Carolyn Harley returns to the Window on the West Stage for a second time in 2011. Carolyn brings humour, poetry and energy into her performances.

If you can’t wait until July to hear her at the Calgary Stampede, she will be joining up with Wyatt Easterling, a hit songwriter and Nashville Veteran, and Larry Vannatta, a two-time Juno nominee, at the Music Centre Canada in Okotoks, this Friday March 4th. If you are interested in a preview of this amazing performer, call 403-995-3060 for tickets.

The Window on the West stage is located in the Western Oasis Hall in the BMO Centre – be sure to come and check us out at Calgary Stampede 2011!

An annual tradition for the last 111 years, the Calgary Bull Sale highlights the week ahead at Stampede Park. Also, the Flames and Hitmen both continue on the road to their respective playoffs.

• Calgary Bull Sale: 2011 marks the 111th Annual Calgary Bull Sale held in Calgary, Alberta. The Calgary Bull Sale is the benchmark for other bull sales across the prairie provinces of Canada. The sale attracts Alberta’s top quality beef bulls and offers bulls for sale to meet all ranchers’ budgets. March 2 – 3 in the Agriculture Building, Victoria Pavilion.
• NHL Hockey: The Calgary Flames play twice this week as they continue their hunt to secure a playoff position. They take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. followed by the Nashville Predators on Sunday, March 6 at 6 p.m. Both games at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and tickets for both are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey: The Calgary Hitmen host the Swift Current Broncos on Saturday, March 5 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Game time is at 7 p.m. and tickets 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.
  • 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.

And that’s all for this week! Make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening Here. All Year.

The past month has been quite busy for me and filled with tons of change. I finally got all moved into my new place and have started my riding dates with IP Horse Stormy. We still have a ways to go till the Stampede but know that it will come fast as all things do when your having fun.

I have also committed myself to getting in the best shape for this is my year to shine. I am known as “T-Rex” arms because of my workouts..haha!

The girls and I have been having such a fun and fabulous time enjoying our titles and each other while relating our experiences of this beautifully hectic life. We have become to be very good friends and I am more than eager to continue this new busy life of mine because as crazy as it may get, I absolutely love it!

Last night, we had the opportunity to enjoy local acting talent at Alberta Theatre Projects production of “Heartbreaker” by Playwright Morwyn Brebner. After the play, Jenna, Whitney, Stephanie and I participated in the 18th Annual Lawson Lundell Celebrity Hors D’Oeuvres event.

This incredibly fun event is a hors d’oeuvres competition featuring some of Calgary’s finest restaurants who are paired with local celebrities, who deviously compete against each other to sell the most hors d’oeuvres.

All proceeds generated by this auction will go to support Alberta Theatre Projects and the Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays.

I had the honor of being paired with Local playwright Eugene Stickland and the Calgary Mariott Hotel….and we WON!

I was given the honour of being blessed to have a “Moscar” (mini-oscar) and held it high with pride.

I have been and will continue to enjoy the perks of Royal life and with continued support from my committee, family and friends, I move forward with my chin up and ready to conquer anything in my path for this path is meant for me.

In the mean time (and in between time!) you can follow me during my year on Facebook at “Calgary Stampede Indian Princess” or on Twitter at @StampedeIP

