Here’s what some of the NGC hosts had to say about introducing the Western Culture to new audiences at the 2010 Calgary Stampede.

The Western Oasis in the BMO Centre was really great this year.  I really enjoyed being able to walk around and enjoy the western art with all of our guests as well as look at the unique entertainment that was showcased.  One of my favourite parts was the living statues.  A lot of people really liked looking at them from afar and then slowly getting closer and closer to them, to see when they would move and what they were going to do next. I also really enjoyed looking at the Royal Trio Alumni exhibit.  It was so interesting to see how much history the Stampede has and also how the outfits have changed over the years (for example the bright yellow pant suit from the 1970’s).  Another highlight was watching the artist build the Inuksuk’s.  Western Oasis was great as it was a chance to really interact and get to know our guests in a quiet, calm and very interesting setting. 
-Andrea Miller

I really enjoyed the whole weekend so it will be hard to pick out a favorite part.  But after initially being scared to tears by the living statues in Western Oasis, the 4 year old from the Chinese community association asked “Mom, why did it move?” then wanted to go back and see it again, that was definitely up there for favorites!  Or the little boy from Vietnam who, after eating Bannock at Indian Village exclaimed “I’ve ALWAYS wanted to try Indian food!” and the lady from Eritrea who was so impressed with the vibrancy of the Native culture.  The teenage girl from Afghanistan who told me her favorite part of the tour was looking the artwork in Western Oasis.  And the father from Somalia who stopped to do his Muslim prayers next to one of the nature displays in the Western Oasis.  Those moments really stuck out for me.
- Nicole Mosher

Well, the final 4 are decided.  After 8 hard days of racing and 1 rainout, Neal Walgenbach; the Sutherland brothers, Kirk and Kelly; and Jason Glass, are in the final dash tonight.  I think it is going to come down to a barrel draw because all 4 outfits are pretty evenly matched.  Personally, I have 2 wagons in the final 4: Neal Walgenbach and Kirk Sutherland.  I will ride for Neal Walgenbach tonight, and it will be sad as it is for the last time.  However, win, lose or draw, I am proud to say that I have been with him all these years, and it is an honor to be with him in his final race.  It has been fun all week hanging out with our American steer wrestling friends Stockton Graves, Dean Gorsuch, Wade Sumpter, Gabe LeDoux, and Todd Suhn.  They all like to come over to the barns at night and have a beer with us.  They are selling Neal Walgenbach’s horses this morning at 11 - it will be a sad day I am sure.  These horses are like family, and when they leave, I imagine it will be like a kid going off to college. Like something is missing.  Congratulations to Dustin Gorst on being named the Top Outrider at this year’s Stampede.  For him to fight back from 2 broken legs last year shows his true heart and character.  That was well deserved.  Anyway, tonight is a big night, stay tuned!

Had enough rides, drinks and mini-donuts? Check out the Western Oasis, located in Halls D & E of
the BMO Centre. The Western Oasis features the western art and lifestyle elements of the Calgary
Stampede we know and love in an oasis-style atmosphere where you can unwind and relax. While
you’re inside check out phenomenal western photographs, bronzes, paintings, cooking
demonstrations, arts & crafts and western entertainment. Or, put your feet up and relax in one of
the natural oasis environments.

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.

Matt Lait and I at the rodeo office this morning.

My “Promise” for this year’s Stampede was to meet a real cowboy. I had the incredible opportunity to meet Matt Lait, a bareback rider and genuine, bonafide cowboy!! Matt is a five-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier. In 2004, Matt was the reserve Calgary Stampede Champion, winning $25,000 for his efforts, at the age of 21!

