This weekend I headed down to the Calgary Motorcycle Show at the BMO Centre on the Stampede grounds to check out all the new “toys” (I was sure they had changed drastically since 1980). Drifting from one shiny bike to another and then through the historical parade – one thing caught my eye….Evolution of Extreme Show. I figured this ought to be entertaining!

I was fully expecting the Freestyle Motocross – but did not expect to a Quad doing Freestyle nor did I expect Sled Freestyle (Is it just me or don’t those things typically need snow to operate?). These boys truly put on an amazing show – flying through the air pulling tricks like the Superman, Side Winder and one handed back-flips. This show definitely added a side to riding that I hadn’t experienced before. Although I do have to ask – how many times does one fall learning how to pull stunts like that?

I’m excited for the show next year– Think they’d let me take one for a test ride….

Freestyle Through the Air!

Stunt Riders

Teaching Kids to Ride....Wonder if they would let me try?

Howdy blog followers!!! I had the pleasure of interviewing Teighan Fioritti from the Calgary Stampede Showband recently and am so excited to share all about her. She is 22 years old and is a fifth year member of the Showband. In addition to this list of impressive credentials, she is the Trombone Section Leader, Euphonium Section Leader, Brass Music Captain, Brass Marching Captain, and the President of the Stampede Show Band Band Council.

Phew! Looks like I’ve found the perfect Member to interview. So without further ado I present to you:

10 Questions With…. A member of the CS Showband

1. What inspired you to join the Calgary Stampede Showband, and how long have you been with the group?

It was my sister actually. I have looked up to her all my life and she found this incredible experience with the Showband and she kinda sucked me into it as well and I have become just as addicted to it as she was. This will be my fourth year marching with the Showband.

2. Calgary Stampede Showband prides itself on traditions of excellence in musicianship and showmanship. Some people may not understand just how much work goes into each and every one of your performances- how much time must you spend practicing and perfecting your skills?

We rehearse for 3 hours each Tuesday night from beginning of September to mid June. We have a band camp once a month, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. So in total just scheduled hours is around 123 hours for Tuesdays and 80 hours in band camps. But that doesn’t include the hours of practice that are required at home or the small ensembles that rehearse separately during the week.

3. I’m sure you have been able to perform in some pretty exciting locations. Where has been your most memorable performance to date?

I was lucky enough to perform in Kerkrade, Holland for the World Marching Band Competition. There were bands from all over the world and we were fortunate, (and good enough) to make it into the finals performance of which we won our show there. We came in second in the world over all – which I think is an incredible feat. My favorite moment was with the small contingent of Canadians that flew over to support us. There was one moment of our show where we created a C lazy S on the field and at that moment the Canadians went nuts obviously recognizing it for what it was. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to share that symbol with the world.

4. During the 10-day Calgary Stampede, how many appearances will the Showband make? I noticed that there may be some smaller group performances popping up all over Stampede Park…can you explain a little about that?

The Showband as a whole will perform 5 times each day. The band is made up of smaller performance groups which include the Brass Machine, the Sax Choir, Front Ensemble, and Drum Line who will do separate performances on park. Each group will go out on park and perform for the crowd for an hour in several locations once or twice a day depending on the day. These are the people that love performing so much that they sacrifice some much-needed nap-time to play their instruments.

5. Sounds like a gruelling schedule! Performing in Calgary with uncertain weather can be challenging at times I’m sure…those uniforms must be pretty warm. How do you all deal with the elements?

It’s tough for sure. But all you can do is roll with the punches. When it rains you run inside to save your instrument and laugh because there is not much else you can do but wait it out. The heat is the worst. Our show uniforms are polyester and don’t exactly breathe like cotton. You will sweat in places you didn’t even know you could, but its okay because everyone is drenched as well. Everyone complains about it but it’s really lighthearted. There is nothing you can do except make it a competition to see who can get the sweatiest. As gross as that sounds it is so much fun!

6. Certainly performing during the Stampede Parade must be one of the highlights of the year for you, can you feel the energy of the spectators on the sidelines and how does that help to get through the long parade?

