This past week I was able to spend some time riding back at home on the ranch, playing with calves, and I also started riding the wonderful Kansas, my Royalty horse for the year!

It was nice to take time and get in some quality riding and some “horsing around” on the farm because I know the girls and I will be getting very busy with all kinds of fun Stampede events in April. We have been riding our “Princes” lately, also known as the royalty horses: Snoopy, Hawk and Kansas. It felt so good to finally start riding and practicing for rodeo appearances. My horse for the year, Kansas, is a 7 year old palomino quarter horse with a big heart and very curious eyes! After our first ride, it felt like we had been best friends forever. He is extremely smooth, flexible and easy going. Kansas is fairly laid back too, but I think with my energetic personality we will make the perfect princess and pony duo! I can’t wait to travel around to parades and rodeos with him this year! When I go back to the ranch in Rockyford, I am so used to riding colts that have less than 30 days on them, so it’s nice to be able to go out to Heathercrest where the royalty horses are and have a nice ride on a solid horse. It’s relaxing, fun, and a great bonding time for Kansas and I.

Back at home this past week, I spend some time with the baby calves and bottle fed some twins too! I love calving season and some of my favorite riding is bringing in cow-calf pairs from the pasture to the barn. It is a great feeling when my horse and I work together to bring in pairs. Sometimes it is challenging, especially when you are riding a young horse and the calf decides that the horse is now its mother and follows you and chases after your horse… and your horses decides that this is a less than desirable situation!

I’m glad I could get in some home time before we get too busy! This coming week the trio and I will be at Aggie Days at the Stampede grounds. I am so excited to be a part of all the festivities and ride the royalty horses!

Paul even played some songs for us!

Having been in the past four Grandstand shows I have definitely attended my fair share of Grandstand orientations. This is what kicks off the show rehersals and the Young Canadians get to find out what this years show will be all about. A phrase commonly heard at this annual event normally goes along the lines of “this is the biggest show we have ever done”. Yes, every show grows from the year before but at these orientations we only get a bit of a taste of what our next twelve weeks hold. You never know a show until its on stage, but this year the show is exponentially larger. Not only were we officially introduced to Paul Brandt, but we also got to hear a few words about the music from Emmy award winning Dave Pierce, see sketches of our costumes, and a model of our stage. This is the time that marks the start of our professional year. You can always learn what your teachers tell you about being proffessional, but you will never know what it means until you are. We may end the school year to start the professional one, but the truth is we never stop learning at the Young Canadians.

This week at Stampede Park features the return of the 50 Plus Living Show and the Spring edition of the Calgary Woman’s Show.

Details on that and more here:

• CPMA Annual Conference & Trade Show:  Canada’s leading fruit and vegetable industry event, the 87th annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show will take place this year at the BMO Centre from April 11 to 13.  Registration is required.
• 50 Plus Living Show:  The consumer show designed with baby boomers and seniors in mind, the 50 Plus Living Show gives boomers and seniors the opportunity to get their questions on health and wellness, travel, finance, real estate, anti-aging and more answered, as well as to experience new products and services geared towards providing personal growth and enrichment for those over the age of 50.  April 14 and 15 in the Big Four Building, Hall A.  Tickets available at the door.
• Calgary Woman’s Show:  Discover all that is fabulous in fashion, food, fitness and fun.  Celebrating their 30th anniversary, this year’s Spring edition of the Calgary Woman’s Show features special guests W. Brett Wilson and The Young and The Restless’ Peter Bergman, as well as a multitude of services, products, demonstrations and seminars on display. April 14 and 15 in the BMO Centre.  Tickets available at the door, online, or at any participating Safeway location.

Only 89 days to go until the Calgary Stampede’s centennial!  With festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede, 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, visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!

Easter weekend at the GM Ranch isn’t just about family and turkey dinner, we have a tradition that involves some extreme cowboys and cowgirls! Originally, friends and family would gather at our place to ride and bring in cow-calf pairs and celebrate my dad’s birthday, which always lands on Easter weekend. Now, friends gather at our place from all over to compete in our bi-annual Extreme Cowboy Challenge.

The competition this spring was a mix of original extreme cowboy obstacles, as well as some gymkhana patterns, with a twist! There were 22 competitors and we all got two runs at the course. The competition is meant to get new riders out and experiencing new things with their horses, but it also challenges the more experienced riders too!

