Four AM definitely felt too early to get up yesterday, but that’s what time Jenna, Whit, and I rolled out of bed at. It may have felt too early but it was definitely worth it as the three of us were getting ready to head out for the Ponoka Parade and Stampede! We all met at Heathercrest (where our boys call home), loaded up the horses and headed north. It was such a beautiful day we were all so excited to be able to be outside and on our lovely horses. It was a big honour to be invited to ride in the parade as well, as the Ponoka Stampede was celebrating their 75^th anniversary. That is a huge mile stone for such an amazing event, so we felt blessed to be able to partake in their 75^th parade. Kansas, Snoopy, and Hawk were all given the royal treatment the day before by having all of us wash them to perfection (and I have to say they did look awfully great.) We felt like true royalty riding on our beautiful boys and being greeted by all the fantastic people who came to watch the parade. It is moments like yesterday we will never forget.

Afterwards we had excellent tickets to the rodeo so we got to spend a sunny afternoon watching some of the best sporting action in the world. Anyone who has been in, or participated in the Ponoka Stampede will probably agree with me that life doesn’t get much better than a hot afternoon watching the Ponoka Rodeo. Being a princess sure has it’s perks!

Kansas looking pretty after getting a first class spa treatment

Stampede Sisters enjoying the rodeo

Introducing the 2011 Grandstand Evening Show at the Calgary Stampede & Exhibition

The VOLTE is a very small circle that is used in the training of a horse. Of all possible circles, it requires the most balance from the horse.  Voltes are excellent training tools, encouraging engagement and power.  From this place of power, and imagination, and magic – we present the performers who will take you to take circle… 

VOLTE invites you to partake in a beautifully unique journey of fire, equestrian/acrobatic magnificence and spectacular fireworks premiering exclusively at The Calgary Stampede for ten days only. This epic spectacle takes audiences into a fantastical and suspenseful world where highly-acrobatic feats are heightened by original live music and interactive multimedia elements.

Come and celebrate with us! Performance starts every evening at 10pm after the GMC Rangeland Derby… tickets are sold together for both events.

Tickets can be purchased online through the Calgay Stampede website:

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/tickets/

The Black Keys highlight the week ahead with a performance in the Stampede Corral.

Details on that and more here:

• The Black Keys:  Grammy-award winning American blues rock duo The Black Keys will be playing at the Stampede Corral on Tuesday, June 28 at 8 p.m.  Tickets for the concert 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:
  • UFC 132: Check out UFC 132 in the Big Sky Showroom, featuring Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber as they battle it out for the UFC’s Bantamweight Title. $10 admission includes access to three theatre-sized screens and a complementary snack buffet. Tickets available through Stampede Casino 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.
  • Cheer on the Home Team!: Cheer on the home team with the Stampede Casino! A $20 ticket includes: Bust Loose Party Bus to and from all Calgary Stampeders’ home games, tickets in the Molson Zone, food and drink specials and free underground parking. Stop by the Player’s Zone after games; Six blackjack tables dedicated to sports fans, open Friday & Saturday nights PLUS all home games.

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.

Only 10 days to go until The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Oh my GOODNESS!! Stampede is only TWELVE DAYS AWAY! The feeling of excitement is overwhelming. My Stampede Sisters Jenna, Whitney, Stephanie and I have already been busy attending pancake breakfasts and other pre stampede events.
The next two weeks will be a good warm up act to the busy time at the Calgary Stampede ~ The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!!

We continue a hectic Royal life. Some of the wonderful events we have enjoyed in the past few months include the opening night of Cavalia – a mesmerizing show that I highly recommend to everyone, Relay for Life – in support of cancer survivors and those we have lost, School Bus Roadeo – where I was really hoping I was going to drive a school bus through a barrel racing pattern, and Annual Loops for Troops created in honor of Calgary Soldier Corporal Nathan Hornburg who was killed on active duty in Afghanistan. May the Creator continue to bless all our men and women in uniform around the world who are in active duty.

