We are full swing into Calgary Stampede time! Stampede started this past weekend as it has continuously since 1912! The kick-off parade was the Friday following Canada Day (July 1). You have the next ten days to release your inner cowboy or cowgirl, dust off your hat and boots, put on your best Western gear and yell YAHOO!!!
The Calgary District Agricultural Society held the first Exhibition in 1886 to share information about agricultural practices, have some fun and showcase the “best of the west”. Calgary at the time had roughly 1,000 residents. Fast forward to 2017 where roughly 1.4 million people call Calgary home and the Calgary Stampede attracts over 1.2 million visitors to watch the rodeo and chuckwagon events!
What can do if you aren’t at one of the afternoon rodeo or evening chuckwagon races or are between events? Lots!
Love rides? The Stampede Midway boasts rides galore! Whether you like adrenaline rush Mach 3 drops, spinning cars, swinging thrills, roller coasters, giant Ferris wheels or more serene sky rides, the Stampede Midway has a little something for all.
Grills are blazing and “best ribs” signs abound advertising award-winning barbecue! Meats are being basted and grilled and trophies are proudly on display!
The food has become one of the most publicized events of Stampede! Every year, more creative, unusual and downright weird items are fried, skewered on sticks or slathered in whipped cream and sprinkles.
Deep fried tequila flavoured shots anyone? How about deep fried ice cream and cookie dough? How about deep fried coffee?
This year’s Stampede is featuring Crispy Chicken Feet on a Stick; “Rain Drop Cake”; the Cookie Dough-ne (described as “raw cookie dough in a waffle cone so that you can walk around eating as you go – complete with a made to order Stampede Halo! (Cotton candy) – and sprinkles of course!”); Deep Fried Jell-O!; and jumping on the Unicorn Frappucino craze, something titled “Unicorn White Chocolate” as well as “Unicorn Cookie Dough”. (Note, all items may be subject to change or not offered, information posted is as available at the time of writing.)
Rain Drop Cake (photo: Calgary Stampede)
Every year they try to up the ante! Past years have seen such culinary delights and calorie-topping horrors as the deep fried pickle dog (don’t judge, this one was really good), sticky toffee bug balls, mac and cheese stuffed burgers, deep fried tequila shot balls and deep fried butter tarts.
Rules for Stampeding!
- Wear cowboy boots (Roping boots are also allowed)
- Get a cowboy hat
- Wear jeans and checked shirts (men and women); women can wear dresses
- Rest your liver at least one week in advance – there are a lot of cocktails consumed at the events!
- Prepare your pallet for some exotic food creations
Had a little too much Midway food and want to try something a little less fried? You can read about and check out two of my favourite restaurants in Calgary, Pigeonhole and Model Milk.
Spending a few days in Calgary? Check out the beautiful old cars at Gasoline Alley!
Enjoy Calgary and Stampede! YAHOO!
