Yesterday, Calgary Stampede Lotteries unveiled the prizing that’s up for grabs this year at their annual Media Day event. Here are the highlights:

• Rotary Dream Home Package – Valued at over $770,000 and includes a home theatre package valued at over $20,000, a deluxe playground system valued at $8,500, a complete move-in package from AMJ Campbell Vanlines valued up to $15,000, and a full year of home insurance. This year’s Rotary Dream Home will be located in the NW Calgary community of Panorama after the final draw.
• Lions Groceries for Life – $700 a month for the next 20 years to spend on groceries. That’s worth an extra $168,000 in your pocket over 20 years.
• Lions Lucky Loot – This year, the grand prize is $250,000 in tax free cash, plus a diamond bracelet worth $15,000. Plus, $50,000 will be up for grabs in the Money Booth located in the BMO Centre during Stampede.
• Kinsmen Wheels Fifth-Wheel & Truck – Available to be won this year is a 2010 Seville 35CK Fifth-Wheel trailer complete with amenities such as a slide-out bedroom with queen bed, 42” LCD TV with a five disc changer, flush mount ceiling speakers, and surround sound, central vacuum system, and an electric fireplace. To haul this RV, also included is a 2010 GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE 4WD Crew Cab with a powerful Duramax 6.6L DI V8 diesel engine. The total prize package value is $149,824.
• Kinsmen Wheels Truck & Toys – This eco-friendly prize package includes a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500HD 4WD Crew Cab with a 6.0L SFI Flex-Fuel HYBRID V8 Engine, four Ultra Motor A2B Electric Bikes and trailer, plus a complete campers package consisting of a 14×16 wall tent, cots, stoves, an inflatable boat with electric trolling motor, and more. The total prize package is valued at over $72,000.
• Kinsmen Wheels Boat & Wheels – Included in this prize package is a 2010 Chaparral 186 SSi Ski Boat with a 4.3GL Volvo Penta engine with 190 HP as well as a wakeboard tower and holders and matching trailer. To haul this boat around, also included is a 2010 GMC Sierra 15004WD Crew Cab SLE with a 5.3L SFI Flex-fuel V8 Vortec engine. Total prize package value is over $94,000.
• Kinsmen Wheels Harley-Davidson Motorcycle – Up for grabs is a 2010 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited motorcycle consisting of a 103” motor, oil cooler, tourpack luggage rack, heated handlebar grips, chrome wheels, and much more. Total prize package value is over $44,000.
• Kinsmen Wheels Chevrolet Camaro – Valued at over $39,000 is a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 2 Door Coupe with 3.6L DOHC SIDI V6 Engine with variable valve timing, 6-speed automatic transmission, bluetooth in-vehicle system, remote keyless entry, electronic immobilizer vehicle theft deterrent, power windows, air conditioning, and much more.
• Kinsmen Wheels GMC Terrain & Mountain Bikes – A great prize if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure getaway, included in this package is a 2010 GMC Terrain AWD 4 Door SLT2 with 3.0L DOHV V6 Engine and four Giant Rincon Disc Mountain bikes with Shimano Alivio drivetrains and Hayes mechanical disc brakes. Total prize package is valued at over $47,000.
• Stampede Showband 50/50 Draw – Returning this year is the 50/50 draw in support of the Stampede Showband, Showriders, and other youth initiatives of the Calgary Stampede. Tickets will be available at each Rodeo and Chuckwagon performance.

It’s not too late to purchase advance tickets. Each ticket purchase gets you 20 chances to win and entitles you to one free Park admission and 50% off premium seating at the Rodeo or Evening Show with your order. Deadline for advance tickets is midnight, Monday June 28, 2010.

More pictures from the event after the jump.

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An important task for anyone involved in raising livestock is herding. Most times, the herding of livestock is performed with the assistance of other animals. In the case of sheep, it’s usually performed by border collies, although it’s not unusual for other breeds of dogs to be used. Border collies are typically chosen for their energetic temperaments and their intelligence.

