Spotlight on Calgary Stampede Foundation

You might not be aware of the fact that the Calgary Stampede itself is a non-profit organization.  And, a lot of what you see on Park happens because of the effort of a huge volunteer base and a dedicated staff that work hard all year long.  But, did you know that many of the talented performers that you see during the Stampede are part of programs offered by the Calgary Stampede Foundation, which is a charitable organization?

The Foundation has a commitment to develop the potential of young people in the community and when you see these young people perform, I think you’ll agree that they are doing a pretty great job of it!

So, you might be asking yourself, which groups does the Foundation support?  Well, here’s a brief blurb on each group and what they do.

The Stampede 4-H on Parade Program is an integral part of the education and the development of young people in agriculture. It’s a show that invites youth aged 10-19 to show their steers, heifers, sheep and horses, and to have them evaluated by industry experts. 4-H Rodeo brings together 120 competitors from the Calgary region. Last year there were 450 entries in 9 rodeo events. As an annual program, it is becoming another Calgary Stampede tradition.

Each year the Youth Speech & Debate committee sponsors both the Stampede Invitational Debate for junior and senior high school students and the annual 4-H debate.

The World Champion Calgary Stampede Showband offers musical training to young Calgarians. Currently the Band is 130 members strong and travels around the world entertaining thousands each year.

The Young Canadians School of the Performing Arts is our largest community youth program. The troupe of 173 receive training in the disciplines of voice, dance and gymnastics. We provide scholarships and academic tutoring for those who require them. If you’ve ever seen the Grandstand show it’s obvious how hard these young people work.

The Foundation also supports two other events:

Each spring during Roughstock, the Aggie Days Program provides a “Day on the Farm” to school children aged 6-12. The program presents tours, exhibits and hands-on demonstrations, and is designed to increase the children’s appreciation for and understanding of agriculture in Alberta.

The Stampede Youth Talent Showdown is dedicated to the discovery, development and encouragement of young amateur entertainers across southern Alberta. These young people are awarded the opportunity to perform at the Stampede, to win cash prizes, and often, to embark upon a career in the entertainment business. The winner of this event competes each year at the youth talent contest sponsored by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions where they are eligible to receive further scholarships.

So there you have it, another peek into the inner workings of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and some of the programs and activities that fall under the Calgary Stampede Foundation.

For updates and info on everything Stampede, make sure you follow us on Twitter at @calgarystampede, on Facebook through our official Facebook fan page, visit our website, and stay tuned to the official Stampede Blog to learn more about some of the things happening Here. All Year.

Tags: Aggie Days, Foundation, Showband, Young Canadians, Youth Speech & Debate

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 29th, 2010 at 9:19 am and is filed under Here. All Year, NGC. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Wild Deuce Surpasses Their Goal For STARS

We received the following news release from Wild Deuce:

Wild Deuce would like to thank everyone for another successful Working Mountain Horse Challenge & Select Sale that took place in Kingman, AB this past weekend (Sept 24-26, 2010).

With a the 25th Anniversary of STARS taking place this year, the big push was to raise $10,000 for the life-saving organization. Each year Wild Deuce raises money for STARS through a Silent Auction at their event. This year, along with the Silent Auction ($4700), cookie sales ($750), the auctioning of a 17 HMR Rifle ($475), and the auctioning of the STARS horse, a record breaking $12, 862 was raised! Wild Deuce would like to thank all the people and businesses that made donations and brought out their wallets to help Wild Deuce surpass their goal. A special thank you to Bruce from Whitecourt who bought Topline Dandy and all her tack and 50 bales of feed for $6100. All proceeds to STARS.

Friday morning the sun came out which started the Open Competition off in fine form. The course was changed up for this year including having to crawl into a covered wagon off the back of their horses. The 22 competitors lived up to the new challenges and Wild Deuce is looking forward to more new surprises for their 2011 course. The Working Mountain Horse Challenge takes place at the end of September every year.

OPEN COMPETITION RESULTS:

Champion of the OPEN Competition went to a first time participant, Caleb Block and sponsored by Richmond Transport of Stony Plain. Caleb donated his prize money back to STARSReserve Champion was Craig Grove of Cochrane, AB, sponsored by Total Orthotics of Camrose, AB3rd place was Herbert Fox Sr. of Bashaw, AB, sponsored by Lammles Western Wear in Camrose, AB4th place was John Pouliot of Kingman, AB, sponsored by Foster’s Covered Wagons in Devon, AB5th Place was taken by Cynda Didier of Alder Flats, AB, and sponsored by Summit Outfitter Supplies in Millet, AB.