The parade is really fun. It’s one of the few performances during the year when we can reach an enormous audience. All of our parade songs have actions that the crowd loves; one in particular is ‘You Can Call Me Al’ by Paul Simon. The actions are fun and we have an opportunity to dance and give high fives to the kids along the street, which they think is super cool. Most groups march by, so its really nice that we can break out of that and let the audience know that we appreciate them coming out to see us.

7. Do you have any advice for any aspiring up and coming musicians and performers wishing to join the Showband?

Be ready to work harder then you thought you could and have more fun then you thought possible. I have done some incredible things in my life that were only possible because of the hard work I put into each rehearsal and show. It’s sweaty work but so immensely worth it.

8. Have you ever had an embarrassing moment during a performance?

Unfortunately yes. It was actually during the finals performance of the WMC competition. It had been pouring rain for quite a while before we started our show. It was ironic really, it was during one of the last charts in our show and I had just thought to myself “this is it you did it and you didn’t fall”… well I didn’t fall exactly, but I slipped pretty epically but am proud to say that I made a great recovery and got back up and finished the show. Unfortunately I was in the front row, with 33,000 people watching.

9. Tell us one fact that the public might be surprised to learn about being a member of the Showband?

All together the Showband does around 120 performances during The Ten Day Show, with small ensembles, full group stage performances, parades, and Stampede Breakfasts. But on top of all that we actually rehearse on our spare time. Our show is really important to us, so we try and work on it as much as possible…so we don’t get a lot of down time. We also do recording of our shows and concert band music during Stampede week.

10. The “Promise” campaign has recently been revealed in the media. What is your personal “Promise” for this year’s Calgary Stampede?

My promise is that I will be proud to put on my cowboy boots and say that I am part of the band. (Which I am)

Special thanks to Teighan for taking a break from her very busy schedule to answer my questions. It is evident that she is very passionate about the CS Showband and I can’t wait to check out one of her many performances during the 10-day show (and not to mention some during the rest of the year!).  Want to find out more about the Showband or are you trying to plan your Stampede activities in advance? Have a look here.

Should you have some burning questions in the back of your mind that you’ve always wanted to ask a member of the organization, why not drop us a line? We’d be happy to take any request into consideration. Stay tuned for more new and exciting “10 Questions With…” as we march on with this year’s Calgary Stampede.

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

Next up in our interview feature series of incredible people within The Calgary Stampede organization is Les McIntyre. Les embodies all that we hold near and dear here at the Calgary Stampede as he authentically lives to preserve and promote western heritage and values. I had the honor to spend some time interviewing “the eye in the sky”- aka the voice behind the GMC Rangeland Derby.

10 Questions With… Les McIntyre, the voice of the GMC Rangeland Derby

1. Your appointment as Joe Carbury’s successor must have been such an honor for you. Tell us how you felt when you accepted this new role?

The feeling was one of total accomplishment. I am very honored to be the new voice of the GMC Rangeland Derby. I’ve worked hard at this for over 30 years, I’ve dreamt about it…and I am so grateful for the opportunity to fulfill my dream. Joe Carbury is a very unique and wonderful man who can never be replaced. I’m grateful I was chosen to take over!

2. When did you call your first chuckwagon race?

I called my first race at Whispering Winds Stables in 1984.

3. The sport must have evolved a bit since then. What are some of the changes you have witnessed over time?

The races today are certainly faster but a lot safer than they were 35 years ago. There’s a better class of horses, better cared for horses and the whole wagon entourage is a very modern, classy, and professionally run business.

4. How do you manage to keep track of all the drivers, outriders and horses? It seems as though so much happens in a short amount of time.

There are only 4 drivers out there; it’s really quite easy.

5. Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines that help you to prepare for calling the evenings races?

First and most important I must have my homework done. I like to eat a substantial meal 3 to 4 hours before a show when possible.

6. Certainly racing during The Calgary Stampede is the highlight of the year for all the drivers; just how much is at stake for these competitors? They must work hard all year training and caring for their horses to get to the big show.

