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Part 1
I was so excited, ever since I saw the Calgary Stampede advertised and knew I was going to Canada; this event had to be on my schedule. Yes, I love anything to do with country. Expect horse riding. We had this booked before we set off on the road trip to guarantee seats to the events. Unfortunately, I got sick just before so the past week we had been resting and taking it easy. So, by the time we got to the stampede I was ready to throw myself into all, there was to see and do.
Three Days at The Calgary Stampede
The stampede didn’t disappoint, there was so much to see. The grounds were huge and lots of different areas to explore throughout our three days here. I wanted to see as much as possible. All the events except the Rodeo and The Grand Show were on a day ticket. You do have to purchase the two main events separately. However, these did include the day pass into all of the grounds. Luckily the Rodeo and Grand Show are on every single day of the event. So, you shouldn’t miss out.
Friday 12th July 2019 – Calgary Stampede
Our first day at the stampede was a last-minute decision because we arrived in Calgary early and the excitement was just too much to wait another day, so we went on Friday as well. Yes, I know sad!
Wow! The grounds are so big, colourful and full of things to explore. There are many different areas; the fairground, food stalls, Cola-Cola music stage, Western Event Centre, and Elbow River Camp to name a few.
Miniature Horse Competition
This was our first stop for the weekend. The miniature horses attached to a small cart had an obstacle course to complete. Miniature being a keyword… had me thinking that this would be a children’s event. But no full-grown adults were instructing the horses. It was kind of funny seeing them sitting in their small carts.
Nonetheless, the concretion and seriousness of the competitors were strong. Everyone wanted to win instead of enjoying it. However, the pressure got too much for one of the finalists and she ended up missing half the course. She took this competition so serious that she even questioned the judges. This event built up the excitement for many more.
Sheep Sheering Competition
This was such a frill; I would never be able to hold a sheep still and give it a perfect haircut. Yet, these competitors did just that, not only do the sheep have to look good but time was a factor. The time factor added intensity to the competition. The men and women who took part were very talented at what they do.
A Football Dog Show
I am not a big dog lover (don’t hate me) but give me a dog show as entertaining as this and you might be able to covert me. All the dogs involved were rescues and very talented. They had to conquer many different obstacles. The show was well thought out and full of entertainment; we were definitely not bored. One act that stood out was a girl dancing with not 1 but 3 dogs. I can’t even control one on a walk so to dance with three impressed me. This was a fantastic show.
The Western Oasis Stage
The place that played old-school country music. My favourite type of music. Yes, country is what I choose to play. I am not ashamed of this. I’m okay with people knowing. However, the band that was on stage when we got there was bad and not all that enjoyable. Luckily there was amazing photography and artwork on display.
The Elbow River Camp
This area was for the indigenous people of Canadian. There are 7 First Nations all from the Treaty 7 Nations that display their traditions and culture. On show to the public were the pretty tipi’s, jewellery, bannock and traditional dancing as well as much much more. I enjoy learning and diving into new cultures, one of the many reasons why I travel.
The Calgary Stampede Talent Search
The talent show was in the semi-final round and full of young talent. They give extraordinary prizes to the winner. The competition was sharp and tough. We got to vote for our favourite, this is a difficult choice as all deserved to win. You do have to queue a little ahead of the start time to be able to get a seat. It was a popular show.
Agriculture Area – Full of Amazing Animals
Wow, what can I say? All animals are so well cared for. The areas were clean and spacious. The condition of each and every animal was insane. None were neglected only pumped full of love. You have every farm animal so there is something for everyone.
What a first day at the Calgary Stampede, read here about day two.