YOUTH COMPETITION RESULTS:

Youth competitors are able to ride through the entire course and complete the obstacles of their choice. Wild Deuce wants to promote riding, safety and fun so ALL Youth take home prizes. The Youth Competition was sponsored by Total Orthotics and Red Lodge Guest Ranch of Bowden, AB.

Friday wrapped up with a new event for the Sale Horse Challenge. A timed relay race based on life in the mountains. With side-splitting laughter the crowd watched on as Consignors competed for the fastest time. A delicious free BBQ, sponsored by Curty’s Oilfield, followed the Relay Race, and the day wound down around the campfire.

Saturday was greeted with a Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by the caterer, Food With Flaire. The Sale Horses competed letting potential buyers have a chance to view the horses as they are put through their paces.

CONSIGNOR HORSE COMPETITION RESULTS:

Champion was Clay Braithwaite from Bonnyville, AB , riding Lot #17, Ace, sponsored by Northernhorse.comReserve Champion was Brenda Miller from Alder Flats, AB, riding Lot #11, Fritz, sponsored by Riverview Vet Clinic of Devon.3rd Place was Cynda Didier from Alder Flats, AB, riding Lot #14, Macs Scotch Pine, sponsored by Dogspaw of Edmonton.

Saturday evening there was a catered BBQ with a dance and slideshow that closed the evening.

Sunday morning was greeted with an early morning Mountain Church Service and viewing of the Sale Horses. Informed buyers had a chance to ride mounts of their choice before the sale. Of the 15 horses sold, top three sellers were:

RDH One Tuff Zip Consigned by Wild Deuce $11, 000WH Hitman Warrior Consigned by Wild Deuce $ 7, 500Ace Consigned by Clay Braithwaite $ 5, 250

Sale average was $4260. This does not include the STARS horse that sold for $6100.

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Youth Showrider Auditions for Calgary Stampede

This sounds like an exciting riding adventure for some young people. Get out there and give it a try. You have to call by Friday, Oct 22.

The Calgary Stampede Showriders are a dynamic group of young equestrians with a distinctive western flare performing musical rides across southern Alberta and during the Calgary Stampede.

Perhaps some of the Northernhorse.com association/youth members may be interested in participating in the Showrider 2011 audition to be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Al Azhar FezDome at 5151 – 101 Street NW in Calgary.

The audition is open to all youth ages 14 to 21.  Riders interested need to RSVP by Friday, October 22, 2010 by telephone to (403) 261-9318 or email info@stamedeshowband.com

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In Memory of Tom Lynch

Thomas Michael Lynch was born on May 31, 1914, to parents Patrick and Loretta Lynch in Morrin, Alberta. He had an older brother, Jack, two older sisters, Mary and Helen, and 2 younger sisters Margaret and Madeline. Tom’s family eventually moved east of the McArthur farm (which is now the McGougan’s farm) where his dad, Patrick, used to haul hay to the livery stable in Trochu. His dad had vivid memories of Tom as a 4 year old riding to town on a load of hay with him, when the team of horses suddenly bolted and ran into the “pigeon bridge” by Art Rodes. Tom had managed to fall asleep and somehow didn’t wake up until after this happened!

In 1919, when Tom was 5 years old, his family moved into Trochu where they lived in the basement of the old Pontmain School. His mother was the caretaker for the school and his father hauled coal for the local businesses. At age 14, Tom left school for awhile and took over the dray business during the time his father needed to go to Kamloops because times were tough. He was left in charge of 2 teams of horses to haul coal to their customers. He would pick up Tom McKinley at 4:00 am in the morning and head to his coal mine on the flats east of Trochu where they would load 2 tons of coal on the wagon. Some trips were down into the river valley to the relief camp. He had to put chains on the wheels to come down the hill. The horses were sharp shod but the load would still slide on the steep parts of the road.

