I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. There’s nothing so wonderful as getting completely lost in a good book! I was therefore THRILLED when we recently attended events in which we spent time reading with elementary school children. It was so much fun sharing some of my favourite childhood books with them, and answering their questions about being Stampede Royalty (they sure had a LOT of them!). Janelle was even asked if she lived in a castle… we all got a real kick out of that one! Though we truly enjoy all of the events we attend, there’s something to be said for seeing a child’s eyes light up when they see you. It is moments such as those, and having the ability to positively impact others, that really makes being Stampede Royalty so incredibly rewarding!

Until next time,

Katie

By: Reginald Tiangha

Highlights this week include the Calgary Bull Sale, the Stampede Canvas Auction, Megadeth, and Sarah Palin.

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WOW! We returned from the Olympics last week and had the most AMAZING time. We managed to pack a lot of excitement into the few days we were there! The experience of simply being at the centre of all the Olympic activity was truly overwhelming. We were fortunate to meet many people from all over the world, and couldn’t help but get completely swept up in Canadian pride!

It’s hard to pick out highlights from our trip since the whole thing was so much fun, but I know we all thoroughly enjoyed attending a medal ceremony one night at BC place!  Watching Maelle Ricker accept the gold medal for Snowboard Cross, and hearing the Canadian anthem being sung by everyone in the building was an emotional moment for us all!  And as if that wasn’t enough excitement… following the medal ceremony we found ourselves on the floor just metres away from Alberta’s own Paul Brandt as he performed his hit songs for the crowd. What an experience!

This was a truly magical trip, and we are all so grateful to have been granted the opportunity to go! The only thing that could possibly top it is the STAMPEDE! Only 131 days away…

GO CANADA GO!

Katie

Our last day at the Olympics was a another early start for the Alberta Train.   Today we had Bob Thompson, vice chairman of the board from the Calgary Stampede join us on the train and make some connections of his own.   On the way back to Vancouver Bob met Steve Podborski, ” Crazy Canuck” and successful ski athlete, a legend to many.

We again enjoyed a great day in Whistler and bought endless Olympic souvenirs and items, I know I will enjoy for many months to come.  When we returned to Vancouver on our last evening there we wanted to take as much in before the flight home.  Alberta house was packed as the Stereos were playing on stage and captured the many fans and passer bys.

We finished off the night by watching the firework display and looking forward to our next big event and fireworks….the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. 

While the Stampede is still 80 days away, this was a great way to get ready for Calgary’s celebration in July.

We boarded the Sunday train at the early hour of 6:00 a.m to head to Whistler today. While we were unaware of who would be on the train we knew another good day was ahead. Dr. David Chalack, President and Chairman of the board for the Calgary Stampede joined us on the train today, and did some PR work of his own. In the morning, he met everyone on the train and even captured some media attention of his own.

Once we arrived in Whistler we were able to take in the sites and sounds as it gets busier and busier as each day of the the Olympics goes by. We saw many characters and local celebrities including Peter Mansbridge. In the afternoon before we boarded the train we stopped to check out the Sam Roberts Band perform on the Whistler Live stage, which reminded me of the Coca Cola Stage at Stampede Park. People sitting on the grass minutes before the concert to ensure that they have a great spot. The show was great and was a nice finish to our day in Whister. 

Heading back on the Alberta train today was fun as the Tim Hus was playing, and in true western Style, Dr. Chalack got every one on the train going by two stepping with me on board train car 4.  It is definitely challenging to two step aboard a moving train!

By: Killa Burkinshaw

The Calgary Home and Garden Show and WHL hockey highlight the week ahead at Stampede Park. Details on these events and more, after the jump.

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We have just returned home from our trip to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. I have one word to describe our experience…..UNFORGETTABLE!!!! In three days we had the opportunity to visit the Canada Pavilion, enjoy Alberta beef at the Alberta House, ride the Travel Alberta train, tour Olympic Village in Whistler, attend the Medal Ceremonies in B.C. Place and wander around downtown Vancouver to soak up the exhilarating atmosphere. The trip flew by but it left us with many amazing memories.

Besides riding the Alberta Train, which I think was a highlight for all of us girls, my favorite part of the experience was the feeling of pride that filled Vancouver. We were in the Canada Pavilion when Maelle Ricker won Canada’s second gold medal and the place erupted with cheering and excitement. Everywhere we went people were chanting “Go Canada Go” and wearing our national colors with pride. Robson Square was alive with enthusiasm at all hours. It was like being back on the Red Mile when the Flames were in the Stanley Cup Finals, this time on a world scale. People from all over the world have come to celebrate their athletes and Vancouver gave them a thrilling welcome.

Our trip to the Olympics is now the highlight of my year so far. Thanks Vancouver.

Congratulations to all of our talented athletes, we are so proud of you.

Reach for the stars!

Janelle

Another early morning today, with a 5:00 am start in order to board the Alberta Train from Vancouver to Whistler.  Met incredible people on the Alberta Train today from our German friends as well as many other travel partners and media.

We also got to witness our first Olympic event today.  The women’s super G.  The course was tough and 15 skiers were not able to finish the track.  Even though a couple of Canadian skiers were in that number, it was still incredible to watch Brydon and Ruben ski.  It was a tight race between the top three and kept me curious right until the end.

Once the event was over we walked down the hill very carefully in our cowboy boots as it was a bit slippery.  We were able to enjoy lunch on an outdoor patio at the winter Olympics and explore Whistler village.

In Whistler, the streets were very busy and everyone had a statement to make.  Whether it was the Aussies, the Americans or the Cowgirls we all had a story to tell.

Ty and Kurt flew out this morning and ended their Olympic journey for the week.  As Ty heads out to Ottawa for a Bull Riding  competition, I take a less challenging journey to the streets of Vancouver to explore the festivities it has to offer.  As the weekend approaches the streets are much busier and it reminds me of Stampede Park’s buzz and excitment.  Families with little ones getting photos with living statues, and couple enjoying breakfast and coffees on the street. 

While the remaining time we have at the Olympics will be spent in Whistler, Vancouver will still offer a taste of Alberta with the variety of statues on the street.

Our Plane left Calgary Tuesday morning and dropped us in Vancouver and none of us realized our lives were about to change. The 2010 Winter Olympics, who would have thought that I would be seeing up close the excitement of the games. Wednesday was dedicated to Alberta and coined “Alberta Day”. Up at 4 a.m. Savahanne, Katie, Janelle and I found ourselves aboard the Alberta Train, departing at 6:15 a.m. for Whistler. The train which is the Rocky Mountaineer, was taken over by Travel Alberta for the Olympics. Aboard the train we had the privilege of meeting and visiting with many new people and media from around the world. After chatting we were escorted downstairs to the dining car, where we enjoyed an amazing breakfast. We were fast approaching Whistler, but are train trip was not complete without a little country music up close and personal. Aaron Lines, one of Canada’s best loved country music stars was aboard the train and performed a small intimate concert for us. The concert was a definite highlight of the trip.

Whistler was finally upon us and we spent the day walking around the village meeting Olympic fans from all over the world and spreading some western Canadian flare. We had a lot of photo opportunities with so many great people. Did I mention the sun came out for us? It turned out to be a beautiful day. To complete our trip, we had the luxury of heading back to Vancouver on the train. A big thanks goes out to the Alberta train team and Travel Alberta for making our trip to Whistler absolutely amazing. Thank you!!

All Aboard the Alberta Train, Yahoo!!!

Until next time, dream big and anything is possible

Kirstie