Before we get started on his interview, here is a brief lowdown on what Matt’s passion is- Bareback.  It is one of the most physically demanding rodeo events. Using one arm, the cowboy holds onto the rawhide handhold of a riggin (a leather pad cinched around the horse’s girth). The handhold is snug-fitting and is customized to the individual’s grip. The stress on the rider’s arm is intense as the riding arm absorbs most of the horse’s power.
A bareback rider will be disqualified for touching the animal or equipment with his free hand, or bucking off before the end of the eight-second ride.
The bareback rider tries to reach as far forward as he can with his feet, then rolls his spurs back up toward the riggin. At the same time, he must keep from being pulled away from the handhold. The higher and wilder the rider spurs, the higher the marks. Sounds pretty crazy, right? Let’s read on and see what I learned from my chat with Matt this morning.

1. When did you start rodeo?

I was about 12 or 14 when I first got into it.  It was a slow entrance into rodeo…some kids are born into it but it was my best friend that got me into it.

2. What was your first big moment in rodeo?

I would have to say winning the $25, 000 right here at the Calgary Stampede in 2004 was my finest moment (so far!). That is a lot of money to win at the age of 21.

3. What did you do with your earnings?

Paid my truck off and went to school at SAIT for Petroleum Engineering Tech.

4. Where is the farthest rodeo you have travelled to?

Arcadia Florida is the farthest. That’s a lot of miles to put on!

5. Have you had any injuries that have hindered your progress in rodeo?

Unfortunately, yes. My biggest injury was a broken leg in 2004 that put me out for a year and half. Six weeks ago I broke my wrist so that has been really challenging. It’s difficult, lots of adjusting. When you’re healthy you let it hang out but when you’re hurt you have to change your technique to be in the least amount of pain.

6. Are you friends with your competitors?

Yes, it’s a pretty tight circle. Rodeo is like one large family. I am really lucky that my Mom and Dad are my biggest fans, along with my wife Allie. They try to travel with me as much as possible.

7. Do you have your sights set on winning big this year?

I had some big goals but being out for 6 weeks is going to maybe hinder them. But you can’t let them get out of sight… I’m still trying to accomplish them. I want to be Canadian Champion and make it to NFR (National Finals Rodeo) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

8. How do you get to NFR?

You have to ride a lot. Money won is points. It usually is about $68, 000 to qualify.

9. What is the hardest part of rodeo?

Being away from home, and staying healthy. Travelling definitely takes its toll.

10. I have been asking everyone I interview about his or her “Promise” for this year’s Stampede. I was surprised to learn you were actually IN one of the television commercials!

Yeah, I was in the Goth ad (to Promise Plaid is the new Black). For me, I promised my wife I’d win some money.

Matt, thank you so much for meeting me at the Rodeo Office today. I know how busy you are during Stampede- you are an amazing Cowboy and wish you all the best for the rest of this year’s rodeo as well as hope you make it to the NFR. I’ll be watching for you in the ‘big show’ on Sunday!

There are still lots of great seats available for the rodeo over the last few days of Stampede so come on down and cheer on Matt as he sets his sights on winning some big prize money. 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.

One of the great things about the format of the Calgary Stampede rodeo is that it allows cowboys and cowgirls to stay in one place for 4 days, giving them the opportunity to get out and meet some of our local media. Each day of Stampede a different cowboy or cowgirl stops by Breakfast Television. Here are some of the pictures from the appearances:  

JJ Elshere, Saddle Bronc Rider and Jill Belland, Host of BT

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson 

J.W Harris, Bull Rider waits with a cup of coffee

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson

Wayne Brooks, Rodeo Announcer at the interview desk 

 - Photo courtesy of Glenn Stevenson

By Killa Burkinshaw

“There’s the Horn: Annnnnnnnddddd They’rrrrrrrre Offfffffffff………….” That’s what we all hear when Les McIntyre starts the Chuckwagon races at the GMC Rangeland Derby. Then there is the mad dash of the outriders putting the stove and tent poles into the back of the chuck, and the thunder of the horses running by. I can tell you it’s one of my favourite parts of the Stampede. But the chuckwagon wasn’t always used for that. Today, we’ll look back to its humble roots.

A Quick History Lesson.