There’s a lot of money up for the drivers and it is such an expensive game to play. Of course there’s the $100 000 final heat plus a chance to win a beautiful GMC truck. Finishing high enough in the standings to qualify for next year’s GMC Rangeland Derby is very important as well.

The wagon drivers start training in March or April. Horses are like young children; they require your care and attention 24/7. Race season is very intense for the wagon families and once the season ends in September the wagon men travel to racetracks all across North America to search for faster horses.

7. Can you describe what makes taking in the “Chucks” at The Calgary Stampede so special?

The Calgary Stampede is where it all started on a large scale. There is so much unique history and marvelous western heritage you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It is the most beautiful unique setting for our sport, where you see the very best outfits and drivers the sport has to offer in a one of a kind outdoor setting. It truly is THE Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth! Not to mention the “out of this world” Evening Show. Truly it is first class entertainment that can be enjoyed for the whole family!

8. What has been one of the most memorable races you have called?

There have been so many memorable races it is hard to keep track. For instance, when one of the all time great drivers retires and runs his last race, or when two family members go head to head down the homestretch. I would have to say the 2009 championship race for $100 000 at the GMC rangeland Derby tops them all.

9. The vantage point from the “Eye in the Sky” must be pretty special. What is your favorite aspect of being up there?

It’s a place I’ve dreamt of being for 25 years. The view is spectacular and the huge enthusiastic crowd of cheering fans is totally awesome! It’s everything I dreamt it would be and more.

10. The “Promise” campaign has recently been revealed in the media. What is your personal “Promise” for this year’s Calgary Stampede?

I promise to live every day of my life with an “attitude of gratitude”!

Thank you, Les for we are truly grateful to have you! Want to find out more about the Chucks or are you trying to plan your Stampede activities in advance? There are still many great ticket packages and deals to be found, can’t wait to see y’all at the track!

Should you have some burning questions in the back of your mind that you’ve always wanted to ask a member of the organization, why not drop us a line? We’d be happy to take any request into consideration. Stay tuned for more new and exciting “10 Questions With…” as we continue on during this year’s Calgary Stampede.

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

This year was no exception with a total of 2308 square feet of innovation built by Homes by Avi up for grabs by one lucky winner. Departing from the classic tradition, the 2011 Rotary Dream Home celebrates indoor and outdoor living with a modern approach and features an abundance of natural light plus an outdoor dining area complete with a double-sided glass fireplace.

The best part of this dream home is the floor to ceiling glass wall separating the hotel-inspired ensuite from the master bedroom. That huge tub would be fun to take a swim and the floating cabinets really show the innovation behind this home.

The winner of the Home isn’t the only champion -  all of the Calgary Stampede Lotteries support various community projects in southern Alberta, as well as five not-for-profit organizations – the Calgary North Hill Lions Club, the Kinsmen Club of Calgary, the Rotary Club of Calgary South, the Calgary Stampede Foundation, and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association.

I don’t know about you but I have my fingers and toes crossed that my phone will ring on July 20 to tell me that I’m the proud owner of a fantastic new home!

Want a chance to win the 2011 Rotary Dream Home? You can still purchase tickets on the Stampede grounds! See y’all down there!

Photos Courtesy of Homes by Avi

Living Room with Dual Sided Fire Place

Kitchen with Viking Appliances

Ensuite with Floating Cabinets and Soaker Tub

Dining Room and Patio

Please note all entrants must be 18 years of age. For full contest details check here. Good luck everyone and don’t forget to follow us @CS_NGC.

The Calgary International Beerfest offered much more than tasty beer – there was delicious food, seminars to increase your Beer-Q, live entertainment and a conservative selection of other beverages for those who (gasp!) don’t like beer. One of my favorite benefits of attending was the food pairing guide we received. It provide helpful tips on which beers can help bring out certain flavors in food – like wine beer should not over power the taste of the food nor should the food over power the beer.

There was also an opportunity to vote for your favourite beer. The 2011 People’s Choice Award winners were:

                Gold: Mill Street Lemon Tea Beer
                Silver: Great Western Original 16
                Bronze: Brewster’s Rig Pig Pale Ale

For a list of all other winners check out the Beerfest Website!