Last time on Stampede Spotlight, I told you about how something as simple as sheep shearing could turn into a popular competition worldwide. Sheep herding has turned into a popular competition as well, and the Calgary Stampede runs its own competition every year, known for being one of the richest competitions around with over $16,000 in cash and prizes available to be won this year.

It’s “woof, woof” meets “baa, baa” as stock dog meets sheep stock in a battle of wills during the World Stock Dog Championship happening on July 11 and 12 at the Pengrowth Saddledome.

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17 sleeps till the greatest outdoor show on earth….yahhooo!! Katie, Janelle and I are so excited to spread our western heritage and hospitality during the 10 most exciting days of summer!  We have been getting into the western spirit by attending some local parades close to home. Recently we attended the Linden sports days’ parade. It was so exciting for me personally to travel to another small town and spread stampede fever. Our two new horses, Snoopy and Kansas, along with the leader of the pack Hawk, looked stunning in their parade get up. June was a busy month at the stampede organization, and in the city of Calgary we’re all gearing up for the Stampede Showdown. Look for us in Banff and Canmore as we will be waving everyone back to Calgary for the July 9^th parade!

Until next time, Dream Big and Live Proud

Kirstie

Hi. My name is Dolly and I’m in training for the upcoming 2010 Stampede. I would like to share some of my thoughts, dreams and aspirations over the next few weeks as we get closer to the big event. We don’t get paid for our role at Draft Horse Town, but do we get free room and board. That way we can maintain our amateur status and we don’t just get pigeon-holed into one event. Draft Horse Town will bring in about 250 of my colleagues for one of the biggest “draft” gatherings since the turn of the century.

My team mate is Dot and we have been working together for most of our adult lives. We know how each other thinks; I finish her sentences; and it is just amazing how well we work together. We even look alike – both of us are in the “large” category and have long blonde hair. I am a little more of a free thinker and Dot is the disciplined one, but we both get the job done. Personality wise, I am very shy and image conscious, while Dot is the friendly one who is always the first to greet people. Dot drives me crazy – she can eat as much as she wants, but never seems to gain weight. She is large boned, but just seems to carry herself so well. I am well liked; she is just downright popular. I have secret fits of jealousy, but the truth is … I don’t think I could get on without her.

My background is quite simple. I am of Belgian ancestry and I live with 6 friends, including my team mate Dot, on a farm just south of Calgary. Like many athletes, I try to train year round, but the weather is a significant factor for me. I struggle with my weight and, despite being a vegetarian, I cannot seem to overcome a genetic pre-disposition towards the ‘buxom’ side. Nevertheless, I am now regularly working out and expect to quickly transform myself into a picture of muscular health. A little under three weeks to go.

I’ll be blogging throughout this year’s Stampede and hanging out in Draft Horse Town from time to time. Autographs anyone?

On Friday night, new and old Calgarians alike came together for a special presentation by the Calgary Stampede’s External Promotions Grouping on Friday night. Over 140 people of all ages from the Ethnocultural Council of Calgary attended to learn about what the Calgary Stampede ten day event has to offer.

“We invited several groups down tonight to introduce them to what they can expect to see and experience at the ten day event,” explains Jennifer Jensen, member of the Next Generation Committee and one of the event organizers. “There is so much to offer in terms of entertainment, education and of course, Western spirit. I’m confident we can find something everyone here can enjoy during the ten day festival.”

The event included an welcome by Mike Casey from the Stampede’s Board of Directors, an overview of Stampede events, a visit by Stampede mascot Harry the Horse, a pancake breakfast, and an invitation to join members of the Stampede committees for a tour of the park during the ten day event.

We had a chance to catch up with guests to learn about their past Stampede experiences, and for those who have yet to attend, what they’re looking forward to for Stampede 2010.

Christina moved to Calgary 8 years ago from Bogota, Colombia, and has attended the Calgary Stampede twice before.

“I would love to see the Grandstand Show. My husband attended with guests from out of town, but I have yet to see it. I hear it’s wonderful. I can’t wait for it!” – Christina

You might find Hoda, ages 12 and Hosniyeah, aged, both from Lethbridge, at the Midway this year.