Have a wonderful day from your Indian Princess, Eva ♥

Last night the CS Royalty headed downtown to join in the 18th annual Lawson Lundell Celebrity Hors d’oeurves in support of Alberta Theatre Projects and the Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays. FINALLY the girls and I were able to put our scheming and tactical natures to good use! The event consisted of a handful of Calgary’s finest restaurants who were paired up with local celebrities, all deviously trying to sell more hors d’oeurves than the next, whilst secretly and subtly trying to wipe out the competition. The princesses and I were paired with Open Range, while our Indian Princess Eva was paired with the Calgary Marriott Hotel. (Nothing like a little healthy competition amongst royalty to heat things up) Our very own Mayor Nenshi started the night of with a GONG (literally, he hit a gong) and the competition was under way! It was a race to sell the most hors d’oeurves to the guests, and believe me it wasn’t quite as easy as I would have anticipated! In the beginning, many guests claimed to be “scoping everything out” before they jumped into any hasty decisions. Upon visiting these same folks later in the night, many claimed to be too full to try my hors d’oeurve! I wasn’t about to let these tricky guests stop me from clearing my tray, and I efficiently swept the room, narrowing in particularly on any guest who appeared to be alone, or empty handed. (It’s the stragglers that are the easiest targets…I wonder if it was a coincidence that no one appeared to be going to bathroom alone by the end of the night…hmm) I have to admit, the scheming on behalf of all the restaurants was quite hilarious to watch, and more than once I came across one or more celebrities that I swear were trying to sabotage me. The night came to a close with another GONG, and all celebrities and restaurants were instructed to stop selling. By this time, the girls and I were quite proud to display our empty trays, and had sold most of our restaurants hors d’oeurves. Awards were given out for various categories, and the tokens collected by each restaurant were gathered and counted. Now, I’m not sure if there was any funny business going on here…but SOMEHOW, our very own Indian Princess and her restaurant managed to take home the grand prize for most hors d’oeurves sold!! Conspiracy?…. we will never know…
We had a fantastic time at this event…and it was great to spend the evening with so many wonderful, friendly and well-known personalities of this city. It seems every event the girls and I attend, really reinforces the western heritage and hospitality of this city that we are so grateful to be representing through the Calgary Stampede.

Sell sell sell!

Sneaking up on Dave Kelly

Our popular Stampede Packs will be back again for the 2011 edition of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth

Here is a sneak peek at the NEW Calgary Stampede “Stampede Pack” for 2011. This year’s pack is hot, so make sure to get yours before they are gone.

Stampede packs can be purchased in the BMO centre, Hall A, Stampede Park during the festival, July 8 – 17, 2011

Post a picture of yourself or a family member wearing a past years “stampede” pack, or “like” this years pack on facebook and you will be entered into a draw for free 2011 CS Stampede Pack.

Post your picture by March 8th, 2011, drawing to be made on March 9th, 2011

Stay tuned for a sneak peek and a chance to win a NEW 2011 CS kids pack

The thoroughbred horse is a very unique and special animal. The horses have been a part of the Lauder, Cosgrave and Glass chuckwagon family since the early 1900′s. My late grandmother Iris Glass, known as the matriarch of chuckwagon racing, summed it up perfectly. The horses always come first, and everything else is second. We have lived and breathed horses’ everyday.

On the Glass ranch near High River, Alberta, there are usually around forty head of thoroughbred horses. These horses, which we call “the boys”, are truly a part of the family. It’s like having forty kids to take care of. Our horses are on self feed hay, so they always have quality hay to pick from. The hay is a mixture of alfalfa and crested wheat grass. They are hand fed oats every day, which gives us the chance to closely look and examine each horse. The love, time and effort put into these special gifted animals is cherished. In return, the horses have done for us what they love to do — and that is run. They love to compete.

Our horses could be compared to almost any other professional sports team. We take care of them the best we can, from their feet to their teeth. The boys are well trained, receive the best nutrition and veterinarian work out there. Whatever they need, they get. I truly believe they are better taken care of than I take care of myself.

These horses are protected and taken great care of by many people. The likes of the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA), the Alberta Horse Racing Association and the Calgary Stampede, just to name a few. 

Our family would not go on without the thoroughbred horse. It’s been a very special way of life.

Here’s to the horse…our horses!

Jason Glass

Highlights this week include the Calgary Home & Garden Show, Winefest Calgary 2011 and the APEGGA Science Olympics.

