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.

Ken Stuart standing next to the Chuckwagon 101 Wagon.

Ever wondered what actually happens behind the track on a daily basis behind the scenes at the GMC Rangeland Derby? I had the opportunity to catch up with Ken Stuart, a member of the Chuckwagon Committee to learn some more about the Chucks.

1. How did you get involved with Chuckwagons?

As a kid I was friends with a neighborhood family that were Chuckwagon advertisers. Then my wife gave me a membership in the Pardners Chuckwagon Team, and here we are over 20 years later doing one of the things I love.

2. You’re very passionate about the sport and the people involved in it. What makes the Chucks at Calgary Stampede so special?

I think it is the gathering together of the best Chuckwagon people in the world and the close relationships that are associated with the “Chuckwagon Family”. Competition on the track is fierce but they all take care of each other after the races are over, and that is very special.

3. What have been some of your roles on the Committee?

I have had several roles since joining the Committee. I have been a wagon caller during the races, I have been responsible for media barn tours during the day, and since I am one of the few Committee members that have time off during the Calgary Stampede I do whatever needs to be done. I am currently responsible for the Outrider Recognition Program as well as an advertiser liaison for two wagons.

4. It takes a lot of people to put this all together, how do you guys do it?

We have close to 40 people on our Committee during Stampede week. Our Committee is very diverse and knowledgeable with many people bringing special skills to the table. This base allows us to work together and at the same time allows us to use our skills to contribute to the success of the “Show”.

5. How long is an average day for you and your fellow volunteers during the 10 day show?

My day is quite long, sometimes from 6:30 AM to midnight; but I usually try and get some down time for an hour or two in the afternoon. It may be long, but if you are having fun you don’t notice the time.

6. Do you have one standout memory from all your years at the track?

I have a whole bunch of them but probably the most satisfying was last year’s successful implementation of the first ever Outstanding Outrider Award at the Calgary Stampede. These are Cowboys that deserve some recognition.

7. Can you give a little bit of insight into what happens behind the scenes in the barns?

Sure: the mornings usually begin with the barn help walking horses and then a video review for the drivers to review the previous day’s races. Around 4:00 PM in the afternoon the anticipation begins to rise as the advertiser’s guests begin to arrive in the barns. The excitement continues to rise until an hour before race time. The barns are then cleared of guests and the outriders horses are moved to the infield. Just prior to the start of the show the first heat of wagons begin to hook up their horses and warm up around the H barn and the races begin. After the races are done we welcome all the guests back in to enjoy the atmosphere.

8. For newcomers to the Calgary Stampede, what do you think is the most exciting aspect of coming down to watch the Chucks?

I think the most exciting part of being there for the races is the sound and feel of 4 wagons and 32 horses coming down the home stretch at the same time. It is something you will never forget. It sends a chill down your spine.

9. What do you see for the future of the sport?

I would like to see the sport grow and become one of our premier sports in Western Canada. The excitement is addictive.

10. What is your personal “Promise” for this year’s Calgary Stampede?

I “Promise” to get my boots dirty. Mission accomplished many times over!

Ken and I in the barns.

Thank you Ken, it was wonderful to gain some insight into what happens behind the scenes at the GMC Rangeland Derby. You and your Committee do an incredible job putting on a safe, exhilarating show for 17,000 lucky spectators every evening. I hope that all you Calgary Stampede blog readers make it down to check out the Final Four “Dash for Cash” tonight at 8:00pm. It’s going to be an exciting night of Chuckwagon Racing with a $150,000 final heat!

We’re back with another edition of Stampede Mythbusters.  I’ve been asking around to find out if people are going to Stampede this year and this myth seems to be a popular reason people give when they say they don’t plan on attending.  It’s a great topic to investigate because it’s something that applies to everyone – Stampede is too expensive.  Or is it?

Now, don’t get me wrong, if you WANT to spend a lot of money during Stampede, there are oodles of ways to lighten your wallet.  But, if you’re like me, you want to have a great time, enjoy some old faves, check out some new things, and know that your bank account isn’t going to be hit too hard at the end of it.

How much does it REALLY cost?

Let’s start off with some numbers so that we’re all on the same page.

Stampede Gate Admission – $14 ($11 if you take advantage of some of the deals – see below.)

Rodeo admission – $12 gets you in, but you’ll be standing.  For good value, I recommend the Bronze seats – $24.50 which includes your gate admission and the best part is you’re up high so you’re covered from excess sun (or rain!).

Grandstand and chucks – $15 puts you on the tarmac (lots of excitement down there for the Chucks, but harder to see for the Grandstand).  For good value try the silver seats – $41.50 – you’re down low so you’ve got a great view of everything, plus it includes your gate admission.

What does it get me?

Stampede Gate Admission is a smokin’ deal.  Essentially, you get access to everything except the rodeo, chuckwagons/evening show, concerts going on in the Pengrowth Saddledome, and rides on the midway.  Honestly, the Coke Stage concerts themselves are worth the admission price but you’ll also be able to check out things like the Acrobatic Ice show, the High Dive act, old faves like the Superdogs, the Western Oasis, and the Stampede market; honestly I could go on and on.

Your pre-purchase rodeo and evening show tickets INCLUDE admission to the Park.  Often it’s a better deal to buy your seats ahead of time.

I HIGHLY suggest using the Stampede Planner to see what sparks your interest and which days will let you get the most bang for your buck.  I really like the ATCO Kitchen Theatre so I ran a search on that and am going to stop by to check out the dueling chefs!  The best part is the free samples at the end!

Looking for a Deal?

There’s no need to pay full price to get into the park or to ride the Midway.  There are several deals that offer you at least a couple bucks off your gate admission.  Check out the deals page to find the one that’s right for you.  If you plan on snapping up the midway deal, act fast.  It’s only available at Safeway stores until July 8^th.

Ok, I think that’s a pretty good overview of what it really costs to get in the gate, watch the rodeo, or take in the Chucks and Grandstand show.  If you want to upgrade your experience with the purchase of something like mini-donuts, luckily they are only a few dollars more!

The point I’m trying to make is that you really do get a LOT for your dollar; you can still enjoy your old favorites as well as the new attractions.  If you are looking to save some money, there are ways to do it too.

Finally, why not win to get in?  There are lots of cool contests going on through the Stampede Twitter and Facebook pages.  Check out Twitter at @calgarystampede and @HereAllYear, or the official Facebook fan page, and stay tuned to the Stampede Blog as Stampede Mythbusters keeps bustin’ those myths!

What would summer be without the big Mardi Gras we call the Calgary Stampede. 

Starting off in the parade this morning, I must have waved to 10,000 people (thanks for waving back).  I guess everyone else in Calgary was ready to start this show off right too.  The parade was great, just a nice overcast so it didn’t get too hot.  I saw loads of people funneling down to the grounds to hit the midway and everyone seemed to be loving the beautiful weather.  The rodeo sounded good, we never went over but I could here the crowd from the barns.  There was a beautiful BBQ back at the barns with my Friends of SAIT chuckwagon sponsors and then it hit.  Welcome to Calgary in July, a 15 minute flash flood.  Right before the races, must have been an inch and a half of rain.  Soon the wind blew and the sun came back out, craziest thing you ever seen.  That is unless you have spent the month of July in Calgary, then it was just another flash flood rainstorm during the Stampede.