Who did I vote for?  Fernie Brewing What the Huck Huckleberry Wheat – it won the heart of my friends and I!

There are many great events at the Stampede grounds all year round – but our favourite will always be the Calgary Stampede, only 32 more days to go!

This is our first year attending the Lilac Festival and we are excited to meet with all our Stampede fans! Our team will be available to answer all your questions and give you some pointers and tips on how to ensure you have a great Stampede this year.

Be sure to stop by our booth to tell us about your favourite Stampede experience and get your picture taken for the Calgary Stampede Fan Wall of Fame. All photos will be posted to the Stampede Fanpage on Facebook and you will be entered to win 2 tickets to the rodeo, event show or evening show. The tickets also include gate entry and a food voucher.

We hope to see you there!

What is fantastic about the Calgary Stampede Lotteries is that by giving yourself a chance to win by purchasing tickets, someone else can feel lucky too. 

This is because the lotteries support local charities and make a positive difference in our communities.  In fact, over the past decade, the Calgary Stampede Lotteries have distributed more than $21 million to various community projects in southern Alberta, as well as five not-for-profit organizations – the Calgary North Hill Lions Club, the Kinsmen Club of Calgary, the Rotary Club of Calgary South, the Calgary Stampede Foundation, and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association. 

So whether you feel lucky enough to win one of these amazing prizes or not, participating makes you a winner in the minds of the thousands of people every year who benefit from the money raised by the Calgary Stampede Lotteries.  It also makes you a winner in the eyes of the 1,500 volunteer ticket sellers who contribute over 26,000 volunteer hours each year and fill over 4,000 volunteer shifts during the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede. 

So … do you feel lucky?  Because you should, since purchasing a ticket package for Calgary Stampede Lotteries makes you a champion in our community. 

Advance tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at calgarystampede.com/lotteries or by phone at 403.531.8008 or toll free by calling 1.888.568.8616.

Get your tickets today and help spread the luck around!

PP

This year there is one more reason to come and see the excitement– the Calgary Stampede!  It’s our first year attending the festival and we are really excited to meet all the Calgary Stampede fans! Our team will be out in full force ready to answer your questions about the 2011 Stampede and offer pointers on how to make the most of your Stampede experience.

We would love if you would stop by and say Howdy! Take the time to tell us about your favourite Stampede memory and have your picture taken for the Stampede Fan Wall of Fame.  All photos will be posted to the Stampede Fanpage on Facebook and you will be entered to win 2 tickets to watch the World Famous Rodeo!

In our opinion, it’s never too early to start getting excited for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! So swing by and get ready, only 55 days until our favourite time of year – the Calgary Stampede.

PSST! Word has it that the Stampede Royalty and Harry the Horse will be making an appearance – maybe you can convince them to take a picture or two with you!

I had the chance to catch the show when they were here these past few weeks and I loved it! The show features some of the traditional circus favourites – hilarious clowns and amazing acrobatics along with great choreography and music. This was my second Cirque show in Calgary and each show continues to impress and awe me with the inspiring acts in the show.

This year’s show featured a number of acts starting with the contortionists. This was one of my favourite parts of the show which featured three ladies melding and shaping their bodies into amazing sculptures and shapes. The way they moved their bodies definitely left you in shock and awe.

Another favourite act was the high wire. Two high wires were set up on stage, 15 and 25 feet high. A total of four tightrope walkers made their way across the ropes by foot and bike(!) using a number of different props and arrangements.

The Wheel of Death was another impressive act that had two artists rotating on two rotating wheels. The wheel moved at high speeds and had the artists leaping and switching rotation in the wheels.

Other acts also included: Unicycle Duo, Teeterboard, Solo Trapeze, Hoop Manipulation along with human pyramids, and a variety of balancing acts.

Humour was injected throughout the show with a few appearances by the “clowns” who did a great job of including members of the audience in the experience while dishing out a few laughs as well.

If you didn’t get to see the show you can catch some of the action online by visiting the Cirque du Soleil KOOZA website. Be sure to also keep checking back for other new and exciting shows coming to Stampede Park.