“My favourite ride was the crash cards,” said Hoda, with a big smile.

Shirley, from the African Committee for Black Affairs Calgary, has lived in Calgary for over 20 years.

“I come to Stampede for the raffles – I still hope to win a house or a car!” she says. “I always try to make it down for BMO Kids Day – my son won a bike at it one year, but that’s all the luck we’ve had so far.” -Shirley

We also met Cory, aged ten. Cory and his family moved to Calgary eight months ago from Nigeria, and he has yet to visit the Stampede.

“I really like the Western stuff!” he said. “I like everything about Calgary – it’s so different from my home. The biggest difference I see is the weather!” – Cory

We are 18 sleeps away from Parade Day for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! As of tomorrow morning we will have attended five pancake breakfasts in June and there are even more in the upcoming weeks. I am thinking that I should start having breakfast before the events so that I don’t have to fill up on those fluffy pancakes and mouth watering sausage chubbies… but who can resist them?!

All of the breakfasts and pre-stampede events have sparked our excitement, we can hardly wait! It seems like all around the city people are gearing up for those fun-filled ten days. We stopped by the Maverick’s charity golf tournament last week and it would take more than a little rain to deter this enthusiastic bunch. The members of the Maverick’s sponsor a chuckwagon tarp every year and work hard to raise money for children focused not for profit organizations. Later that evening we attended the “Stampede Show Down.” Here we were honored to mingle and visit with the thousands of volunteers that help make everything possible. It was exciting to meet so many wonderful people who dedicate countless hours to the Stampede every year. The girls and I are thrilled to be joining this big family and we are looking forward to seeing their friendly faces throughout the city.

We hope to see you out there enjoying some delicious pancakes and getting those boots ready to kick off the 2010 Calgary Stampede!

By Killa Burkinshaw

It’s Saturday morning and I am up at the crack of dawn to go to the 50th Annual Daines Innisfail Parade with the Calgary Stampede Promotion Show Wagon and Harry the Horse. This is the first time I am going out with them so I am pretty excited!  We all met at Stampede Park and loaded up the show wagon trailer and truck, hit a Tim Horton’s because everyone runs better on Tim’s and headed out on the highway.

We pulled into Innisfail, piled out of the SUV and then started getting ready. First we had to get the horses ready by braiding and adding red and white ribbons, spraying the CS logo on, and preparing the show wagon.  Then, we went and joined the line of all the other people in the parade to wait our turn (the hardest part).

While we were waiting, we got to watch the Stampede Showriders practice some of their moves. The Wagon and the Showriders both received ribbons (awards) for coming to the parade (1st and 2nd). We then got on to the parade route and had Harry lead everyone in some Yahoo’s to get everyone pumped up. As we walked along the parade route we gave away Stampede and Harry the horse buttons and pins and huge high fives, which the kids that lined the route loved.

We finished the parade and got back to the truck and the trailer where we packed up the trailer and stopped for a quick lunch and then pulled out on to the highway and came back to Calgary, our home base, where we put everything away for our next trip to bring the Stampede Spirit to the rest of the world.

Many of the agricultural based competitions on Stampede Park that happen during Stampede time have evolved from actual farm-related tasks. For example, the Heavy Horse Pull, World Championship Blacksmiths’ Competition, and many of the events at the Stampede Rodeo are based on everyday chores that working farm hands have had to perform.

Generally, they just start off as friendly competitions. One guy says to another guy “Hey, I can do that faster and better than you can!” while the other guy says “Oh yeah? Prove it!” and all of a sudden the two start going at it.

Every once in a while, those “friendly competitions” start to get a little more popular to watch by others (“Hey, come down and see me kick this guy’s butt!”), a little bit more organized (“Hey, come down on this date at this place and see this guy kick that other guy’s butt!”), and sooner or later, these friendly competitions start to become regular public events.

One such farm-related task is Sheep Shearing, which has turned into a popular competition worldwide. The Calgary Stampede puts on its own competition every year, and you can catch the North American Sheep Shearing Challenge between July 9 and 11 in the Victoria Pavilion.