After finishing his education at Pontmain School, he spent the summer herding bucking horses to rodeos at Trochu, Lousana, Pine Lake, Big Valley, Rumsey and Content Bridge for Shady (Howard) Green. Tom and Shady would take about 30 head of horses to each rodeo. Often other chuck wagons from across the river would meet with Shady’s wagon (the Ranches present building site) and then join Tom Lauder and Jim Ross in Trochu to make their way down to the Calgary Stampede. Tom rode herd on the bucking horses as it usually took them a couple of weeks to get to Calgary as they stopped at some small rodeos on the way. At the Calgary Stampede, Tom was an outrider for the Jim Ross wagon. Tom and his friends, Breezy (Bill) and Art Kober, rode in 3 events at the Stampede – bareback, saddle bronc and bulls. He spent four seasons competing at rodeos with Jake Kramer, Jiggs and Art Boyce. Later Tom went to work for Ben Parker north of Rumsey, and Jim Thompson.

Heading down to the Cochrane area Tom began work for a remittance man, Tom Fuchs, who ran about 50 head of cattle and over 40 thoroughbreds. He spent his days breaking horses and getting them ready for the track. Near this time he also worked at St. Mary’s Dam in deep southern Alberta.

World War Two began so Tom went to Calgary and enlisted in the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) where he struck up a friendship with the Connop boys, Jim and George. They had a family ranch out at Bragg Creek so when they had time off, Tom and the boys would go out there and help with the cattle and haying. Tom was then discharged from the RCAF in 1946 and came back to the Red Deer River Valley east of Trochu where he first leased, then bought, several quarters of land from the C.P.R.

In 1948 Tom Lynch married Hazel Hudson from the Elnora area. At this time Tom was working as ferryman on the Tolman ferry. Tom and Hazel had two sons, Jim (1950) and Jesse (1951). One year later Tom lost his beloved wife, Hazel, to polio. As Tom was unable to work and take care of his boys at the same time, he took them to stay in the Lacombe Home at Midnapore. His sister Helen lived in Calgary so she often took Jim and Jesse to her place.

Tom then worked for the Department of Highways as a grader man patrolling from the correction line south of Three Hills up to Elnora. During the summers of 1955 to 1957 Slim and Millie Riddell looked after the ranch and cattle while Tom worked as foreman for Claude Brewster’s riding stable at Banff. It was then that he met his beautiful second wife, Wilhemina Locke, while they were both working in Banff. The following year, Tom and Willie were married in York Mills, Ontario. Returning to the Red Deer River Valley, Tom and Willie continued to build on what Tom had started years before. Tom purchased the original log cabin in 1953 from an Indian up in the Nordegg Area. It had been used as a cookshack for the lumbermen. Tom took the cabin apart and numbered each log for easier assembly. He hired Roy Campbell to haul it to the ranch, and as payment he gave him a saddle horse.

Jim and Jes soon had a sister, Lynda (1958) and two brothers, Tim (1960) and Mark (Sandy) (1962). In 1963, Tom and his two oldest sons, Jim and Jesse, added on the rest of the house to the original cabin. The children grew up on the ranch helping with various chores and ranch activities and riding their horses in local gymkhanas.

In the early sixties Tom also did a bit of custom baling for neighbors. Tom drove school bus to help supplement their income from 1968 – 1979, and Willie also drove bus from 1971 – 2001. Tom was one of the founding members of the Trochu Light Horse Club and the Red Deer Quarter Horse Association, and was also a very active member of both. He shared his love of competing in shows and gymkhanas with his family by taking them to horse shows every weekend that he could.

Around 1966, Tom and his family started to take in unaccompanied youngsters aged 8 – 16 as summer guests. They later joined the Alberta Country Vacations Association, and their business grew to the present time where they now have improved accommodations to take guests of all ages.

Over the years, Tom always enjoyed the opportunity to help neighbors at branding time. He was well known for his mischievous ability to tease people as well as his ability to vocalize his strong opinions regarding Canadian politics. Tom was an active 4-H leader for many years and provided horses for the kids that could not afford to buy a horse, but wanted the “horse owning” experience.