Details on that and more here:

• Calgary Home & Garden Show: Restore, refresh, and renew your home at the 2011 Calgary Home & Garden Show. Get help from top celebrity experts and shop over 650+ exhibitors where you can find the latest in new products for your home. February 24 – 27 in the BMO Centre and Stampede Corral. Tickets available at the door, and advance tickets available on-line.
• Winefest Calgary 2011: Winefest has become one of the most distinguished all inclusive wine events in Calgary, offering the chance to sample hundreds of international wines, port, sparkling and dessert wines from the world’s most celebrated wine regions. With over 60 wineries represented, swirl, sip and savour at this wonderland of wine! February 24 – 26 in the BMO Centre. Adults only, tickets available on-line.
• APEGGA Science Olympics: The 2011 APEGGA Science Olympics is an interactive science competition that allows students to see first-hand how science affects our everyday lives. Students are given a series of applications or problem-solving challenges that demonstrate the fun side of exploring science concepts. Saturday, February 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Big Four Building, Hall C.
• Flight Centre Travel Expo: The Flight Centre Travel Expo brings buyers and sellers together at the same time for the same reason: To offer you amazing deals! Visitors to Travel Expo will have access to a wide variety of exhibitors covering all aspects of travel. Saturday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Big Four Building. Admission to this event is free.
• NHL Hockey: Fresh off a glorious 4-0 win against Montreal at the Heritage Classic over the weekend, the Calgary Flames continue their hunt to secure a playoff spot by playing thrice this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome in a three-game homestand. First, the Flames take on the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, February 22 at 7 p.m., followed by the San Jose Sharks on Friday, February 25, also at 7 p.m. Finally, they host the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, February 27 at 6 p.m. Tickets for all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey: Meanwhile, the Calgary Hitmen host the Kelowna Rockets at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday, February 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets for this game 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.
  • 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.

And that’s all for this week! Make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening Here. All Year.

Window on the West welcomes back Marty Antonini and 7th Heaven, a gospel singing group made up of 20 singers under the musical direction of Marty Antonini.

7th Heaven’s vast musical styles include southern gospel, country gospel, contemporary, blues, as well as some original gospel. Recently the group was featured in the movie “Hell on Wheels,” soon to be released on the American movie channel.

Even better, shows on July 10th and 17th mean two chances to be able to see this fantastically fun group perform live on the Window on the West stage.

The stage is located in the Western Oasis Hall in the BMO Centre – be sure to come and check us out at Calgary Stampede 2011!

Singer, Dianne Wirtz will be performing on Sunday, July 10th.

Sunday, July 10^th is going to be a great day on the Window on the West stage as Gospel singer, Dianne Wirtz, takes our stage for the first time. Her album, “I’m Your Child” was selected as one of the ten semi-finalists in the category “Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year” for the 2010 Juno Awards.  She was also nominated for “Album of the Year” by the Gospel Music Association of Canada and won the “NCM (New Christian Music) Radio Mike” award for World Radio. Click on Dianne’s name above to hear a sample of her wonderful voice and then get your pen out and mark the date in your calendar!

Love is in the air this week at Stampede Park (at least, if you’re a vehicle aficionado!) as the World of Wheels caps off the week ahead. Plus, the Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, will be hosting a special regular season game this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome as part of the festivities surrounding the Heritage Classic this weekend!

Details on that and more here:

• World of Wheels: Calgary’s premier hot rod and custom car show, the annual World of Wheels car and auto show returns to the BMO Centre this week. See hot rods, concept cars, muscle cars, vintage cars, and everything in between on display along with special guests and workshops! February 18-20, tickets available at the door and advance tickets available at select Auto Value retail locations.
• NHL Hockey: With the Heritage Classic weekend just around the corner, the Calgary Flames continue their push to secure a playoff spot this week as the Boston Bruins pay a visit to the Scotiabank Saddledome as part of a quick jaunt through Alberta and B.C. taking on teams from both provinces. Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.
• AHL Hockey: Launching this weekend’s Heritage Classic festivities, the Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, will host a special regular season game this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome as they take on the Edmonton Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons. Featuring the first meeting between the two clubs this season, come and see the Flames of the future take on the Oilers’ top prospects in typical Battle of Alberta fashion! Friday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this special game 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:
  • Be Mine Big Band Dinner & Show: What better way is there to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a night of dinner, dancing, and chocolate? The Be Mine Big Band Dinner & Show features a prime rib dinner, a chocolate station, dancing, and live music performed by the 18 Piece Big Sky Big Band with Deanne Matley on vocals. Monday, February 14 in the Big Sky Showroom. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:45 p.m. Tickets 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.