We had a special guest at the competition too! Her name is Betsy… she was so patient all day as we all had to start our run by milking the Holstein!

I love competing in extreme cowboy (or cowgirl) racing with my stallion, Nitro. He has so much heart and is willing to do nearly anything! Our friends love coming to our place too, and my Dad and I get so much joy out of helping new riders and having some friendly competition with the experts!

Nitro and I were lucky enough to get the fastest time this weekend at 2min and 20 seconds! Thanks to my dad and everyone that helped to make this spring’s extreme cowboy challenge so much fun.

What an incredible day!

The Cake Posse travelled to the Edgemont, a retirement home in the NW of Calgary today to help celebrate Pearl Robertson’s 100th birthday. We recieved a request from Pearl’s daughter to attend and since the Stampede and Pearl both got our start in 2012, we thought it was a great fit. Mike Casey, the Stampede’s president and chairman of the board, and the Cake Posse team met with many of the seniors who live in the Edgemont as well as Pearl’s family and freinds. She is one popular lady.

Pearl has a unique connection to the Stampede. She took part in the very first Stampede in 1912 as a 7 month old, and her family traveled from Nanton, Alberta to take part in the excitement which was quite the trip back then. She has attended many Stampedes since and always looks forward to visiting the barns and seeing the different agriculture displays. We all loved Pearl’s memories of her many Stampedes. Mike presented Pearl with a commemorative plaque with the 1912 poster, two complimentary gate passes for the Centennial Calgary Stampede and a letter of congratulations on behalf of all of us at the Stampede.

Happy birthday Pearl, we’ll see you again in July.

It is now officially less than 100 days until the greatest outdoor show on earth begins! My excitement for the Stampede this year isn’t even comparable to Christmas. Sorry holiday season, but you have nothing compared to what is coming up in July. I am so excited to be spreading Stampede cheer all over the city of Calgary! Last week was the 100 Day Kick Off to the centennial year of the Stampede, and it was the perfect day to do so. The sun was out, and so were thousands of Calgarians taking in the festivities down at Olympic Plaza.

The Royalty and I were privileged to meet some very special people last week amongst all of the Stampede activities going on. First and foremost, Ian Tyson, our parade marshal for this year’s parade was on the top of our list of people to meet. Mr. Tyson will make the perfect parade marshal for the special Centennial Stampede Parade! He joked to us that he now has to find a broke horse to ride for the parade!

The girls and I also got to me the famous Paul Brandt on the day of the 100 Day Kick off! Mr. Brandt is a very down to earth guy and we were all star struck when we met him. I love all of his music and I can’t wait to see him perform at the Grandstand Show this summer!

Last week at the AGM for the Stampede, we met a gentleman by the name of Vern Doten. Vern is a dedicated Stampede goer. This year will be his 86^th Stampede!!!! Congratulations Mr. Doten!! I hope you truly enjoy yourself this year in July, and may you have many more Stampede’s to come!

I really had a great time last week with all of the Stampede festivities going on in the city. And I always enjoy the company of the many Stampede volunteers that I see at events. The girls and I have gotten to know many great people, and the more time we spend with them, the more we all get excited about July together!! We especially love spending time with the directors of the Stampede. They make us feel so welcome and a part of the Stampede family!

Meet Forrest McClendon, he is one of the highly energetic adjudicators
the Senior Singers had the pleasure of performing for. Forrest along
with accomplished YC alumni Alia King, and our very own apprentice

vocal teacher Chris Knebel, provided each and every one of us with

individual vocal feedback. Forrest was nominated for a 2011 Tony
Award, that being said it was not easy to sing in front of a whole
audience of our peers along with these stars we look up to. The
anticipation of waiting your turn was excruciating, but I know that
this experience was a piece of the puzzle that will create the
performer I will be some day. Down the road, when I find success, I
hope to be in the star’s shoes and the piece to some body else’s

puzzle. I can’t wait to work with Forrest this Thursday. I will always
remember the many words he shared four years ago, which have helped me
to grow as a singer and a performer.
Voice

V- Vowels

O- On Set

I- Intonation

C- Consonants

E- Energy

This being one of the many!