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Harry the Horse poses for a picture with a child and mother

2010 is Calgary Chinatown’s 100th anniversary. While technically, the formation of Calgary’s Chinatown occurred some time in the fall, centennial celebrations started last weekend with a big parade and will continue on throughout the summer with various events and activities.

As part of that celebration, together with members from the Calgary Stampede and thanks to numerous local sponsors and organizers, a giant Stampede Breakfast was held in Chinatown on 3rd Ave SE today to help celebrate this momentous occasion.

Today’s Stampede Breakfast represented a couple of “firsts.” It was to be the first official Stampede Breakfast of the year in the city, and it was the first one ever put on in Chinatown by the Calgary Stampede.

Numerous Stampede committees contributed volunteers and resources to make this event a success. Caravan committee volunteers cooked the breakfast, Promotion committee members helped provide a traditional Stampede welcome complete with hand-stamping and line dancing lessons, a couple of mascots from the Downtown Attractions committee made an appearance (along with Harry the Horse, of course), and the Stampede Royalty and Indian Princess made appearances as well.

There was also face-painting stations for children and live music offered throughout the morning on the mobile Stampede Stage.

As lineups stretched along the entire street at some points during the event, with the assistance of Chinatown Centennial volunteers, over 2200 flapjacks with sausage and orange juice were served to the public.

More pictures from the event after the jump.

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What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever had on a pizza?  Well, if your choices usually tend towards the pepperoni & mushroom or cheese varieties, this Stampede is your chance to branch out – with cricket pizza and alligator pizza. 

Yes, you read that right.  Cricket and alligator pizza.  In case you missed it, cricket and alligator pizza were available last year, and they are back for 2010, but only at 7pm daily and on a limited first come, first serve basis, so don’t miss out!

Not to worry, these toppings are edible and completely safe.  The crickets are imported from a producer who specializes in the weird and wonderful of the food world.  They are cheese and bacon flavoured as well as sour cream and onion flavoured, and are grown with the intention of being fully edible.  Alligator meat is a delicacy too…mmm, tastes like chicken!

You’ll find this pizza in the Pizza-on-a-Stick trailer across from Nashville North.  So, whether it takes a dare, some liquid courage – or maybe you’re naturally inclined to be culinarily adventurous, make sure you give this pizza a try.

Hungry? From the Stampede’s classic mini donuts to newer favorites, like deep fried pickles and pizza on a stick, it’s hard to go hungry on the grounds.
Here are some of the foods I’m excited to try at the Calgary Stampede in 2010.

Deep fried please.
It seems like you can get anything and everything fried this year. Deep fried pickles, twinkies and jelly beans are just a few of the options.

Eating on the go.
Food on a stick is another trend. Cover off breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Belgian Waffle-on-a-stick, pizza-on-a-stick and Chicken-on-a-Stick.

Cold drinks.
Grab a cold one at The Cantina in the BMO Centre, Bud Light Beer Gardens on the south side of the Stampede Corral, or at the Bud Big Rig on the south side of the Skyride.

Sweet Treats.
And, of course, indulge in the sweeter side of the Stampede with mini donuts, candy apples and cotton candy. I know I will!

Happy tasting!

The gleam of the paint as the light hits the chassis, the roar of the engines as the driver brings his machine to life, the sheer horsepower barely contained and about to be unleashed, the anticipation as the driver awaits the signal to go, all of the action and excitement that one can only find in the world of…tractors?

Formula 1 racing may have wrapped up in Montreal last weekend, but anyone who can relate to or appreciate cars, mechanical horsepower, machinery, or a really loud engine may be surprised to find out how much they can relate to a Tractor Pull.

Like its heavy horse equivalent, a Tractor Pull involves hauling a heavy load a certain distance. The winner of the competition is the one who can haul it the furthest.

But that’s not the amazing part of the Tractor Pull at the Stampede. No, the amazing part is that all of the machines taking part in the competition had to have been built before 1960. That’s right, many of the machines taking part in this competition are antiques that have been lovingly restored by their owners for the sole purpose of competing in a game of one-upmanship.

