9, 2010. We are going to drive like crazy over the fourth of July, but then come July 9 we are going to park the truck, sleep in a little and enjoy the Stampede. See you all there.
When July hits I always end up tearing apart my closet to piece together western-inspired outfits. This year I decided to get a head start by checking out what my favorite stores had to offer. I found a lot of neat pieces that have western flair and can be dressed down to fit your regular style post-Stampede. Here are the top 5 stores I’d recommend checking out:
#5 Old Navy If you’re looking for the basics, Old Navy is a good place start. It has reasonably-priced collard shirts for men and women and a lot of denim to choose from.
#4 RW&CO
Although there weren’t many options for women, RW&CO got a lot of points for their men’s plaid shirts. They come in some fun colours and are western enough to wear on grounds, but modern enough to keep wearing after the Stampede is over.
#3 Zara
For more feminine pieces, Zara has some nice western tops and dresses – lots of flowing fabrics and floral prints.
#2 American Eagle
This is a great place for girls and guys to find fun Stampede outfits together. They have lots of denim, plaid shirts, western-inspired belts and dress.
#1 Plum
Located in Westhills, this store was my favorite stop of the day. They have really cute dresses, tops and belts, lots of denim, and a few printed t-shirts with a fun western flair. They also have a lot of great western jewelery, including large turquoise pieces and dream-catcher earrings. A lot of their stuff is on sale right now and all denim is an additional 20% off the sale price until July 9.
Honorable Mentions
If you want to splurge on brand-name denim, Aritzia has a lot of great options. And, as always, for the real western deal, Lammles is open and ready for business.
Keith Stephens, Commodore, tells the tale on how Lions Pride came to be
Calgary Stampede Lotteries directly supports local charities, and with the purchase of every Stampede lottery ticket you make, so do you.
The Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta is one such organization that has benefited from Calgary Stampede Lotteries money. They are an organization that allows people with disabilities to sail through the use of modified sailing boats.
With only a fleet of six boats available to them to use to help the disabled experience the freedom and independence that comes with sailing on the water, Keith Stephens, Commodore, relates the tale of how one of their racing boats got damaged on the way to a race:
“We were heading to a regatta in Eastern Canada, and when we were loading the gear, it fell out of the container nose first. The guys in Calgary said it would cost about $20,000 to repair.”
