What not to miss at the Stampede...

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GLEAN INSIGHT INTO INDIGENOUS CULTURE & TRADITIONS

Elbow River Camp was established at the first Calgary Stampede and continues to be an integral part of the celebration. The 26 family tipis erected here showcase designs that have been passed on generation after generation, representing the cultures of Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina first Nations of Treaty 7. Visitors can purchase hand-crafted jewellery and clothes and taste traditional Bannock bread. New this year is the three-day Calgary Stampede Powwow in the Saddledome, featuring competitive dancing, drumming and singing.

Breakfast On Pancakes

Locals and visitors alike line up for pancake breakfasts hosted throughout the city (usually for free!).

Experience The Rodeo

The Stampede has the biggest purse of all North American outdoor rodeos, which means the competitiveness and the athleticism is of the highest level. Key rodeo events include bull riding, chuck wagon racing, ladies’ barrel racing, steer wrestling and bareback riding. Don’t worry if it’s your first rodeo. All the rules are explained, so newbies can follow along. Who knew that half the points in bareback riding were awarded for the horse’s performance?

Take In The Evening Grandstand Show

As the sun sets over Stampede Park, watch the chuckwagons race over the finish line, often with nail-biting photo finishes, followed by big-name concerts and fireworks. For an extra- special treat, watch all the action from the Lazy S Restaurant, which not only has the best view of the show but offers a four-course meal with menu choices that includes the beef, which Alberta is famous for.

ADMIRE ART, SAMPLE WINE & COOL OFF IN THE BMO CENTRE

The Western Oasis Wine Garden lives up to its name, giving visitors a refuge to relax and sip wines. Stroll through the artist stalls to view their works, which ranged from native art and the traditional western subjects of horses and cowboys to abstract nature interpretations.

Sample Some Adventurous Midway Food

Every year, the concoctions get crazier, as vendors outdo themselves vying for bragging rights and social media fame. Some of this year’s most outrageous choices included Mac n’ Cheese soft serve ice cream, cotton candy noodles, bad breath lemonade and a hotdog made of worms. My personal decadent faves were the Dumpling Hero’s fluffy steamed taco baos filled with shrimp tempura, fried avocado and pork belly and Cin City’s skewer of mini donuts for dessert.