By Sarah

You may think that Stampede is an event strictly for Cowboys and Cowgirls, but you’re wrong! Calgarians from all walks of life get into the spirit of things, and the corporate community is no different.

Take a look at some of the window designs that can be seen on business and corporate office windows in the downtown core. Even the +15’s, Calgary’s indoor walkway system that link buildings throughout downtown, have been splashed with Stampede scenes.

Only a few more days – the countdown is on!

I am getting very excited to be able to compete at the 09 Stampede in the Barrel Racing. If you are looking for some Country Music I have a CD on line for you to download. Look at my web site: www.barrelracingangel.com or www.suzannedepaoli.com

I wish to give my sincere sympathy to a fellow barrel racer, Tammy Key-Fisher, who lost her only son in a car accident last week. Tammy is coming to Calgary from Texas. Lets send our prayers to her and her family.

Talk tomorrow. 

Howdy folks!

Only 4 days left before the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off!  We all have been feeling that ‘familiar feeling’ when Stampede time rolls around, the sensation of summer, the smell of pancakes, and lots of cowboy hats roaming the streets!
Today we had our Grandstand speech practices, and I felt like a little girl who had just been given her first pony, so giddy and excited!!  We all practiced hearing our voices over that HUGE PA system, with a 30 second delay. I loved it and started to break into my favorite song-Oh Canada… Sorry for all those who were listening! (hehe)
I absolutly can’t WAIT for this years Stampede to come! This is my life long dream to be a part of an organisation that is so passionate in preserving and promoting Western Heritage and values.

Can’t wait to see you there!
Kateri Cowley

By: Reginald Tiangha

It’s “woof, woof” meets “baa, baa” as stock dog meets sheep stock in a battle of wills during The World Stock Dog Championship. Another FREE event that takes place in the Saddledome, if you’re a dog lover, then this is the event for you. If you’re a cat lover (or just hate dogs), you can always cheer on the sheep. If you’re an animal lover in general, I guarantee that you’ll enjoy this event. I am neither (I think) and I still find this event fun to watch.

The Stock Dog competition is similar to Team Penning where a flock of three sheep need to be herded into a pen. The difference is that a) they have to be herded through an obstacle course first, and b) it isn’t up to a horse and rider to do the herding, it’s up to a single border collie who is reliant on orders from a shepherd who is forced to watch from a distance away and communicate via whistles and other verbal commands. (more…)

By:  Reginald Tiangha

First off, you may have noticed that I’ve ditched the use of all capital letters in the title. Doesn’t really look good with more than two words, but it shouldn’t detract from the fact that Team Cattle Penning (sometimes abbreviated to Team Penning for short) is one of the Stampede’s best kept secrets when it comes to fast paced and exciting events appropriate for all ages.

Taking place in the Saddledome, horse and rider teams of three have 60 seconds to separate three specifically identified cattle from a herd of 30 on one side of the arena, and maneuver them into a 16′ x 24′ pen at the opposite side.

It sounds simple in theory, but in practice can be very difficult. (more…)

A one hour documentary about the link between the Calgary Stampede and the Ismaili community is being aired on the Omni channel this month.

East Meets Western is a tale of two cultures seemingly worlds apart and yet with many similarities steeped in tradition, culture and ethics. The one-hour documentary showcases the events that occur during the Calgary Stampede and the festivities within the Calgary Ismaili community, which totally embraces and celebrates the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

The Ismaili community belongs to the Shia branch of Islam. How they became involved in the Calgary Stampede and how they have become one of the premier supporters of the 10-day event is part of the story told in the documentary. But more than that, it is a story about volunteerism, commitment and support between two disparate cultures.

It is the basic principles of tradition, culture and the desire to help others that bring these two completely different communities – east and west – together…truly a blending of cultures.