This past week, we made media appearances on Breakfast Television and Global TV Calgary. I think we accurately conveyed our excitement for Stampede!

In between all of these events, I’ve been riding every chance I can, getting my trusty steed Prince Stormy in shape and ready for the busy ten days of Stampede.

So as you can see, it’s been incredibly busy….but the time seems to be flying by so fast! I am so excited for too many things during the ten days of Stampede! The Stampede Parade, daily rodeo grand entry, mastering the art of changing from western wear to regalia in time for opening ceremonies at Indian Village where we will showcase our culture, lifestyle, crafts and food and the more than 150 appearances Stampede Royalty will make during the ten days…oh, and deep fried pickles! :)

I also wanted to remind you that June is National Aboriginal History Month – an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contributions to Canada and I invite you to share in the celebration!

I had the honor of attending the National Aboriginal Day celebration at the Coast Plaza Hotel in addition to the Dreamcatcher Foundation / Treaty 7 Gala Event. The Foundation provides support through grants to individuals and communities with a goal of developing youth as future community leaders.

 I have been honored to carry this title and be the face of not only Treaty 7 but for natives in general to visitors from all over the world. The Stampede Indian Princess Committee is working very hard to increase the presence of the Stampede Indian Princess as an Ambassador for the Indian Village and Calgary Stampede, as a positive role model empowering our First Nation youth and to use our Facebook fan page as a portal for education, awareness and promotion.

In a few days, the Tipis will once again rise in Indian Village as we prepare to welcome the world to the 2011 Calgary Stampede!

Whether you are a repeat guest or visiting us for the first time, I invite you to Indian Village where you will always leave as a friend.

Don’t forget, you can follow me during my year on Facebook at “Calgary Stampede Indian Princess” or on Twitter at @StampedeIP

Have a wonderful day and I look forward to seeing you at the 2011 Calgary Stampede!

Your Indian Princess,

Eva ♥

This week’s Weekly Wrangle features details of the 2011 Royal Tour, the Stampede Parade, new animal care standards to be implemented at this year’s Stampede, and the winner of the Calgary Stampede’s Ultimate Intern contest!

Friday, June 24, 2011

• Calgary Stampede’s Ultimate Intern has been revealed:  The Calgary Stampede has found its Ultimate Intern for The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
• 2012 Limited Edition Centennial Saddle:  The Calgary Stampede will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012. To celebrate, the Western Performance Horse committee is releasing limited edition saddles, each handcrafted by the world-renowned saddle maker, Vic Bennett.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

• Calgary Stampede has your reserved seat for the anticipated Stampede Parade:  It’s official, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Will and Kate will be taking part in the 2011 Stampede Parade. Fortunately, the Calgary Stampede Parade Day GetAway package can guarantee you get a reserved seat for all the action.
• “Fitness to Compete” A new animal care standard for the 2011 Calgary Stampede:  Over the next three weeks the Calgary Stampede will roll out one of the most comprehensive animal care programs in North America.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

• Stampede Parade to highlight Royal Couple’s Tour of Alberta:  Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the province of Alberta from July 6 to 8.  The stop in Alberta will be highlighted by their participation in the annual Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, July 8.
  
• Government of Canada Unveils Details of 2011 Royal Tour:  The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today announced the itinerary of the Royal Tour of Canada by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
• Stampede Lotteries unveils $1.4 million in prizes:  More than $1.4 million in prizes were unveiled today as the Calgary Stampede Lotteries showcased its impressive 2011 lineup. Included was the much-anticipated Homes By Avi Rotary Dream Home, valued at $724,950, Lions Lucky Loot worth up to $310,000 and Kinsmen Wheels totalling more than $461,283.

Monday, June 20, 2011

• Extraordinary youngsters to join Rick Hansen in Calgary Stampede Parade:  They come from every corner of the country and a variety of backgrounds. They have overcome obstacles and helped others do the same. They have helped to make their respective communities the best, most welcoming places they can be. Indeed, they are Difference Makers.

