124. Go To The Calgary Stampede

My hometown is an hours drive from Calgary, so it's hard to believe in eighteen years of living here I had never gone to the Stampede.  I finally went this summer with a group of friends, and saw what was bringing a great numbers of people to Alberta.  In preparation for Stampede I bought a cowgirl hat that I absolutely love, though I felt funny wearing it.

I have gone to smaller rodeos in the passed, so the main thing I really wanted to see was the chuck wagon races.  I bought the seventeen dollar standing ticket.  This allowed me to go to the seventh floor of the Grand Stands, where I could see the chuck wagons, and later the Grand Stand Show.  The chuck wagons were exciting, and fast; luckily no horses got hurt during the races I saw.  The Grand Stand Show was very random and confusing.  Some performances were creative, while others were unusual. The most exciting part was one of the acts was the band Kiss!  Because of the major flooding in Calgary all concerts in the Saddledome were canceled.  Kiss was scheduled to play, show they were incorporated into the Grand Stand Show.

What I learned from my first Stampede:

1. It is extremely busy and crowded, and it is best not to go on the last weekend, because it is even busier.

2. Every unhealthy food you love is there: chocolate dipped cheesecake, spiral spuds, corn dogs, and deep fried butter.  Yum!

3. The ground makes your feet very sore after hours of walking, so wear comfy shoes!

I had an amazing time at Stampede; it is a great place to spend time with friends.  It will probably be a few years until I return, but I will keep my cowgirl hat till then!