Another Stampede has come and gone. Another fantastic time was had by all. Please check back for regular updates because even though the Exhibition and Stampede is over we are still Here. All year.

By Sarah

Emerson Drive kicked up the heels of everyone looking for one last night of great Stampedin’ at Nashville North last night. After playing their hits, they came back onstage for an encore performance of The Devil Went Down To Georgia that nearly blew the roof off of Nashville’s tent. What an end to a fabulous line-up of country music playing at the tent for the ten day event.

Hope to see you there next year!!

By: Reid

The pundits who claim that old time classic country drenched in heartache and steel guitar is dead and can’t be sold to a mass audience were proven wrong big time at Nashville North on Friday July 10th.

Joe Diffie took to the main stage at Nashville North and delivered a set that had the entire bar on its feet two-stepping, singing, and getting rowdy. The place was electric. Diffie’s brand of three-chord country heartbreakers and fast pickin’ honky tonk burners threw the crowd into an absolute frenzy.

Image from the Calgary Stampede on Flickr

From the opening few songs I knew that this was going to be a special night. Diffie’s showmanship and his bands undeniable musical ability left me in awe of a man who has released 17 top ten hits (including five #1s) and nine studio albums, two of which were certified platinum.

I don’t think I got to leave the dance floor for one song during Diffie’s set and by the end of it all I was one tired cowboy in need of a few Budweiser’s.

After all, a man doesn’t want to get dehydrated….

By:  Reginald Tiangha

In another installment of Reggie’ll Try It!, I’ll be laying my life on the line once again for you, the Stampede blog reader, so you don’t have to (I know; I’m so considerate!).  Today, I’ll be reviewing the Tornado Potato, one of the many new food items being offered this Stampede.

Available on the midway, the Tornado Potato is essentially a spiral cut potato-on-a-stick that is deep fried.  A very simple dish.  You can then top it off with salt, ketchup, or whatever toppings and condiments that you usually put on french fries.  Of course, I’m of the sort of person that believes that sauces and such hide the natural flavour of foods, and as a professional midway connoisseur, I chose to enjoy my Tornado Potato the same way I enjoy getting my news:  plain and unfiltered.

Because it appeared that the potato was thinly sliced before deep frying, I was expecting a texture similar to a potato chip, one that was both crisp and crunchy.  However, it turned out to be more like a pan-fried potato and the texture was very similar to that of a french fry:  somewhat crisp on the outside but soft and fleshy on the inside.  As such, my initial expectations may have tainted my enjoyment of the food. (more…)

Wild Card Saturday at the Rodeo

The top six competitors in pools A and B will compete on Wild Card Saturday in a one-shot, go-for-broke performance. The top two in each Saturday event will advance to Showdown Sunday. All six major rodeo events are included – saddle bronc, bareback, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and ladies barrel racing. Tonight’s the last shot for the teams competing in the chuckwagons to get into tomorrow’s finals, where $150,000 will be up for grabs.

The Big Show

After the Chuckwagons tonight, The Big Show hits the Grandstand with its unique brand of western magic, including Suzie McNeil, The Wheel of Death and acrobatic feats on the Dream Flight Cable System. TransAlta Lights Up the Night tops off the Show with a spectacular fireworks display that salutes Canada high into the night sky.

International Livestock Auctioneer Championship

Going once, going twice… Sold! The fastest mouths in the west will be at it again this year during the 21st annual International Livestock Auctioneer Competition under the Calgary Stampede’s Big Top. Competitors will be judged on rhythm, clarity, voice control, livestock knowledge, as well as their ability to spot bids and conduct a sale. The final round is in The Big Top at 11 a.m.

Stampede Talent Search Finals

It’s been a long road to make it to the finals of the Stampede Talent Search. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. in The Boyce Theatre, 14 performers will compete to join the ranks of previous winners like Paul Brandt, The EarthTones and more.

Duelling Chefs Final

Four of Calgary’s premier chefs have competed this week. The two finalists will cook-off tonight at 7 p.m. at the Atco Kitchen Theatre in Western Oasis, BMO Centre.

Fun for Everyone

Get hypnotized by Terry Stokes or at least have some good laughs watching it happen at the Coca-Cola Stage at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Also on the Coca-Cola Stage, The Lost Fingers are playing at noon and 3:30 p.m.

Hungry?

Looking for an alternative to deep fried? Come have a shot of wheat grass on the Stampede Midway.

New “Must-Sees”

Agrium Ag-tivity in the City is featuring a Croplife Canada presentation. Learn about the benefits, value and safety of plant science technologies. Listen to bugs chewing on plants, participate in the Farming Frank Challenge by managing a farm, and learn about the evolution of food over the past 100 years.

On Stage for Saturday, July 11, 2009

Nashville North: Gord Bamford 9 p.m.

Coca-Cola Stage: Daniel Wesley 8 p.m., Bif Naked 9 p.m.

Saddledome Plaza Stage: Visiting Marching Bands 3 p.m.