If you want to stay up-to-date with all of the Calgary Stampede’s news stories and media releases, keep an eye on our e-News Portal at http://news.calgarystampede.com, subscribe to the e-News Portal RSS feed, or follow the official Calgary Stampede Twitter account at @calgarystampede.

We are happy to announce the winner of our 2011 Ultimate Intern competition Brendan Barnett!

Brendan will be living and breathing the Stampede for 10 straight days. And we mean that quite literally – Brendan will be staying in his private GuaranteeRV right on the Stampede midway!

Watch for Brendan on the Calgary Stampede blog for his inside scoop on over 20 unique and exclusive experiences. Also, stayed tuned on Facebook and Twitter for ways that our Ultimate Intern can track you down on the grounds to giveaway exciting prizes.

For anyone that missed it, here is Brendan’s winning video entry

Ultimate Intern – Brendan Barnett

Whenever someone asks me, “What are you MOST looking forward to this Stampede?” I tend to start off with an “Umm..” followed by “uhhh..well…” and ill finish off with “…just about everything!” In all reality, the three best words that can sum up my excitement right now are O-M-G!! How is it possible that Stampede is now 2 weeks away, when it feels like we were crowned just yesterday?! It really shows how fast time really flies, and it really gives meaning to the saying, “make each day count”. The reason I can’t seem to come up with a true answer to that question is because I really am just so pumped for every single day, every single event and every single experience that is in store for us! The next two weeks are action packed, and that is just the pre-Stampede kick off!

This morning the Royalty made a couple guest appearances on the morning news. We rose bright and early to join the Global news team at 7:10, and talked about some of the exciting things in store for people at this year’s Stampede. This, of course, included the wacky food that comes to the midway. Joining the crazy food family already consisting of foods such as pizza on a stick and deep fried oreos, will be pork-chops-on-a-stick, deep fried pop-tarts and the donut burger. I would like to tip my hat now to the brave souls who tackle this food year after year with a smile.

At 8:20 we made an appearance on cityTV and discussed certain things we are so excited for, including Grand Entry, which kicks off the rodeo each day. We have been training hard with our horses and can’t wait for the adrenaline rush when we gallop into the arena at full speed, complete with fireworks, fire and a screaming crowd!

It was a lot of fun making these flash appearances, and it really started to hit me how quickly Stampede is coming up. Driving around downtown Calgary, it is apparent that businesses and office buildings are already in the Stampede spirit with many of the windows already painted with “YA-HOO”s and “HOWDY PARTNER!”s.

Now, if YOU don’t have your cowboy boots and cowboy hat already, I urge you to get ready because it’s just about time to kick up your heels and join the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Being interviewed on cityTV

This month leading up to Stampede, there’s a lot of early mornings and late nights. From the time I get up in the morning until the time I go to bed at night, it’s my job as the Calgary Stampede Ranch manager to look after the livestock here at the Ranch just outside of Hanna, Alberta.

In the summertime, there’s always lots of things to do – gathering and sorting and moving the horses – especially when we’re going to rodeos every weekend. We do all our sorting and gathering on horseback. One thing about managing is that you don’t always get to do the jobs you want to do. I’d like to spend all day on a horse, but there’s some days you just can’t. I guess that’s why we have the young cowboys.

A day on the Ranch is always unpredictable. I was driving around yesterday afternoon, showing the new ranch hand the different pastures where the mares and colts are. We came up on a field and saw a foal. However he’d done it I don’t know, but he’d crawled through the fence and was on the opposite side of the fence from the other horses. It probably took us two hours to get that little guy back to where he was supposed to be. He was really trying to go somewhere, but he sure didn’t want to go where we wanted him to go.

In an ideal world, I’d spend every day here at the Ranch. It’s a fairly peaceful place. Some days are long – but that’s just part of the job. It’s a lifestyle I enjoy so it’s not really work.

Me, sorting the horses at the Ranch.