For updates and info on everything Stampede, 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.

*Photos courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

This week at the Stampede Corral we have the Calgary Stampede Cutting Horse Futurity and I’ve had a few people stop and ask me just what the sport of “Cutting Horse” is. Simply put: It’s a dance between a horse and a calf. Well, there’s a little bit more to it than that so here’s a better explaination:

This is pure communication between cow and horse; the rider, sadly, is merely just a passenger.

And for those of you who can’t get down to the Stampede Corral for this family friendly “free” event, we are broadcasting it live for you here:  http://calgarystampede.com/ustream. For more information on this week’s Calgary Stampede Cutting Horse Futurity, see http://bit.ly/9YdQPA

The Foundation has a commitment to develop the potential of young people in the community and when you see these young people perform, I think you’ll agree that they are doing a pretty great job of it!

So, you might be asking yourself, which groups does the Foundation support?  Well, here’s a brief blurb on each group and what they do.

The Stampede 4-H on Parade Program is an integral part of the education and the development of young people in agriculture. It’s a show that invites youth aged 10-19 to show their steers, heifers, sheep and horses, and to have them evaluated by industry experts. 4-H Rodeo brings together 120 competitors from the Calgary region. Last year there were 450 entries in 9 rodeo events. As an annual program, it is becoming another Calgary Stampede tradition.

Each year the Youth Speech & Debate committee sponsors both the Stampede Invitational Debate for junior and senior high school students and the annual 4-H debate.

The World Champion Calgary Stampede Showband offers musical training to young Calgarians. Currently the Band is 130 members strong and travels around the world entertaining thousands each year.

The Young Canadians School of the Performing Arts is our largest community youth program. The troupe of 173 receive training in the disciplines of voice, dance and gymnastics. We provide scholarships and academic tutoring for those who require them. If you’ve ever seen the Grandstand show it’s obvious how hard these young people work.

The Foundation also supports two other events:

Each spring during Roughstock, the Aggie Days Program provides a “Day on the Farm” to school children aged 6-12. The program presents tours, exhibits and hands-on demonstrations, and is designed to increase the children’s appreciation for and understanding of agriculture in Alberta.

The Stampede Youth Talent Showdown is dedicated to the discovery, development and encouragement of young amateur entertainers across southern Alberta. These young people are awarded the opportunity to perform at the Stampede, to win cash prizes, and often, to embark upon a career in the entertainment business. The winner of this event competes each year at the youth talent contest sponsored by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions where they are eligible to receive further scholarships.

So there you have it, another peek into the inner workings of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and some of the programs and activities that fall under the Calgary Stampede Foundation.

For updates and info on everything Stampede, 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.

Here is another installment of our feature “10 Questions With…”. This week I had the opportunity to interview Angela Benson, the Co-Artistic Director of The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts.  Angela has had the opportunity to travel around the world as a professional dancer and performer from London’s West End, to cruise ships and music videos, but believes there is no greater profession than working with The Young Canadians! The Young Canadians have been entertaining audiences at the Grandstand Show for over 41 years and each year the level of professionalism, training and experience allows the show to grow and bring even more to our audiences.

1. How long have you been a part of the Young Canadians and how were you introduced to the organization?

I am going into my ninth Grandstand Show working alongside our great Choreographer/Director Mr. Brian Foley.  When I was in high school I was fortunate enough to be part of this amazing group of talented youth as a Senior Female Dancer and I am so happy to give back to an organization that has given me so much.

2. What are you most looking forward to for this year’s grandstand show?

Let me tell you first hand that there is no group who works harder than the Young Canadians.  This year’s Grandstand Show is titled “World Party”, and boy is this going to be a party!   The theme of this year’s show celebrates the astounding beauty and wonder of life on Earth with singing, dancing, Cirque du Soleil acrobatics, daredevil motocross stunts, comedy routines, drumming, magical special effects, and a fireworks display you’ll remember forever. Also included are over 400 high definition video panels projecting images on stages and screens, surrounding spectators with digital elements.  With a line-up of world class performers like Canada’s own Eva Avila, Ta’Rea from Disney’s Lion King on Broadway, thrilling Cirque Du Soleil acrobats and original scores from Mr. Dave Pierce, the musical director for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Stampede 2010 is sure to be unforgettable.