On Thursday, March 29 the 100 day countdown to the Calgary Stampede’s Centennial Celebration kicked off at Olympic Plaza in the afternoon, ending with a record breaking Chuckwagon tarp auction that evening. Shown to the right, the Archie Boyce Theater was a packed house as bidders prepared to spend some cash on the driver of their choice.

Right before the tarp auction started, CBC announced it will broadcast the Rangeland Derby both Saturday’s of the Stampede this year, giving the 10 Day Festival and Chuckwagon races National exposure.

In addition to broadcast excitement, the following records were broken:

• Bids totaled $4,015,000 – topping the previous record of $4,003,000 set in 2007.

•  Kelly Sutherland, last year’s Champion (shown to the left) received a bid of $300,000 from Tervita Corporation, beating the previous record   of $210,000 by Sutherland in 2008.

•  The highest average bid for all 36 drivers. This year’s average bid was $111,528, breaking the previous average of $111,208 set in 2007.

The social media committee was in full force at the tarp auction tweeting on behalf of @CSchuckwagons allowing followers to feel like they were part of the action with live  tweets and photos. Want to be in the Rangeland Derby loop? “Like” the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagons on Facebook and follow along on Twitter so you can keep up with the action.

Congratulations to the Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Committee (members shown below) on a job well done and a recording breaking event! Click here for a full recap of the canvas auction results.

 *All photos courtesy of @CSchuckwagons

-Ashley Archer

Calgary Stampede Promotion Committee Member, Social Media Sub Committe.

This week features the return of the Antique Arms & Military Collectors Show, along with its ever-popular indoor laser range.

Details on that and more here:

• NHL Hockey:  The Calgary Flames play twice this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome as they take on the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday, April 5 art 7 p.m. followed by the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, April 7 at 2 p.m.  Tickets for both games are available through Ticketmaster.
• Antique Arms & Military Collectors Show:  Featuring a full size display of a T-80 Russian Tank and the return of the indoor laser range, expect to find firearms of all sorts, antique & modern military & related collectibles, western art, custom knife makers, gun smiths & gun makers, hunting wear & supplies, archery, sword & bayonets, collectors cartridges and more at this year’s show.  April 6 and 7 at the BMO Centre.  Tickets available at the door.
• NLL Lacrosse:  Having clinched a spot in the NLL Playoffs with their victory last week, the Calgary Roughnecks seek to finish the regular season in style as they take on the Rochester Knighthawks at the Saddledome on Friday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the game are available through Ticketmaster.

Only 96 days to go until the Calgary Stampede’s centennial!  With festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede, 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, visit our website and continue to tune into the official Stampede Blog to learn more about all of the things happening here on Park and beyond!

Hello my fellow blog readers

I AM SO EXCITED!! This past Thursday Princesses Dani, Jessica, Indian Princess Amelia and I had the privilege of spending the day with thousands of other Calgarians at the Olympic Plaza for the 100 Day Count Down kick off!

The past 6 months have been incredible, traveling the world and promoting the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, and getting to know the other princesses and becoming close friends. But up until this past Thursday, it felt very surreal to be in the Royalty for the 100 Year Celebration. Calgary, you made it a reality on Thursday when so many of you showed up to help us kick off the next 100 days. It was amazing to meet Ian Tyson and give him the Centennial cowboy hat and to walk Kelly Sutherland up onto the stage at the Boyce Theatre where he was auctioned for $300,000. These are just two of the many incredible moments I never thought would EVER happen to me in my life.

We have 96 Days till the Calgary Stampede’s 100th Anniversary, so lets make every day count! Do something daily that promotes your western heritage and values – We’re Greatest together

Today is the start of the 100 day count down to The Calgary Stampede, 100 years in the making, and us Young Canadians, had the honor of helping to kick it off!