The chuckwagon was designed by Charles Goodnight in 1866. He purchased a government wagon and completely rebuilt it according to his specifications in seasoned bois d’arc, the toughest wood available. The most identifying feature of the wagon was the sloping box on the rear with hinged lid that lowered to become a cook’s work table. The box was fitted to the width of the wagon and contained shelves and drawers for holding food and utensils. To the cowboys, “chuck” was food, so the box was called a chuck box and the wagon became known as a chuck wagon. Goodnight’s early prototype of the chuck wagon was copied widely and changed little in the years to follow. During the long trail drives, the chuck wagon was the headquarters of every cattle outfit on the range. Cowboys didn’t just eat their meals there; it was their social center and recreational spot. It was a natural gathering place filled with tall tales, listening to music, or just recounting the day’s events. The chuck wagon was also the cowboy’s only known address, truly their home on the range. If the chuck wagon was their home, the chuck wagon cook was king. The morale of the men and the smooth functioning of the camp depended largely upon him - the cook’s authority was unquestioned. Wagon cooks, as a group, had the reputation of being ill-tempered, and no wonder - their working conditions usually left a lot to be desired. The nature of the cook’s job required that he get up several hours earlier than the cowhands, and work longer hours with less sleep. When the outfit was on the move, he had to be at the next appointed camp and have a hot meal ready on time - often working short of both fuel and water. He was constantly called upon to battle the elements – wind, rain, sand, mud, insects, and even rattlesnakes. In addition to preparing meals, the cook also was expected to act as barber, doctor, banker, and sometimes if needed, a referee if a disturbance among the cowhands arose.

The chuck wagon was also used as a hospital unit used by the Union army surgeons during the later stages of the American civil war.

How it got started at the Calgary Stampede.

For the very first Rangeland Derby Stampede in 1923, founder Guy Weadick convinced a number of working ranches to enter their authentic chuckwagons and roundup crews. The No. 10 Event evening competition was the “Cowboy’s Chuck-Wagon Race” with Purses and Prizes totaling $275.00. Bill Sommers, a stagecoach driver from the Yukon, won the first wagon race that year.

For the Official Canadian Championship title, each outfit, consisting of 4 horses, a wagon, a driver and 4 helpers, were required to “cut a figure eight around barrels, out through backstretch into track, run around track back to camp bround, unhook team from wagon, stretch fly. No less than two stakes, and make a fire. First puff of smoke signals the winner. The Prize of the day goes as follows: Day Money: 1st $25 | 2nd $15 | 3rd $10 | Free Entrance – Man entering team that wins the greatest number of races out of 5 will be awarded a special prize of a $25.00 and a John B. Stetson hat”.  Today is a completely different story!! Now the cowboys compete for $945,000 dollars and $150,000 sudden death championship and a GMC truck.

Today the rules are a little bit simpler – no starting fires and first smoke, but you have to make sure everything is timed absolutely perfectly. The rules are: hitch a team of four high-strung thoroughbreds to a chuckwagon, stop them at a barrel, settle them as four outriders (each with their own horse) set the tent poles and stove, and wait for the starting horn. When the horn goes off, throw the stove, tent poles in the back of the chuckwagon and then do a figure 8 around the barrel and then run like crazy to the finish line. There is a thin line for error and those who cross it will not earn a spot in the $150,000 final heat on Day 10. It’s those little intangibles that make it so difficult to run 10 days penalty free. When so much has to go right—to run fast, to stay in the top four—you just hope to avoid penalties. Teams can be penalized for: stove off ground- 1 second, late Outrider 1 second, wagon failing to follow proper figure 8 pattern- 5 seconds and the list goes on.

The 36 drivers that qualified for the 2010 Calgary Stampede are based on the formula established by the Calgary Stampede, the breakdown as follows:

• 8 wagon drivers from the 2009 GMC Rangeland Derby Aggregate Standings after eight performances;
• 8 wagon drivers from the CPCA Final Standings in 2009;
• 16 wagon drivers from the WPCA Final Standings in 2009; and,
• 4 wagon drivers selected at the Stampede’s discretion

There you have it. A brief history of the chuckwagons and the evolution to modern day racing.  I hope you all will come down and watch at least one race. I’ll be down on the tarmac, cheering on all the drivers, hope to see you there!