During the past few years Tom was able to keep fairly active, still being more than capable to climb on his palomino horse, Casper, until the age of 93, and ride along the Red Deer River, though the badlands and areas he had ridden all his life. He was also well known for allowing relatives, in laws, outlaws, and guests the opportunity to help with farming, fencing, riding, and all other forms of the ranching experience. If Tom wasn’t on his horse, you could usually find him in his truck over seeing cutting, baling, or riding, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He amazed so many people with his agility and hard working, determined manner that allowed him to achieve so many feats, such as riding in every STARS ride until he was 93.

Not only did he have a love for horses and dogs, but he also loved working with cattle, especially calving in the springtime. Also loving to drive, Tom had a knack for bumping into things with his blue truck, and somehow never noticing. A few others loves in Tom’s life were spending time with his family during holidays, having a coffee and visiting with neighbors, rebuilding old saddles, shooting gophers with his unbelievable aim, and last but not least, living all aspects of the Ranch life and living his dream as it was coming true. He has built his ranch up into so much from starting with next to nothing and is so proud to share it with his family and the many guests that he met in his lifetime. His dream was to build a beautiful working ranch for himself and others to enjoy. He always loved getting compliments from people and watching them learn about life on a real ranch.

He wants his ranch to stay running as he did so others can continue to enjoy it. So, at the TL Bar Ranch lives the legacy, years of hard work, and love for family that Thomas Michael Lynch dreamed of, and brought to life for many to enjoy. Tom, as a husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa we are so blessed to have had so many wonderful years with you. You have always been an honorable man and we feel proud to carry forth your legacy. Thank you for everything you have given us, taught us, and allowed us to experience. We love you with all our hearts and we always will. In our hearts, thoughts, and dreams you will forever live on, as will all the happy memories we cherish of you within. A more admirable man has not yet graced our lives in the way you have, we pray that the good Lord gives you the best mount to continue on as you ride forever through the Red Deer River Valley.

He loved to write poetry and showed much of his humour through his writings. This was written by Tom in 1989

We rode the trails together

Through the valleys and the hills

We’ve ridden through all the weather

And had so many thrills

Now each year as we gather

To ride the trails once more

We see the happy faces

And all the smiles galore

We have brought our best horses

They have proven tried and true

To cross the streams and rivers

Through muskeg, over rocks and tree roots too

When our ride is over

And we say “so long” to friends

With promises to gather

Next year again

When my journey’s over

From this land we’re passing through

I hope the Lord will let me

Ride the trails once more with you

Written by:  Thomas Lynch 1989

Thomas Michael Lynch, beloved husband of Willie, passed away Sept 30, 2010 at St. Mary’s Health Care Centre in Trochu, AB at the age of 96 years old.

Tom was born to Part and Loretta Lynch in Morrin, AB, May 31, 1914. He spent his life with a dream of having his own ranch along the Red Deer River. After years of work on various ranches throughout Alberta and a stint in the Royal Canadian Sir Force, he then went to work in Banff for Brewster’s where he met Wilhelmina June Locke. They married in 1957. He achieved his dream and spent his life enjoying his love of ranching and horses.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Willie, his two sons Jim (Barb), Tracey, Cory and son Jesse (Carrie), Craig and Brandee from his first marriage to Hazel Hudson, who passed away in 1953. His three children with Willie, daughter Lynda (Darby, Lexi, Justin, Ethan Lynch, and Jesse McCauley, son Tom (Deanie, Jaime (Ricky) and Chase Anderson, Kris (and son Tiernan), and son Mark.

Tom is predeceased by his Father (Patrick), Mother (Loretta), and siblings John (Jack), Mary, Helen, Margaret and Madeleine.

You are welcome to comment below.

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Flashback to Spring

This year is flying by.  My first thought when I actually realized how late in the year it is, went something like this: “WOW!  The year is almost over and I haven’t done ANYTHING!”  Does it seem that way to anyone else? At the beginning of the year I always start out with new fresh ideas, plans of what I’d like to accomplish, places to go, things to do and horses to ride. It doesn’t always happen.

My next thought was, “Well then, what DID happen this year?” In fact there were quite a few major events.

The most wonderful thing that happened this year was the birth of my foal. I’m sure that experience is common to many who might be reading this, but what makes it stand out for me is that it was my first. So here’s the story (and a short video):

I’ve never bred horses before. Nor have I raised or trained a colt. That is, until now! I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world.