As a born and bred Calgarian, I have a lot of Stampedes under my belt. However, joining the volunteer core at the Calgary Stampede has had a huge impact both on how I view the Stampede and how I get prepared (and excited) for this year’s event July 8-17^th.

There are a number of things I can hardly wait for, and I’d like to share my Top 5 with you. Enjoy!

1.) Chuckwagons

Me in the Chuckwagon barns, getting acquainted with the horses.

In my hometown of Strathmore, Alberta, is the annual World Chuckwagon Finals – so I’m no stranger to the sport. But watching the Chuckwagons at Stampede is something I look forward to every year. Through rain, shine, mud and dust, the drivers race to win the Rangeland Derby, founded in 1923.

I’ve had the very good fortune to tour the Chuckwagon barns, meet drivers and staff, and interact with the horses. Nobody loves and cares for their animals quite like these folks.

2.) Rodeo Finals and Kenny Chesney

Before last year, I had never attended the Calgary Stampede rodeo before a friend dragged me in. Now I love rodeo, and have been to more than my fair share of amateur and professional rodeos over the years, but for some reason I hadn’t factored it in to my “Stampede” experience (which, admittedly, consisted mostly of the midway).

Me, in the Chutes at the Calgary Stampede.

I acknowledge that I loved it. After all, the rodeo is why the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth was born, and being there reminded me why. I even got to stand in the chutes during the bull riding, which was truly amazing.

I’ve never before attended a concert at the Stampede that wasn’t on the Coca Cola stage, but inspired by my experience last year (and my love of country music), this year I splurged and bought a Rodeo Finals + Kenny Chesney ticket package. As it turns out, the Stampede offers packages for concerts that make including events like the rodeo practically free.

This one, I have to say, I am looking VERY forward to!

3.) Riding Horses

If describing my enthusiasm for the Rangeland Derby didn’t tip you off, I’ll say it right here: I love horses. As a Calgary Stampede volunteer, I had the opportunity to volunteer to ride with the Stampede team in parades throughout the province as we promote and inform about this year’s event.

My view while doing riding evaluations!

In May we completed our “riding evaluations” (a fancy term for “can you in fact ride a horse”) at Anderson Valley Ranch in beautiful southwestern Alberta. Tacking up the horses and getting out on horseback in to the beautiful countryside (including riding through a very high river) brought back many fond memories of my Dad and my childhood.

I can’t wait to tack up again in my more formal riding gear soon!

4.) The Range

As a teenager, I worked for Lammle’s Western Wear in the Big Four building (which, by the way, was a great job). On my breaks, I would wander downstairs to The Range to grab a bite to eat and a moment in the glorious air conditioning. If you’re looking for variety, better-than-average (read: not midway vendor) food, and a cool down in an air-conditioned environment, this is your spot. Check it out in the basement of the Big Four Building.

5.) Sharing it With Friends

This year one of my best friends is coming from out of town to see the Stampede (and much of Calgary) for the first time. Planning our itinerary – where to go, what to do, what’s most important to see – has given me a completely different perspective on the Calgary Stampede. I can’t wait to share the things about Stampede that I love, as well as to experience Stampede again through someone else’s first time.

There you have it, my Top 5 Stampede Experiences I Can’t Wait to enjoy. Maybe I’ll see you there!

On Tuesday, June 21, 2011 200+ dancers surprised Calgarians with a line dance flash mob before Stampede. Volunteers from Calgary’s dance community and the Calgary Stampede arrived on Stephen Avenue Walk during the peak of lunch hour and jumped right into the dance.

The line dancers are in full swing and looking good for the cameras.

Of course, line dancing is a western-style of dance and is generally performed to country songs like Achy Breaky Heart, but it doesn’t have to be. Anything with the right beat can work, all you need is a group of dancers dancing in rows or lines. Our choice? Imma Be by the Black Eyed Peas.

Harry arrives on Stephen Avenue Walk in time to join in on the line dance.

It was a beautiful day for it. Even Harry the Horse turned up to show off some moves.