Every day during the rodeo fans line up to get autographs from one of the cowgirls or cowboys competing in the day’s rodeo. During Saturday’s performance of the rodeo a fan approached one of our rodeo committee members frantically asking where Beau Hill was.  The unnamed fan had come from England to see the Stampede, more specifically, Beau Hill. She had watched him compete on TV in the PBR (Professional Bull Riders Association) and instantly she was a follower of his. She liked watching him so much so that when the first male was born in her family in three generations she named him Beau. She had come to Calgary for the second year in a row hoping to have the chance to meet the child’s namesake.  Upon hearing the story, Bill Piers from the Rodeo Committee tracked down the two-time NFR qualifier and three-time PBR finals qualifier to have him come over and meet his adoring fan.

“It was kinda funny,” mentioned Beau as he taped his hand in his pre-ride preparation. “I didn’t know what to think”.  For Beau, the name is something he shares with all the males in his family.  “All the boys in my family have the initials J.B.H.  – my full name is Jason Beau Hill.” When he and his wife Keri had their two sons, after having daughter Lakai, they continued the tradition naming them Jory Beau and Jace Beau.

Beau was able to sign autographs and take pictures with the dedicated fan from England making her second trip to the Calgary Stampede a successful one and proving that when you are a rodeo hero, fans will adore you, and may even name their children after you.

-          Submitted by Katie Lutz, Calgary Stampede Rodeo Committee

Hello Calgary! My name is Kyle German and I am from Crossfield. I am competing in my first Stampede in the Bull Riding event and loving every minute of it! I have placed in the first two rounds with one go left. Hoping to make Showdown Sunday for the $100,000 round. Hope to see you all there!

Well yesterday didn’t go so well – Horse worked good. Steer just didn’t really start.
Taydon and I went to the show last night and have taken in the fireworks every night. We are having a great time.
I just got up and got the horses out of their stalls, walked them around for awhile and now I’m waiting for Taydon and Del to get up.
Del loves the Chucks- if you haven’t seen them, it’s a must when you come up here!
Have a blessed Sunday!
“This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalms 118:24

Four pancake breakfasts plus two barbeques and one dinner equals three very well fed ladies!! Day two is over and we are still loving every minute of it. Grand entry was fast, fun and full of excitement as the horses were riled up and ready to go. We watched 2009 Princess Kateri prove why she is more than just a pretty face during the “Cowboy Up Challenge.” Kirstie spoke on the Grandstand stage tonight and did a spectacular job. We are looking forward to another full day tomorrow.

Come out and see us during grand entry and cheer the contestants on at the rodeo tomorrow – I promise that we have requested nice weather!

Hey Rodeo fans! We are back at it again today! We got a little money yesterday and hopin for some again today! We got 5th yesterday! Won 1,500.00. Del did a great job for me. Had a little trouble with buck in the box but the first day is under our belts and we are ready to roll. We have had a great time thus far. The people up here are so great and welcoming!!
Taydon is having fun. Not getting much sleep so he might be a bear when he gets back to mom. Del went and watched the chucks last night. So cool. Taydon and I ran to the store for some water and goodies!
Great work to all the winners yesterday! Good luck again today!
Today I am going with Psalm 62:6
“He is my rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved!”

Day 1 of the 2010 Calgary Stampede is officially over! It is hard to believe that Stampede is finally here. We have been preparing for and dreaming about these 10 days since the crowning in October. When we woke up this morning at 4am I was nervous and excited for what the day would hold. After the Parade, our first grand entry, meeting the Prime Minister and being introduced on the Grandstand Stage in front of thousands of people, this experience has already surpassed all of my expectations. I am so proud to be representing such a wonderful organization. It was great to see Calgarians and visitors to our city, welcoming Stampede season with cowboy hats, loud cheers and bright smiles.

See you on the grounds!!!