Our day began in the dressing rooms, where the make up, hair and costumes brought us to life. Next step in our preparation, was warming our bodies up and running through our performance to get us geared and ready to show our ‘Stampede Spirit’ to the thousands of viewers gathered to witness the kick off. And thousands of them there were! On our rowdy bus ride there, you could see all the people dressed in their western wear making their way down to the plaza to see what the Stampede kick off was all about. Some even got a preview before they reached the plaza, with all us Young Canadians in our western costumes walking along side them in the streets. We caught quite a few people’s eyes! Some must have thought we just got really in to the ‘Western Wear’ day declared by Mayor Nenshi, but either way, were showing our stampede spirit each step of the way! When we reached the plaza, I was amazed to see how many Calgarians had gathered to be apart of this 100 day kick off, and I felt absolutely honored to be apart of something that unites everyone in Calgary, and soon (in 100 days to be exact) people from all around the world. When it was our turn to take the stage, we all ran out there and did what we all love to do the most, perform for the people! And what a performance it was with the huge crowd cheering us on. We can not wait to perform again, and share the stage with the one and only Canadian country star, Paul Brandt who made his first appearance with us today. Today was a huge success, as I could see the excitement for the Calgary Stampede 100 years growing in every single person I passed by. Well excited they should be, because this years Stampede is going to provide them with the best outdoor show experience they have ever had!

As we all know, this year marks the 100th year of the Calgary Stampede - The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. In fact, today (March 29th) is the start of our official countdown “100 Days to the Calgary Stampede.”  Gracing this year’s Calgary Stampede poster is a portrait of Guy Weadick by artist Harley Brown. Weadick is known as the ‘Father of the Frontier Show’ and a unyielding force behind the establishment of the Calgary Stampede. One century ago, Weadick (with the help of others) got everything started here in Calgary. A successful man, Weadick has made quite a mark in the cowboy world through this and other efforts. And, let’s face it, his legend lives on (now in poster size! ;o) )

But behind every successful man, there is a woman… isn’t that what they say? Flores LaDue, the stage name of one Grace Bensell, is that woman. She was Guy Weadick’s wife. Both accomplished trick ropers, Guy and Flores worked the vaudeville circuit performing stunts in western acts all across North America and Europe. They eventually settled together in Western Canada and have even found their final resting places in the Foothills/ High River area. Quite a unique couple, I’d say, with a unique history.

Through a series of serendipitous events (see my blog entry February 12 2012 on this), I stumbled upon an amazing painting of Flores LaDue by Ruth Vickers .  Ruth Vickers is a prolific artist but not well-known for her western art. I had the chance to chat with Ruth by phone a few weeks ago; a truly lovely lady. She said that she is greatly inspired (as many of us are) by history and by passionate people that go ‘against the grain’; those that  offer inspiration through their activities and contributions to culture and society. Flores LaDue and her life and ‘trickery’ was, according to Ruth, “remarkable”. And Ruth was inspired to paint this most remarkable woman.

- ”Flores LaDue’ by Ruth Vickers (Oil on masonite. 40″ x 40″)

I had the opportunity to view Ruth’s masterful work of art at her mother’s house in High River in February.  Believe me, the photo here does not do the painting justice. It is truly an amazing piece; as remarkable as Flores LaDue herself! And – yes folks – it is for sale!

I am in the process of ‘working my networks’ to see if we can get this magnificent piece of art on display prior to and during the Stampede in July this year. For more information on Ruth Vickers, the artist and her work, please drop me an email (cami.ryan@usask.ca)! I will happily connect you to Ruth and her family! In the meantime, check out Ruth’s amazing work at: http://cargocollective.com/ruthvickersartist

- – - -

Cami Ryan is a researcher with the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan and a member of the Calgary Stampede’s Ag Media Committee. Her family farmed and she grew up as a “townie” in rural Saskatchewan. Farming and agriculture has always been an important part of her life – both professionally and personally. Cami lives with her family and a collection of critters on an acreage just south of Calgary. Check out her blog: http://doccamiryan.wordpress.com/

As anyone who has been to the Midway knows, food has always been a big part of the Stampede experience. In 1923, when the Calgary Stampede joined with the annual exhibition, the event featured a giant buffalo barbecue. Five buffalos were roasted in the packing plant of Pat Burns, one of the Big Four sponsors of the first Stampede. Local businesses donated buns and butter, and the Dominion government provided the buffalo meat itself. The roasted meat was carved up by an army of volunteers for about 10,000 people on the final Saturday of the Stampede. Amazingly, despite hungry crowds, no riots ensued!

1923 was the same year the tradition of pancake breakfasts began, when a rancher from Gleichen – “Wild Horse” Jack Morton – set up his chuckwagon downtown. The camp cook started cooking for the crowds, inaugurating a tradition that has since been an expression of our community’s western hospitality. Today community groups join the Stampede’s Caravan Committee in hosting pancake breakfasts across the city in July.