Luckily, we have a YouTube video of the action if you weren’t down there to see it in person:

This week features Rihanna as she, alongside special guests B.o.B. and J. Cole., perform at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Details on that and more here:

• Rihanna:  Featuring all new costumes and stage designs, R&B recording artist Rihanna will be gracing Calgary with an all new production on the Canadian leg of her Loud Tour, alongside special guests B.o.B. and J. Cole. Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Scotiabank Saddledome.  Tickets for the concert are available through Ticketmaster.
• Stampede Volunteer Showdown:  Every year, a couple of weeks before Stampede, all 2,000+ Calgary Stampede volunteers get together for one big bash.  If you’re a Stampede volunteer, this year Showdown will be held in the BMO Centre, Halls D & E.  Dinner and saloon open at 6 p.m.  You’ll be able to pick up your accreditation package at this event or at the People Centre starting June 23.  Please note that because this year’s accreditation is a Photo I.D. pass, volunteers, life members and alumni must pick up their accreditation packages in person.  If you did not submit a head/shoulders photo for accreditation, this will be your final chance to do so.  This event is for Stampede volunteers only.
• 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.
  • Cheer on the Home Team!: Cheer on the home team with the Stampede Casino! A $20 ticket includes: Bust Loose Party Bus to and from all Calgary Stampeders’ home games, tickets in the Molson Zone, food and drink specials and free underground parking. Stop by the Player’s Zone after games; Six blackjack tables dedicated to sports fans, open Friday & Saturday nights PLUS all home games.

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.

Only 17 days to go until The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!

Over the past century, the Calgary Stampede has hosted a number of royal visitors.  Here are some of the highlights…

1912: Duke and Duchess of Connaught

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught (Canada’s Governor General) and Princess Louise Margaret visited the 1912 Calgary Stampede.  A special Welcome Arch was built in downtown Calgary to welcome them.

1923: Prince of Wales

Edward, Prince of Wales purchased a ranch in Pekisko, Alberta in 1919 following a post-war tour.  In the summer of 1923 he came to Alberta for a holiday and presented a special Prince of Wales trophy to the 1923 bronc riding champion, Pete Vandermeer.  Original plans included a special one-day Stampede at the Calgary Exhibition grounds, but a semi-private ceremony was held instead at the Prince’s E.P. Ranch in late September.  The ceremony was attended by some of the Prince’s ranching neighbours, Directors of the Exhibition Board, and representative cowboys.

1939: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

The King and Queen visited the Calgary Stampede on May 26, 1939 as part of their Royal tour across Canada.

1951: Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh

On October 18, 1951, the Calgary Stampede staged an authentic Stampede program for the royal couple who was touring Calgary.  A couple dozen of the best bucking horse riders, calf ropers, steer decorators and chuckwagon drivers in the country were brought in for an exciting full dress Stampede.  A barbeque luncheon was prepared in the Corral for the royal couple and about 2,000 people.

1959: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

In 1959 the Calgary Stampede was again honoured by the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.  The royal couple stopped for a short rest at Fort Calgary House and made a tour of Indian Village, then watched an evening of chuckwagon racing in glorious summer weather, from a specially constructed dais on the grandstand stage.

1968: Duke and Duchess of Kent

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Kent kindly accepted the Stampede’s invitation to visit Alberta and the Stampede in 1968. His Royal Highness officially opened the Stampede on the evening of July 4^th, and on Monday morning both of them rode horses in the Stampede Parade.  The gracious couple was warmly received.

1973: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

The Queen visited the Calgary Stampede for her third time in 1973.  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Stampede and his Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was an honoured guest.

1977: Prince Charles and Prince Andrew

The 1977 Stampede honoured Alberta First Nations on the hundredth anniversary of the signing of Treaty Seven.  Prince Charles and Prince Andrew came out to visit local First Nations.  His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales led the Parade as the Parade Grand Marshal, and officially opened the Stampede.