Today’s Rodeo Results

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/rodeo/results/

Tonight’s GMC Rangeland Derby Race Results (available after midnight)

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/chuckwagon-races/results.html

By: Justin

Well it was a battle of old machines this past weekend at the Big Top Tent on Stampede Park. The annual vintage tractor pull and show and shine took over the covered arena entertaining the large number of fans that came to watch.  Nearly thirty drivers from all around Southern Alberta brought their vintage tractors to the show.  To enter, the tractor had to have been built prior to 1960.  The machines are then entered into one of six different weight classes for the pulling competition.  From top to bottom the tractors that were competing were in beautiful shape.  Not a detail was missed by any tractor owner in the resoration of these beautiful machines.  Besides looking good, these tractors have some serious muscle and the pulling competition was extremely competitive.  Pull offs were even required to determine winners in some of the classes.  A highlight of the event was when a team of heavy horses faced off against and old tracor in a race to pull a weighted sled down the arena.  A great event and one to not miss when the tractors role into town again next year.

This weekend the heavy horse pull is on in the Big Top Tent. Teams of heavy horses will compete in three different weight classes to determine who can pull the most weight.  It will be an unbelievable sight to see these giant animals flex their muscles attempting to pull up to five times their own body weight.  Make sure you come down and check it out!!!

By: Reginald Tiangha

You may have heard about it leading up to Stampede.  You may be wondering how it could possibly work.  You might even be curious on what the taste experience will be like.  However, you (and/or your friends) may not be willing to fork over some $$ just to find out, and even if you were, you may be hesitant on using yourself as a guinea pig.

So, how can you possibly find out what all the hype is about without trying to swindle a sample or a taste from a stranger or the food vendors?  Well don’t worry, because Reggie’ll Try It!

Today’s food item:  The deep-fried jelly bean. (more…)

Chuckwagon drivers sign autographs

Stop by the GMC Tent located near Agrium Ag-tivity for chuckwagon driver autographs. Signings are daily from noon to 1 p.m.

Big names on stage

Kenny Chesney performs tonight at the Pengrowth Saddledome. Joe Diffie hits the Nashville North stage at 9 p.m. The Coca-Cola Stage has big acts tonight with Karl Wolf, Elise Estrada and Kreesha Turner all taking the stage with the first show starting at 7:30 p.m.

Heavy Horse Pull Competition

The Heavy Horse Pull Competition is an exciting event featuring true working horses pulling up to five times their bodyweight. This action-packed event demonstrates the power and skill of these magnificent horses.

Hungry?

Try one of the Stampede’s 2,000,000 mini-donuts sold on Park each year.

New “Must Sees”

This year’s new Lions Groceries for Life lottery gives the winner $700 a month for 20 years. Also don’t miss Les Vitamines. This utterly hilarious pair of juggling acrobats has made it their mission to dazzle audiences of all ages with their extraordinary technical abilities and burlesque-style staging.

On Stage for Friday, July 10, 2009

Nashville North: Joe Diffie 9 p.m.

Coca-Cola Stage: Karl Wolf 7 p.m., Elise Estrada 8:30 p.m., Kreesha Turner 9:30 p.m.

Saddledome Plaza Stage: Treaty 7 Native Dancers and Les Vitamines (show times throughout the day)

Today’s Rodeo Results

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/rodeo/results/

Tonight’s GMC Rangeland Derby Race Results (available after midnight)

http://cs.calgarystampede.com/events/chuckwagon-races/results.html

By: Heather Ilsley

This year most people are watching their pennies a little more than usual.  I decided to see if I could still enjoy Stampede but stick to a budget of $25 while doing it.

Sounds ambitious doesn’t it?  Well, there are a few tips and tricks that’ll make your Stampede experience a little more wallet friendly.  I rounded up two partners in crime for this challenge as they wanted to save money at Stampede too!  We agreed to a couple of ground rules.  We’d bring water bottles with us and would try to see new things instead of doing the same things we do every year.

Our first stop was a pancake breakfast. We used the Flapjack Finder app for our iPhone and navigated our way there in no time!  Heading to the grounds on a full stomach was a good idea as we had lots of energy and weren’t as tempted by those darn mini donuts.

Total cost – $11 each (We checked out the deals on the Stampede website and saved $3 each on gate admission.) (more…)

By: Justin

There is no doubt that the Stampede puts on a great rodeo. The stock and cowboys are all top notch.  However the rodeo is more than just a rodeo…it’s ONE BIG PARTY!!! The atmosphere is undeniably electric with everyone in the grandstand looking to have a great time and meet new friends. Where else can you be sipping wine with dignitaries then turn around and slam a beer with the guy that just rode the horns off of a two thousand pound farm animal to the tune of 90 points!!!  Everyone from politicians, to cowboys, to city slickers, to that special someone you met last night in Nashville North can be seen taking in the rodeo. Stampede is not complete without a trip down to the afternoon grandstand and if not for the rodeo, go for the party and the people watching. I guarantee you will not regret it! (more…)