And that’s all for this week. Make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening Here. All Year.

On Saturday February 5th we attended Western Night for the Calgary Flames. This exciting night of hockey got residents and visitors of Calgary pumped for Stampede! George Canyon sang the national anthems to start off the evening and took the stage again during the second intermission to sing Ring of Fire. In between periods, the western spirit was raised. In the first intermission, we greeted the guests of the Scotiabank Saddledome on the ice, and watched some two stepping. Barrel racer Adel Hanson, bull rider Jordie Nash, and outrider Eddie Melville each partnered up with a spectator and competed for a chance to win a Calgary Flames jersey.

During the game we visited the box suites and spread our western hospitality. We were greeted with smiles from the guests in each box we walked into. It was a pleasure to watch the game while chatting with the hockey fans. Everyone was curious to see what the Royal Trio has been up to, and it was intriguing to listen to people share their experiences with the Calgary Stampede.

I have grown up around the sport of hockey. My dad was a coach for borther’s team, and I was always the little girl in the bleachers with my coloring books. Watching the Flames games with my family and friends has always been an activity I have enjoyed. It truly was a dream come true to step out onto the ice and wave to all the guests of the Saddledome.

Howdy folks! This will be my first blog entry with the Calgary Stampede. I’m a recent recruit with the Promotion committee’s Social Media subcommittee.

Last Friday I attended the Calgary Boating & Sportsmen Show along with fellow Stampede blogger Killa Burkinshaw to check out what it had to offer. My primary focus in my volunteer capacity with the Stampede is to produce sharable online content. As such I filmed the video below in order to give you a taste of one of the many events that happens at the BMO Centre all year long. Have a look!

There’s always something happening on Park all year round. Head on over to the events listing for a detailed listing for events happening now and in the near future! There’s always something to do, many of which is low cost if not free! I also recommend you take a look at the weekly What’s Happening at Stampede Park blog feature because it features details on all the things happening on Park each week!

While you’re at it take a look at the official web page of the Calgary Boating & Sportsmen Show which is southern Alberta’s biggest fishing & outdoor show to get a sense of what you can expect at future shows!

The Calgary Flames continue their push to secure a playoff spot this week as they finish off the final three games of a four game homestand at the Saddledome.

Details on that and more here:

• 2011 Home Hardware Contractor Show: The Tough as Nails Contractor Show presented by Home Hardware features opportunities for vendors and contractors to gather under one roof to learn about the latest industry trends, products and techniques. Taking place on Thursday, February 10, this trade event is open to industry only.
• Ilan Chester en Concierto: Latin Grammy award winner Ilan Chester will be performing live on Saturday, February 12 at 6 p.m. in the Boyce Theatre. Advanced tickets available at select locations.
• NHL Hockey: Currently one of the hottest teams in the league, the Calgary Flames play thrice this week in the Scotiabank Saddledome. First, they take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. followed by the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, February 9, also at 7:30 p.m. Finally, they take on the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, February 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets for all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Hockey: The Calgary Hitmen take on the Prince George Cougars this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday, February 12. Puck drop for this game is 7 p.m. and tickets 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.
  • 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.

And that’s all for this week. Make sure to sign up to become a Stampede Insider for first-access to exclusive news, contests and other insider information, and be sure to keep an eye on our official Twitter account at @calgarystampede and our official Facebook fan page for giveaways, special announcements, and more! Finally, make sure to visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening Here. All Year.