2005: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

In 2005 Premier Ralph Klein hosted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, along with His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and 600 special guests, at a luncheon in May.  The luncheon was held at the Calgary Stampede.

Western Showcase Calgary Co-Op Kitchen Theatre is pleased to announce that we have finalized our Schedule of Presenters for 2011.  Drop by the Western Oasis, BMO Centre Hall D down at Stampede Park to watch the cooking shows and sample the great food from our presenters.  

The Calgary Police Service and Calgary Fire Department cooking competition  heats up on Friday, July 8^th at 2 p.m. The Calgary Police Service will be represented by Police-Constable Sean Lynn and Sergeant Darrel Clark, while J.P. Galli and Barry MacDonald will be defending the cooking reputation of the Calgary Fire Department. Who will dish up the best slider?  Come down to Kitchen Theatre at the Western Oasis, BMO Centre Hall to find out.

This week’s Weekly Wrangle reveals the opening act for the New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys concert this Stampede, MacKay’s Ice Cream’s exclusive Calgary Stampede flavour for this year, and hints on how you can plan your ideal Stampede get-away on Park!

Friday, June 17, 2011

• King Kinetics – equine therapy at the Calgary Stampede:  Reo King doesn’t like to be called a horse whisperer, but there’s something about the Stampede outrider’s way of helping horses that sets him apart from anyone else in the world.
• There’s no place like Calgary Stampede for vacationing Canadians this summer:  With affordability in the foreground of Stampede planning, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and BMO have teamed up to offer some extra incentive to pull on your boots and dawn your cowboy hat.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

• Breakfast for dessert:  MacKay’s Ice Cream is proud to present this year’s signature Stampede flavor – Pancake Breakfast.  Made with MacKay’s deliciously creamy vanilla ice cream, a ripple of real maple syrup, pieces of buttermilk pancake, and bacon – yes, bacon.
• Cowgirls in the City – The ultimate cowgirl experience:  Move over cowboys, it’s time for the ladies to Cowgirl Up with Cowgirls in the City. This exclusive women’s only rodeo day is focused on raising money for the Calgary Stampede Queen’s Alumni Advancement Fund.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

• Glee star to open for NKOTBSB:  Attention all Gleeks! Matthew Morrison, aka Mr. Schuester of Fox’s hugely popular musical television series Glee, will be opening for New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys (NKOTBSB) July 13 at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

• Technology helps you plan your 2011 Calgary Stampede: Plan your Calgary Stampede like you have never planned before.  Thanks to new and expanded technology at calgarystampede.com, you can design every step of your visit to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, July 8-17.

If you want to stay up-to-date with all of the Calgary Stampede’s news stories and media releases, keep an eye on our e-News Portal at http://news.calgarystampede.com, subscribe to the e-News Portal RSS feed, or follow the official Calgary Stampede Twitter account at @calgarystampede.

If anyone was confused about the difference between the Calgary Humane Society and the Vancouver Humane Society (VHS), a letter to editor published last week in the Calgary Herald, certainly helps provide some clarity.

Here are our thoughts about the difference between these two organizations.

1. The Calgary Humane Society is an animal welfare organization, provides hands-on care for more than 7,000 animals annually; the VHS is an animal rights group that focuses its efforts on public relations.

2. The Calgary Humane Society takes action that leads to change every year at the Stampede; the Vancouver activists simply lob letters and news releases over the mountains at Calgary. Over the past 10 years, suggestions by the Calgary Humane Society (and Alberta SPCA and a team of veterinarians) have led to dozens of enhancements to the Stampede’s animal care practices. http://corporate.calgarystampede.com/about/animal-care/fact-sheets/collaborating-on-animal-care.html

3. By publicly criticizing the Calgary Humane Society – clearly trying to embarrass them – the VHS reveals that publicity, even at the expense of another animal group, is their goal.

The Calgary Humane Society is one of Calgary’s most respected organizations – and one of Canada’s most respected humane societies – it deserves better than potshots from afar.