3. How much preparation and practice do the Young Canadians go through each year in order to get ready for each Stampede’s Grandstand show?

The Young Canadians is a year-round training facility.  We start every September with fresh new faces and begin our performance education from a world class faculty.  The Young Canadians have other performances throughout the year like our annual Christmas Spectacular, and the YC’s favourite Spring Show where Senior Students under the mentorship of the faculty get to choreograph and direct their own pieces.   April is when Mr. Foley begins the magical process of choreographing the Grandstand show.  We move to a hockey arena to rehearse because the stage is that big and our props are even bigger – trust me, we need all the space we can get.  At the end of June we move to the TransAlta stage where everything comes together and all of our hard work pays off!

4. What advice can you offer to aspiring singers and dancers who would like to become a member of the Young Canadians?

Make sure that you have vocal and dance training, and more importantly that you have the drive, dedication and passion to be part of this internationally recognized group of performers.

5. What is an interesting fact about the Young Canadians that very few people know?

That the Young Canadians is a tuition free performing arts school funded by The Calgary Stampede Foundation.  Classes in all disciplines of dance, gymnastics, acro, lift/partnering, vocal, circus, and performances are all FREE!!!  All you have to do is audition and we will take it from there.

6. Other than the Grandstand show what is one of your favourite aspects of the Calgary Stampede?

There is no other city around this world like the city of Calgary, and trust me I have been a lot of places.  Calgary totally shuts down for 10 days out of the year and everyone embraces their inner Cowboy. We dust off our boots, put our hats on and the party starts!

7. Do you have a funny or embarrassing story to share about one of your performances?

Wow, what a question!  I always say we should start a reality TV series about what happens behind the scenes of putting a show of this scale together.  Let me tell you, we would have a hit on our hands.

8. The TransAlta Light Up the Night is a big part of the Grandstand show and also must be very exciting to work with some amazing visuals. How does your group prepare to work with such a spectacular light display?

Not only are the Young Canadians an amazing group of professionals, but the talented Production Team we have working “behind the scenes” is what really makes the show so special.  These professionals educate our cast on the safety, technique and beauty of the fantastic firework displays!

9. What do you do each evening right before the show? Do you have any sort of pre-show rituals?

Taxi’s pick up our cast and bring them down to the stage door every evening.  We gather up the cast and give notes on the previous night’s show, then they all head up to the warm-up tent to focus, prepare and condition themselves to be show ready.  After that they head back to the basement of the stage to their state of the art dressing rooms to get their hair done, make-up on and transform into the characters of “World Party”.

10. The Young Canadians have had the opportunity to perform with a number of famous individuals in the past such as Bill Cosby, Lorne Green, Arte Johnson, Rich Little, Roy Rogers, Jerry Reed, Tommy Hunter, Andre-Philippe Gagnon and most recently stars from The Cirque du Soleil. Has there been anyone in particular you had the opportunity to work with? And what was that experience like?

I think this year tops them all.  This year’s Grandstand Show features Daniel ‘Da FunkyMystic’ Celebre.   Mystic was hand picked as a dancer by Michael Jackson himself for Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ tour - a tour that unfortunately never happened. Mystic trained with Michael Jackson himself for 12 weeks and can be seen in the documentary of the same name, http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/michaeljacksonthisisit/.   A Michael Jackson tribute segment will happen during the 2010 Grandstand Show and thanks to Mystic, Jackson’s signature style will be featured.

The Young Canadian cast members and myself have had the opportunity of training with Daniel “Mystic” since April, learning the art of Electric Boogaloo and Michael Jackson’s iconic movements.  Let me tell you first hand this is no easy feat, but we are working with the best of the best.

For tickets and more information visit: http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/grandstand-show.html. I look forward to seeing you at this year’s Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth, The Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show, World Party!  Yahooo!!

