For better or worse, Calgary’s annual western fete has arrived. Officially kicking off with Sneak a Peak tomorrow night, what follows is 10 days of world class rodeo, (vomit-inducing) rides, a plethora of foods on sticks, and the ultimate excuse to wear jeans to work.
An ode to western heritage and values, the citywide party (and we mean PARTY) will be over before you know it. So to curb this year’s tearful laments—I should have tasted that smashed potato! —I bring you a quick list of musts before the sun sets on day 10.
Must Wear: Any cowgirl (and cowboy) knows, it all starts with the boots. Check out the official Stampede Store (on park) for an authentic Old Gringo boot selection befitting Stampede fashion royalty. I hummed and hawed over the sexy black patent leather pair ($529), but in the end, opted instead for the midway-ready Checrudas ($579) —embroidered in a colourful ‘peace & love’ motif.
Must Eat: While I missed out on the smashed potato last year (an error not to be repeated in 2010), I hear cowboy way is all abuzz with the unveiling of this year’s new on-park delicacy—the pulled pork parfait. Yes, it is exactly as it sounds—a parfait made of pulled pork, mashed potatoes and gravy. (Serious gourmands need not apply.)
Must See: Besides the unbelievable nightly concert line-up at the Coke stage, one of this year’s main attractions just happens to star Vancouver 2010 Olympic gold medalists, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. The Acrobatic Ice Show: a Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy, brings together the ice dance super-duo with former world champion Elvis Stojko and others to a killer rock soundtrack, on ice.
Must Do: Stampede just wouldn’t be Stampede without a visit to at least one of the party mainstays—Nashville North, The Roadhouse, Ranchman’s, or the tented Wildhorse Saloon are pre-requisites to being able to claim you did the Calgary Stampede right. It’ll be rowdy. It’ll be sweaty. It’ll be Stampede.
Yeehaw!