Broadcast schedule: (Alberta is in bold)

OMNI  BC Sunday June 28 8 PM PT English
OMNI 2 (Ontario) Sunday June 28 10 PM ET English
OMNI AB Sunday June 28 10 PM MT English
OMNI 2 (Ontario) Sunday July 5 7 PM ET Hindi
OMNI 2 (Ontario) Monday July 6 3:30 PM ET English
OMNI 2 (Ontario) Wednesday July 8 10 AM ET English
OMNI AB Sunday July 12  10 PM MT English

By:  Reginald Tiangha

The definition of a Heavy Horse is any breed of horse that is suited to or used for drawing heavy loads.

The Calgary Stampede has two main committees that put on various events involving heavy horses for the public during Stampede week.

The Stampede’s Heavy Horse committee will showcase approximately 110 heavy horse competitions (called classes) during the first four days of Stampede as part of their Heavy Horse Show (held in the Saddledome and Big Top), while the Heavy Horse Pull committee will hold competitions during the final three days showcasing light, middle, and heavy weight classes of heavy horse as they try to pull loads of over five times their own body weight across various distances (held in the Big Top). (more…)

By Killa

So you want to have an awesome day at the Stampede. Here is a list of things you will need and some tips that will come in handy.

• Sunscreen-With all the concrete and metal down at the park there is always a good chance that you will burn. Save yourself the pain.
• Umbrella- We live in Alberta and we have unexpected weather. Be prepared.
• Raincoat or jacket- same as the umbrella.
• Comfortable shoes- You’ll be walking a lot on hot pavement so you want to be comfortable doing it. Don’t wear flip flops because most Ride Operators won’t let you on with them. If you’re wearing Cowboy Boots and haven’t wore them in yet start wearing them now so you don’t get blisters!
• Mosquito Repellent- If you go to any of the green areas or by the river likely that you will need it. Especially after dark.
• Water- It is cheaper to bring your own water with you & there are plenty of water fountains around the park so you can fill up your bottles and stay well hydrated.
• Hat- It can be a Stetson, Cowboy Hat, Baseball Hat but just have one because it will from sunstroke & sunburn. 
• Bandaids- For the blisters that you get on your feet or for any other cut or scrape you get.
• Tylenol- For all the noise that goes on down at the park. From crowds, music, marching bands, machinery sounds, the game sounds, heat, etc it can add up to a bad headache which won’t be fun at all.
• Money- so you can pay for rides, the deep fried jellybeans, and all the interesting stuff in Western Oasis!

Some tips for you! (more…)

By:  Reginald Tiangha

I’m not sure about you guys, but I’ve got a fever that can only be cured with mini-donuts (and alas, not more cowbell; sorry Chris).

I can only speak for myself, but being a born and bred Calgarian, for the longest time growing up, my Stampede week only consisted of the midway and marketplace, mainly because it never occurred to me to do anything else.  It was only within the last few years that I discovered a whole different side to Stampede week that I simply wasn’t aware of.

With Stampede about a week away, I figured I’d take the opportunity to highlight a few events and activities that will be happening on the grounds or downtown during the ten days of Stampede that you may or may not know about. (more…)

Want to win six tickets for you and your friends to see Marianas Trench & Seventh Rain from the comfort of the Coca-Cola Red Lounge on July 2nd, 2009?

Here’s what you have to do: Leave a comment on this post telling us your dream Coca-Cola Stage line-up! Seriously – it is that easy (well, and leave a valid e-mail address so we can contact you). The contest runs until midnight (MST) June 29th, 2009. One winner will be randomly selected on June 30, 2009 and contacted by email. If the selected winner is unavailable by email within 3 hours, the next randomly drawn contestant will be selected (it has to be that quick so we can get your tickets to you!).

The complete prize package contains:
• Six seats in the Coca-Cola Red Lounge on July 2nd, 2009
• Six entries to Stampede Park on July 2nd, 2009

So tell us your dream Coca-Cola Stage line-up and then tell all your friends to enter too – if they win they have to take you right?

You have to be over 18 to enter. For full rules & regulations click here.

Edit: The comments/contest is now closed! Thanks to everyone who participated – the winner will be notified shortly.