So much to say, so little time! There is so much that has happened these past three months I hardly know where to start!

I would first like…actually LOVE to thank the Calgary Grey Cup Committee for making our Grey Cup week so unbelievably fun filled with lots of great experiences and memories that will last a life time. The girls (my trio ) and I have all grown to love and appreciate each other on a whole new level, and it is an incredible sisterhood. How lucky am I to have very beautifully unique women that I get to experience this exciting year with, and together we will truly make a difference.

We have done many things to contribute back to the community. Unfortunately I was under the weather for the Calgary Herald Fundraiser but I was able to join Jenna, Stephanie and Whitney and many other volunteers at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and making food hampers for families in need. It was such a wonderful way to really get into the Christmas spirit and to be part of something so generous that came from love and kindness of the heart and helped so many Calgarians.

I love my life and family. I love my title and the hard working Stampede Indian Princess Committee and I love my Stampede Sisters – Jenna, Stephanie and Whitney! I love the Calgary Stampede and everything that they done for us. We are so excited for what awaits us in the coming year. 2011 will soon be here and I welcome you with open arms! WE are the 2011 Calgary Stampede Royalty and this is our year! We will make you all proud!

Last but not least…from your Calgary Stampede Indian Princess and on behalf of the Calgary Stampede Royalty, I would love to wish you all a very happy holiday season and send you abundant blessings for the New Year!

See you next year

Love always,

Eva Meguinis

As we say farewell to 2010 and greetings to 2011, we welcome the New Year with an old Calgarian tradition as the finals of the Mac’s Midget Tournament cap off this week at Stampede Park.

Details on that and more here:

• NHL Hockey: The Calgary Flames play twice this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome. First, the Buffalo Sabres drop by for a visit on Monday, December 27 as the Sabres take time for a quick road trip through Alberta before the end of the year, followed by division rivals the Colorado Avalanche on December 31 for the Flames’ traditional New Year’s Eve game. Both games start at 7 p.m. and tickets for both are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey: Meanwhile, the Calgary Hitmen finish off their three-game home stand this week with the final two games. First, the Hitmen take on the Moose Jaw Warriors on Tuesday, December 28 at 5 p.m., followed by the Brandon Wheat Kings on Thursday, December 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets for both games are available through Ticketmaster.
• Mac’s Midget Tournament: For over 30 years, midget-aged hockey players from all over the world have travelled to Calgary for a chance to participate in the annual Mac’s Midget Tournament. In fact, many NHL players have, at one time or another, participated in this prestigious tourney when they were kids. Throughout this week, the tournament will take place in various venues across the city, ending with the championship finals being held at the Saddledome on New Year’s Day, Saturday, January 1. The female finals start at 10 a.m. and the male finals start at 2 p.m. Tickets for the championship finals are available at all Calgary area Mac’s Convenience Store locations, or through Ticketmaster.
• Stampede Casino: Open all year-round and featuring all your favourite slots, tables, a 24 hour poker room, as well as excellent food and special events throughout the year, there’s always something going on down here so why not drop by for a visit? Here’s a taste of what’s happening this week:
  • No Hassle New Year’s 2011: Looking to watch the ball drop without all the fuss? Ring in the new year on Friday, December 31 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with the Stampede Casino’s No Hassle New Year’s 2011 featuring Calgary’s Hottest Cover Band, The Silvertone Devils, along with complimentary champagne at midnight and a late night buffet. Tickets are $20 per couple or $10 per person and are available through Guest Services.
  • UFC 125: Featuring three theatre-sized screens and a complimentary snack buffet, catch all the action of UFC 125 in the Big Sky Showroom as Gray Maynard takes on Frankie Edgar for the World Lightweight Championship, Josh Grispi takes on Jose Aldo for the World Featherwieght Championship, and much more. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 1 and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are available through Guest Services.
  • Weekly Specials: Every week features specials to make your stay at the Stampede Casino more enjoyable. On Sundays, table and slots players can enjoy Afternoon Tea featuring assorted teas, coffee and biscuits from 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays are Neighborly Tuesdays where if a player wins a hand play slot jackpot of $250 or more, their neighbor to the right wins a prize as well. On Wednesdays, patrons aged 55 and over can take a Garden Getaway in the Grasslands Cafe where they can enjoy a $3.99 soup, salad, and sandwich from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finally, Thursday is Ladies Night at the Centre Bar and the 1912 Bar & Grill as ladies can enjoy half-price wine and appetizer specials from 4 – 8 p.m.
  • Players Zone: Every home game night, come be a part of the action with six themed blackjack tables, Flames ticket giveaways, food and drink specials, and much more.

That’s all for this week. For updates and info on everything Stampede, sign up to become a Stampede Insider, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede, on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, visit our website, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening Here. All Year.

Seasons’ Greetings and we’ll see you all in the New Year!