This past weekend, The Trio and I were invited back to my home town of Rockyford for the U19 B Ringette Provincial Championships. We were guests at the banquet that was held on March 23 at the Rockyford community center. The Rockyford Lions served up a great meal and we were accompanied by the best U19 teams in the province. There were teams from Airdrie, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Calgary, Beaumont, Red Deer, Sherwood Park and of course Rockyford.

This was a very special event for me because I grew up in Rockyford playing ringette. To be back in my home town and attending an event that I have attended many times before as an athlete is something that is priceless to me. I was asked by the coach of the Rockyford team to be the guest speaker at the banquet. I was so flattered and honored to speak in front of my friends, family, community and players and parents from all over Alberta.

When I was growing up in Rockyford, my team hosted provincials a couple of times. I remember one year, the guest speaker at the banquet was an Olympic medalist. She brought her medals and we all got pictures with her, and I was thrilled to meet someone who was so successful as an athlete. For me, to get the opportunity to stand in the same spot as that Olympian as a guest speaker was such an honour and will be a highlight of my life for years to come.  I can’t describe how much it meant to me to be there at the banquet. It was great to see the Rockyford girls again, as I coached some of them in the past, and to see people from my home town who are still congratulating me for becoming Stampede Royalty. I am so grateful to have grown up in such a supportive community!

Calgary Stampede Royalty with the Rockyford Ringers U19 B Ringette Team!

It was great to share my experiences and adventures as an athlete and a Calgary Stampede Princess with all the young ringette players this past weekend. The message I left them with was…. “Never say never.” As an athlete, I have come across some amazing opportunities to play ringette nationally and internationally over the years, yet in the past, I never thought I would get those chances. Becoming Stampede Royalty was something I never thought I would be doing either… but never say never!! You never know what kind of opportunities lay ahead of you!!

I currently play ringette for Mount Royal University, and this year we came home with a silver at nationals in London Ontario. Hopefully next year it will be a GOLD!!   The season has now come to an end, but I miss it already! Can’t wait for next season ladies!!

This week at Stampede Park features the return of the PGA of Alberta Golf Show, the Mom, Tot & Kids Show, plus the Calgary Flames continue their hunt for a playoff spot while the Calgary Hitmen take on the Brandon Wheat Kings in Game 5 of the WHL Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals.

Details on that and more here:

• NHL Hockey:  Every game matters as the Calgary Flames play thrice this week at the Scotiabank Saddledome as they continue to pursue that elusive eight and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.  First, the take on the Dallas Stars on Monday, March 26 at 7 p.m. followed by the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. and finally the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, March 30 at 7 p.m.  Tickets for all three games are available through Ticketmaster.
• Mom, Tot & Kids Show:  Welcome to the Mom, Tot & Kids Show, a fun and interactive tradeshow for Alberta families.  More than 100 exhibitors will be present showcasing the latest in technology, apparel, furniture, products and toys.  Come and play with your kids, be entertained, explore and just have fun!  March 31 and April 1 in the BMO Centre, Hall E.  Tickets available at the door and at your local Calgary Co-op store.
• NLL Lacrosse:  The Calgary Roughnecks take on the visiting Washington Stealth this week at the Saddledome.  It all stars on Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m.  Tickets for this game are available through Ticketmaster.
• WHL Playoffs:  The Calgary Hitmen continue through the post-season with Game 5 of the WHL Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals against the Brandon Wheat Kings on Sunday, April 1 at 4 p.m. at the Saddledome.  Tickets for this game are available through Ticketmaster.
• PGA of Alberta Golf Show:  The PGA of Alberta Golf Show returns to the BMO Centre this week.  Featuring an indoor driving range, golf lessons and even free junior golf clinics, don’t miss out on exclusive discounts on PGA memberships, green fees, hotel rates, vacation packages, clothing and golf equipment.  Taking place March 31 and April 1 with tickets available at the door.

Did you know that 2012 is the Calgary Stampede’s centennial?  There will be festivities and other celebrations happening all over the place throughout the year to help celebrate 100 years of the Calgary Stampede, so 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 on Park and beyond!