I can almost smell the mini-donuts

It’s that time of year again! Driving down the main streets of Calgary, those little red and white flags with the “CS” on them have begun to appear on the city street lights. Yes, Stampede is approaching.  

Born and raised in Calgary, most would assume that I’m probably sick of the 10 days packed with crowded streets, ridiculous behaviour, and even more ridiculous outfits. But having attended the Stampede at least once a year for the past 21 years, it’s become a tradition.

Photo by lemonheaven

Yes I hate the crowds, yes I hate the cowboys who don’t listen to country music but feel the need to dress up in the full attire come Stampede week (I may be slightly guilty of this…), yes I hate the feeling afterwards when I realize how much money I spent, and yes I hate how I feel at the end of the 10 days after over-indulging in booze, corn dogs and mini-donuts. But like any tradition, it wouldn’t feel the same without it. So of course, I will be attending this year’s Stampede as it celebrates the 100^th Anniversary.

Hand me a bag of mini-donuts, sit me in front of the Coke Stage and I’m happy. But as it is the 100^th Anniversary of the event, expectations are probably pretty high. Of course, this cannot just be any regular Stampede; it has to be the greatest of “The greatest outdoor show on earth.”

So what can we expect to see? I’ve picked what I consider some of the highlights and unique additions for this Centennial event:

• New rides, including a new roller coaster, “Outlaw” named after a legendary Stampede rodeo bull
• The longest temporary zip line in Canada which will be set up in the Park to view the Stampede Skyline
• 1 hell of a concert line up: Johnny Reid, Paul Brandt, Our Lady Peace, Mother Mother, The Trews, Big Sugar and George Canyon to name a few
• Bell Centennial Plaza: A new concert venue located on Stampede grounds
• The beach: a surfing simulator
• Light Up the City: Fireworks every night – from multiple areas of the city (not just above the Stampede grounds)
• The important stuff: food. This year we will see red velvet funnel cake, cotton candy cupcakes, Jack Daniels Fudge, bacon Sundaes and deep fried pickles as new additions to the menu

The list goes on, check out the Centennial Celebration on the CS Website!

I think its the atmosphere and the attitude of the people in the city during Stampede week that makes it so enjoyable for me. Everyone is happy, laid back and excited during the 10 days of Western (whose going to complain about wearing jeans to work for 10 days) and so even though I hate the crowds, the pricey merchandise, food and entertainment - all which will only be magnified this year - I am very excited that Stampede is just around the corner. After all the feel good feeling that surrounds the city during the 10 day event can only be magnified for this amazing celebration.

So what are your expectations for the 100^th Anniversary? Does the list measure up to what you were expecting to see? Or are you planning to flee the city before the crowds begin to arrive?