Thanks Angela for sharing your experiences with us! This year’s show sure sounds amazing. There are only 2 days left so make sure you make it down to the grounds to check out the show!

So.. I have a slight confession to make, I already know real cowboys (I grew up with them). This is for all the people who don’t know them. The Professional Bullriders (PBR) Merchandise Trailer is returning to the greatest outdoor show on earth.  Located by the main entrance of the Grandstand, the PBR Merchandise Trailer is where you can meet real cowboys and PBR superstars and get all your PBR gear.

Daily autograph sessions will be held immediately following the afternoon rodeo.  Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal with 2009 PBR Canadian National Champion and Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) contender Beau Hill ; 2009 PBR Mexico Champion Jason O’Hearn; and 2008 PBR Canadian National Champion Aaron Roy .You can also meet PBR World Finals qualifiers Zane Lambert , Dusty Ephrom, Matt Bohon and Edimundo Gomes ; and 2009 PBR Team Canada member Ty Elliott.

PBR Merchandise Trailer Autograph Schedule
After the Rodeo | Grandstand Entrance | Stampede Park
Fri July 9 – Beau Hill and Zane Lambert
Sat July 10 – Matt Bohon and Beau Hill
Sun July 11 – Zane Lambert and Matt Bohon
Mon July 12 – Matt Bohon and Zane Lambert
Tues July 13 – Aaron Roy and Edimundo Gomes
Wed July 14 – Edimundo Gomes and Dusty Ephrom
Thurs July 15 – Ty Elliott and Jason O’Hearn
Fri July 16 – Jason O’Hearn and Aaron Roy
Sat July 17 – Dusty Ephrom and Ty Elliott
Sun July 18 – Zane Lambert and Jason O’Hearn
Note: Schedule subject to change

Also, because one can never get too much rodeo or bucking bulls, the PBR Canadian Cup National Finals presented by Wrangler will be held on November 19-20 at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  Tickets begin as low as $15 and are on sale now at the Credit Union Centre Box Office, Saskatchewan Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.ca or by telephone at (800) 970-7328. There is bucking chutes positioned at both ends of the arena, giving fans the ultimate PBR experience.  This is not a rodeo; it’s the Toughest Sport on Earth! Its a great event to go to.

So you now you can go and keep your promise of meeting a real cowboy this Stampede.

Throughout the past weekend, members of the Calgary Stampede Next Generation Committee brought nearly 150 community leaders and new Calgarians down to the grounds to experience everything the Calgary Stampede has to offer. For many, it was the first time they had seen the variety of farm animals, western art, and cultural diversity showcases that the Calgary Stampede offers everyday throughout its ten day period.

Guests were part of the Ethno Cultural Council of Calgary, a group aimed at facilitating the voice of Calgary’s visible minority cultures. They spent the weekend touring the Indian Village, barns, Western Art Showcase, Western Oasis, and even had a behind-the-scenes tour of the Grandstand Show. Participants then stayed and took in the chuckwagon races and the evening Grandstand Show.

“It was great to introduce a new audience to Calgary Stampede and engage them in the events, western heritage, and values that the Stampede is so proud to support,” says Justin Heskes, Chair of the Next Generation Committee. “We hope to grow our newly formed relationships with all of our guests and through attendance of the Calgary Stampede at celebrations held by the culture groups of our Calgary community throughout the year, encourage new audiences to participate in and support the Great Outdoor Show on Earth.”

Tour Coordinator Jennifer Jensen even gave participants a quick lesson in cowboy language, and had them ‘yahoo’ing and ‘yeehawing’ within minutes of arriving on park!

“I believe these three days have provided a clear representation of our Western Heritage,” says Jennifer. “The complimentary tour was reaching out to our neighbors with open arms and from the huge smiles, and even more compliments, it was easy to see all had a great time. The diversity of the tour allowed a full day presentation of our Western values; it was so interesting to discuss the similarities between our cultures.”

The Calgary Stampede Next Generation Committee is aimed at engaging new audiences to attend the Calgary Stampede and see what it has to offer year-round. This includes introducing audiences to live events, or promoting The Calgary Stampede online.