And you can see it all live at the Vintage Tractor Pull and Tractor Show & Shine taking place in the Big Top on July 10 and 11!

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Did you know the Calgary Stampede has a number of contests every year? You can win some amazing prizes from top-notch seats at the Rodeo and Evening Show to exclusive insider experiences to food vouchers and gift certificates.

If you haven’t already done so, you’ll also want to sign-up to be a Stampede Insider and be the first to know about new contests and promotions.

Check out one of our exciting contests going on now and the amazing prize package you can win!

Ultimate Stampede Getaway

Enter to win a $10,000 Ultimate Stampede Getaway for you and three friends. The winner of the Ultimate Stampede Getaway will enjoy:

• 4 infield seats for the Calgary Stampede Rodeo (Friday, July 9, 2010) and 4 Calgary Stampede Rodeo souvenir programs
• 4 Lazy S seats for the Calgary Stampede Evening Show (Saturday, July 10, 2010) and 4 Calgary Stampede Evening Show souvenir programs
• 8 “pay one price” unlimited ride day passes for the Stampede Park Midway
• $800 gift certificate for use at The Calgary Stampede Store on Stampede Park
• 4 “Buck the Line” passes for entry to Nashville North on Stampede Park via the “Buck the Line” entrance prior to 9:00 PM on Friday, July 9, 2010
• $400 gift certificate for use at certain food facilities on Stampede Park during the 2010 Calgary Stampede.
• Standard accommodation for four at the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, Alberta, for 5 nights commencing
• Breakfast buffet vouchers for four at The Rimrock restaurant in Fairmont Palliser
• $1000 gift certificate for spa treatments at the Fairmont Palliser RnR Wellness Spa
• $250 gift certificate for the SKY360 Restaurant in the Calgary Tower
• $300 gift certificate for admission and gift store merchandise at the Calgary Zoo
• $750 gift certificate for use at participating merchants in Chinook Centre
• $750 gift certificate for fuel purchases at participating Petro-Canada service stations
• $200 gift certificate for Catch Restaurant & Oyster Bar
• $200 gift certificate for River Café

The contest closes at midnight on June 20, 2010. So be sure to enter soon!

Check out the Contest page for full contest details and other contest info.

Food is everywhere on the midway. But, for people with food sensitivities, it can be challenging to find a treat or snack that works. With that in mind, we asked Sheila Blacklock, a registered dietician, and our midway food vendors to help us pull together a list of a few yummy options for our food-sensitive visitors. Remember, it’s always good practice to ask vendors how they prepare their foods to make sure your particular needs are met.  And, if you’re in doubt, pack a snack for your day at the Stampede, making sure you’ve got what you need to have a fun and safe day on Park.

Gluten-free or lactose intolerant?  Check out Avatara Pizza, located across from the Dream Home, for some gluten-free, lactose-free and diabetes friendly menu items. Or, try the gluten-free bison ribs and burgers at Sizzlin’ Bison Grill located just north of the Nashville North tent.

Thirsty? Lemon Heaven Lemonade, with four locations on Stampede Park, carry gluten-free products and if you ask, they’ll whip up a sugar-free version for people with diabetes.

Looking for a hormone, steroid, antibiotic-free and gluten-free hot dog on Park? Second to None Meats products are locally grown and produced and all are hormone, steroid and antibiotic free.  You’ll find them in Weadickville.

Vegetarian?  How about a meatless pie from Rocky Mountain Pies located across from Jaycee Park. And, Foods of Mexico, located south of the Stampede Corral lists meatless burritos, tacos and taco salad with refried beans on their menu choices.

Dining at a Premium Seating or restaurant venue?  Please inform your server of any sensitivities, ask them questions, and our kitchen would be happy to address your needs.

Midway Treats? Cotton candy, mini-donuts, hot Wisconsin cheese, candy apples, fudge, Corn on the Cob and deep fried pickles. These yummy treats that will fit into any balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation, so for the “10 days of fun” they might even make the list for our food sensitive visitors.

We hope these suggestions give you some options for helping you to find food that you can enjoy during your visit to the Stampede. See you in July!