I can’t believe almost 3 months have passed since we were crowned. The saying really holds true, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” Well, there is no doubt about that. It is amazing how an experience like this can bring people together…the girls and I feel like long lost sisters and cant get enough of each other’s company! Since returning from Grey Cup in Edmonton, we have been fortunate enough to be involved in a couple of very special events. The girls and I know how incredibly fortunate we are to receive all the gifts we do throughout our reign, and any opportunity to give back to the community is something we do not take lightly. We participated in the Calgary Herald Christmas fund, where we answered phones and accepted pledges from generous donors. The money will be given to 14 local charities in Calgary, and there is about one million dollars raised on average every year! Wow! The generosity I experienced in that morning alone was outstanding. I’m not sure if it was our incredibly sparkly shirts that were attracting people, or maayybeee the 3 Stampeder’s football players sitting in front of us (personally I think it was the shirts…) but the phones were ringing and the money was pouring in. It was amazing.

Today we were invited to St.Michael’s church to help with the organizing and packing of food hampers that will be given to families in need this holiday season. What a production it was! I felt like I was in Santa’s Safeway…aisles and aisles of food to be picked, packed, wrapped and shipped. We spent the day with our shopping carts in tow, filling them with the food generously donated by local stores, and surrounded by many volunteers who willingly donated their time to lend a hand. It really brought home what the true spirit of the holiday is about.

On behalf of the 2011 Royalty (The Fantastic Four!) – we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a safe and wonderful New Years!

Now that the holidays have finally settled in, the tree is up and Christmas is just around the corner, I think I may just kick back with my feet up, a book and a nice warm cup of…..oh no…I haven’t started my Christmas shopping yet!!

LMFAO and Steve Aoki highlight the week ahead at Stampede Park as we head into Christmas.

• LMFAO and Steve Aoki: Electro-hip hop duo LMFAO and DJ, artist and producer Steve Aoki team up to bring their electronic sound to Stampede Park this week. Catch them as they play the Big Four Building on Wednesday, December 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets for this show are available through Ticketmaster.
• Stampede Casino: Open all year-round and featuring all your favourite slots, tables, a 24 hour poker room, as well as excellent food and special events throughout the year, there’s always something going on down here so why not drop by for a visit? Here’s a taste of what’s happening this week:
  • Weekly Specials: Every week features specials to make your stay at the Stampede Casino more enjoyable. On Sundays, table and slots players can enjoy Afternoon Tea featuring assorted teas, coffee and biscuits from 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays are Neighborly Tuesdays where if a player wins a hand play slot jackpot of $250 or more, their neighbor to the right wins a prize as well. On Wednesdays, patrons aged 55 and over can take a Garden Getaway in the Grasslands Cafe where they can enjoy a $3.99 soup, salad, and sandwich from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finally, Thursday is Ladies Night at the Centre Bar and the 1912 Bar & Grill as ladies can enjoy half-price wine and appetizer specials from 4 – 8 p.m.

That’s all for this week. For updates and info on everything Stampede, sign up to become a Stampede Insider, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede, on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, visit our website, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening Here. All Year.

Image Courtesy www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com

Howdy to all the country music fans out there! For those who love countdowns, get ready to be jealous for I have not one, but two, running this month. The first is obviously when Santa will grace my house with his presence, the second is the much anticipated Carrie Underwood concert. The “Play On” tour will roll into town at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday, December 19th.

A preview of what is in store for us at the concert? (Image Courtesy www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com)

For any Carrie Underwood Fan we know just how exciting this is. This will be her first Calgary appearance and I’ve waited for this concert for so many years. Her three albums Some Hearts, Carnival Ride and Play On have sold millions of albums worldwide and garnered much critical acclaim.

Last week at the first ever ACA’s (American Country Awards), Carrie won six awards: Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year: Female, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Female Touring Headline Package of the Year and lastly Music Video: Female.

For those music fans you’ve yet to find the perfect gift for, I’d suggest you head on over to Ticketmaster and buy some tickets and buy some tickets before it’s too late! If you miss out on this seriously extraordinary event… I’ll be writing a post concert recap similar to the Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert show at last years Calgary Stampede.

One last thing while I’m on the topic of amazing country music…we all know that Kenny Chesney was announced as a headliner for next year’s Calgary Stampede, but I can’t wait to see what other concerts are in store for us during Calgary Stampede 2011. Sign up to be a Calgary Stampede Insider and ensure you are one of the first to know about next year’s lineup.

For updates and info on everything Stampede, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede , 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.

ACM’s Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood caps off this week at Stampede Park as she performs along with Billy Currington and Sons of Sylvia.

