HOWDY ALL!
Have you ever played Trivia Pursuit and had to answer the question; What is another name for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth? Did you know the answer or were you totally bewildered?
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is none other than the Calgary Stampede and on Thursday July 5th we kick off the ten day long fesitivities with Sneak-a-Peak night down at the grounds followed by the Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday morning through the streets of downtown Calgary. For those of you that are not familiar with the Calgary Stampede it is a 10 day celebration of western heritage and the unique culture of the City of Calgary, occasionally referred to as "cow town".
There is something for everyone at the Stampede including our world famous rodeo, chuckwagon races and the elaborate and entertaining evening grand stand show held daily. The midway is full of rides, food and games as well as a ton of entertainment and music with such acts as Finger Eleven, Hinder, Good Charlotte, The Road Hammers, and the ever so popular Hypnotist Terry Stokeson the free concert Coca-Cola Stage. In addition, our Pengrowth Saddledome (home of the Calgary Flames) presents Bon Jovi, the Tragically Hip, Gretchen Wilson with Big & Rich and Cowboy Troy and Reba as this years headline acts.
Calgarians partake in this western celebration in many ways. Cowboy hats, boots and a lot of denim is the typical dress code for work and play during Stampede week as most of us spend a fair amount of these ten days attending stampede breakfasts and afternoon/evening bar-b-q's held by local businesses all over the city, which does not allow for a lot of work to get done. Downtown Calgary could almost be mistaken for a ghost town during this time (well not really) as a lot of businesses have shorter work days and sometimes shut operations down to enjoy the festivities.
Many locals would rather avoid the Stampede altogether, but I personally love it. The general feel around town is everyone is happy, friendly and simply enjoying all the traditions the Calgary Stampede has to offer. I believe everyone should experience the Stampede at least once. It's an outdoor carnival like no other.
Kick up your spurs and visit The Calgary Stampede for more information and history.
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