My mare, Belle, foaled in late April. It was her first and it was uneventful. At least I’m assuming it was, because I wasn’t there. I’d heard many variations of this story.  Most of them go like this: “I just went to sleep for two hours and when I woke up…there was a colt!” or “She showed NO signs the night before but when I went to feed…there was a colt!” You get the picture.

My story is about the same. I had Belle comfortably pastured at a friend’s farm. She had her own pasture with a big pile of straw to foal in. I read books on foaling. I talked to vets. I talked to breeders. I talked to friends. I watched lots of videos. I thought for a first-timer that I had a fairly good handle on what was going to happen, and what I was going to do if something went wrong. I had a foaling kit. My bedroll and cot were in the tack room of the barn. I had a battery powered searchlight for lighting if Belle foaled out in the pasture on a pitch black night and needed help. I was READY! But this is how it went…

Belle was obviously getting close. There was no mistaking that, but the night before she foaled I saw no signs that she was going to foal that night. Friends agreed. I was planning on attending the Mane Event in Red Deer the next day since I was SURE she would be foaling the following week.

Then came the morning. I woke early and was on the road to Red Deer by 7AM. I stopped to grab some food for the road and left my cell phone in the truck. As I was walking back across the parking lot after buying some food, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be funny if she foals today?” Well, when I opened the door of my truck my phone was beeping.  I had new messages on my voicemail. The phone showed all the missed calls were from Wendy, whom I had Belle boarded with. It could only be one thing. I checked the messages – the first one: “You have a baby!” The second one: “I think it’s a colt!” There might have been a third but I didn’t care. I put the truck into drive and floored it out to the farm. Questions ran through my head: “Was he healthy? What did he look like? I sure hope it’s a colt, that’s what I was hoping for!  How was Belle?”  Too say I was excited would be a massive understatement!

The end of April was marred by intermittent blizzards and we were currently in between two; the next snowstorm arrived a day later. Belle had her timing right and picked a nice spring day to foal. It was calm, cool and quiet. The only sounds were birds chirping. When I arrived, my mare was standing over her new foal. Of course they were beside the straw we’d put down, not on it. Closing the gate behind me I cautiously approached ‘mom’ and baby. I wasn’t however, nervous about how Belle would react to my presence. I know her better than I know most people, and we’ve logged many miles and hours together. Respect, trust and friendship; it means so much and goes so far. As I neared the new family I could tell Belle was very tired. She was also very relaxed and had no problem with me approaching – she barely opened her eyes.

I looked down at my little colt. So beautiful, so fragile. He had the cutest curly tail and the only markings on him were a few white hairs on his forehead. I knelt down beside him.  He looked perfect. What a moment. The little guy opened his eyes and lifted his head up to see who and what I was…and immediately went back to sleep. The miracle of birth – and I missed it! In a way though I was glad. Despite my preparations my presence was not needed and I arrived to a healthy baby. All the credit goes to Belle. “Good job, Mom,” I said.

Video - Foal 6 Days Old.

Video - Foal meets a new friend.

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Stylish Jess BR Becomes AQHA Supreme Racehorse

Benny Rosset’s Stylish Jess BR joined an elite group of racing American Quarter Horses. She is the American Quarter Horse Association’s 96th Supreme Racehorse.

The honor is given to a horse which during its racing career earns $500,000 or more and wins at least 10 races, including two or more open Grade 1 stakes races.

The 5-year-old brown mare by Feature Mr Jess out of Stylish Secret by Dash For Cash has won 10 of 25 starts and earned $717,930. In 2009, she was the sport’s champion aged mare. Among her six stakes wins are victories in the Grade 1 Merial Distaff Challenge Championship, Charger Bar Handicap and Mildred N. Vessels Memorial Handicap.

Stylish Jess BR is owned by Benny Rosset of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and has been trained throughout her career by champion trainer Paul Jones. She was bred in California by Dr. James G. Burgess. ??Her achievement will be recognized on her permanent record, and her owner will be presented an engraved Marrita McMillian bronze trophy.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

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Babcock Horses back at Babcock Ranch

Jim Babcock made this post today on his Facebook Page:

Due to circumstances beyond my control the Babcock Ranch Annual Production Sale scheduled for October 15, 2010 has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date; I apologize for any inconvenience.

ALL of the horses listed on our website at www.babcockranch.com are still FOR SALE and located at our Valley View Ranch, 1346 Prairie Grove Road, Valley View, TX 76262.