Details on that and more here:

• Carrie Underwood: Winner of the Academy of Country Music’s “Entertainer of the Year” award for two years running, Carrie Underwood will be playing the Scotiabank Saddledome this week along with special guests Billy Currington and Sons of Sylvia promoting her new CD entitled Play On. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, and tickets for this concert are available through Ticketmaster.
• NHL Hockey: The Calgary Flames try to hold down the fort with a three-game home stand this week at the Saddledome. First, the Columbus Blue Jackets come to town on Monday, December 13 at 7 p.m. Next, the Toronto Maple Leafs drop by on Thursday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. for the second game in their Western Canadian road trip. Finally, the Flames take on the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, December 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets for all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey: Meanwhile, the Calgary Hitmen play twice this week at the Saddledome. First, the Hitmen take on the Chilliwack Bruins on Tuesday, December 14, followed by the Kelowna Rockets on Friday, December 17. Start time for both games is 7 p.m. and tickets for both are available through Ticketmaster.
• Stampede Casino: Open all year-round and featuring all your favourite slots, tables, a 24 hour poker room, as well as excellent food and special events throughout the year, there’s always something going on down here so why not drop by for a visit? Here’s a taste of what’s happening this week:
  • Players Zone: Every home game night, come be a part of the action with six themed blackjack tables, Flames ticket giveaways, food and drink specials, and much more.
  • 12 Days of Christmas: 12 great giveaways including trips for two to Hong Kong and Punta Cana! Ballots are earned through the Rewards Kiosk, Slot Jackpots and Table Buy-Ins. Enter your ballots for the giveaway of your choice starting December 1, then be here at 7 p.m. on the day of your prize giveaway to win! For more details, see here.
  • Weekly Specials: Every week features specials to make your stay at the Stampede Casino more enjoyable. On Sundays, table and slots players can enjoy Afternoon Tea featuring assorted teas, coffee and biscuits from 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays are Neighborly Tuesdays where if a player wins a hand play slot jackpot of $250 or more, their neighbor to the right wins a prize as well. On Wednesdays, patrons aged 55 and over can take a Garden Getaway in the Grasslands Cafe where they can enjoy a $3.99 soup, salad, and sandwich from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finally, Thursday is Ladies Night at the Centre Bar and the 1912 Bar & Grill as ladies can enjoy half-price wine and appetizer specials from 4 – 8 p.m.

That’s all for this week. For updates and info on everything Stampede, sign up to become a Stampede Insider, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede, on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, visit our website, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening Here. All Year.

Hockey’s the name of the game this week at Stampede Park with both NHL and WHL action taking place at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Plus, the Stampede Casino’s started their 12 Days of Christmas giveaway contest where you can win vacation getaways for two to places such as Hong Kong and Punta Cana.

Details on that and more here:

• NHL Hockey: The Calgary Flames take on the Tampa Bay Lightning this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets for this game are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey: Meanwhile, the Calgary Hitmen start a four game homestand, playing three of those games this week at the Saddledome. The Hitmen take on the Edmonton Oil Kings on Wednesday, December 8 at 7 p.m. followed by the Regina Pats on Friday, December 10, also at 7 p.m. The Hitmen finish off the week with the Red Deer Rebels on Sunday, December 12 at 5 p.m. Tickets for all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• Stampede Casino: Open all year-round and featuring all your favourite slots, tables, a 24 hour poker room, as well as excellent food and special events throughout the year, there’s always something going on down here so why not drop by for a visit? Here’s a taste of what’s happening this week:
  • Players Zone: Every home game night, come be a part of the action with six themed blackjack tables, Flames ticket giveaways, food and drink specials, and much more.
  • 12 Days of Christmas: 12 great giveaways including trips for two to Hong Kong and Punta Cana! Ballots are earned through the Rewards Kiosk, Slot Jackpots and Table Buy-Ins. Enter your ballots for the giveaway of your choice starting December 1, then be here at 7 p.m. on the day of your prize giveaway to win! For more details, see here.
  • Weekly Specials: Every week features specials to make your stay at the Stampede Casino more enjoyable. On Sundays, table and slots players can enjoy Afternoon Tea featuring assorted teas, coffee and biscuits from 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays are Neighborly Tuesdays where if a player wins a hand play slot jackpot of $250 or more, their neighbor to the right wins a prize as well. On Wednesdays, patrons aged 55 and over can take a Garden Getaway in the Grasslands Cafe where they can enjoy a $3.99 soup, salad, and sandwich from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finally, Thursday is Ladies Night at the Centre Bar and the 1912 Bar & Grill as ladies can enjoy half-price wine and appetizer specials from 4 – 8 p.m.

And that’s all for this week. For updates and info on everything Stampede, sign up to become a Stampede Insider, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede, on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, visit our website, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening Here. All Year.

Well, its that time of year again – we’re already thinking about Stampede here in the Midway department, and that means we’re taking applications for vendor and exhibitor space for Stampede 2011!

 If you or someone you know has a great new food or unique new product and think you have what it takes to participate in the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, we’d love to see your application.  We are always looking for great looking booths with new and unique items.

Visit www.calgarystampede.com/vendors for the application guidebook and application forms.  Please make sure you read the guidebook closely before submitting your application to make sure that your booth and product meets our requirements.  This is a highly competitive process, and we receive more applications that we have room for.  What we’re looking for is outlined in the guidebook, and if you have more questions than the book can answer, our contact information.

 Here are some photos of award winning booths from Stampede 2010, so that you have an idea of the great things we look forward to bringing our guests every year!

Hers is a committee award winner, the Candytime booth.

Best Merchandise Booth, Yerba Mate Tea

Best Food Booth, Butcher Boys London Broil