I want to personally thank everyone for their business and support during these difficult economic times which has tremendously impacted our industry.

We hear different stories about what is happening. Anybody got any insights?

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Trail Ride

We went for a trailride today and guess what? – it was uneventful! I’m not saying that it was dull or boring – far from it – but it was a lovely ride in a lovely place without any adventures.  We didn’t lose a shoe 2 hours from home. We (I) didn’t get tossed because we stirred up the hornets – again. Jett didn’t bound up the hill and then buck partway up. Nacho didn’t take Jim under the low branch or spook at the white rock. It didn’t snow, it didn’t rain.The dog stayed close and came when called. The scenery was lovely and the sky was clear. It was a perfect uneventful ride that was a masterpiece of all things horsey and nature working together and it was a lot of fun! When I think back to the days when the stars weren’t aligned for a calm trail ride, I realize how far we have come. For years I had a horse too old for hills. Then the horse too young to relax on. There were equipment failures, the snow storms and the rain. The saddle that slipped or the backs that got sore causing bucks. We didn’t give up. We kept trying and training and sticking to it. And guess what? I wouldn’t change one bit of it. I love uneventful trail rides!

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Smart Little Lena Clones To Sell

Four stallions who are clones of Smart Little Lena have been consigned to the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity Sale.

According to the experts, genetics material contributed by a clone of a male horses is identical to the original, as the mitochondrial DNA is not passed on in the breeding process. This means an offspring of a Smart Little Lena clone carries the exact same genetic material as an offspring of the original Smart Little Lena. However, any foals by the Smart Little Lena clones cannot be registered with the American Quarter Horse Association.

Jimmy Bankston, Smart Little Lena Clone Co-Manager said. “Smart Little Lena was a one-of-a-kind stallion, both as a performer and as a sire, and these clones have the ability to pass on those legendary genetics. Also, they’ve [the clones] gotten a lot of attention and someone wants to have one just as a pasture ornament, as something special to add to their horse inventory.”

Smart Little Lena (Doc O’Lena x Smart Peppy x Peppy San) was bred by Hanes Chatham and purchased as a 2-year-old by Bill Freeman. The stallion and Freeman won the 1982 NCHA Futurity and then went on to top the 1983 NCHA Super Stakes and NCHA Derby, along with the 1984 The Masters Cutting. With very little showing, Smart Little Lena retired with $267,085 in earnings according to Equi-Stat.

Smart Little Lena built an amazing record as a sire. He sired approximately 2,300 registered foals (Quarter Horse and Paint and half earned money. According to Equi-Stat, there are 1,312 money-earning offspring that have posted $39 million (this figure does not include weekend money earned in 2010). His top earners include: Red White And Boon ($922,063), Smart Peppy Lena (PT) ($494,314), and Justa Smart Peanut ($417,739).

Smart Little Lena’s offspring went on to construct their own impressive records. His sons sired 5,697 money-earning foals that have so far won $67 million, including Chiquita Pistol ($552,591), Im Countin Checks ($514,757), Our Little Dyno ($422,199) and Smart Spook ($374,025). On the maternal side, Smart Little Lena’s daughters have thus far produced 1,805 money-earning babies. His best maternal grandfoals are: Dual Rey Me (785,558), Redneck Yachtclub ($506,627), Third Cutting ($415,819) and Pappion Cat ($379,815).

The 4-year-old stallions will sell during the NCHA World Finals Sale at the 2010 NCHA Futurity, on either Dec. 3 or 4. They’ll be auctioned back-to-back. All four of the clones are healthy and produce viable semen.

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Stampete 2011

Calgary Stampede 2011 is going to be the best outdoor rodeo on earth. It is never to early to start planning on attending. You can always pick up tickets or book hotels online at a discounted price if you shop around. Dont be afraid to explore the options. Calgary is a big city, yet most of the tourists do not plan in advance and just show up. Unfortunately for them, if they had shopped online first they would have saved a ton of money on their Calgary Hotel or Calgary Stampede tickets.

In this blog I hope to help you find those kinds of deals. Discounted hotels, cheap tickets to the Stampede, and other things to make your trip to Calgary more enjoyable and affordable. So dont be shy, take a look around my page and see what options you can find.

Stampede was one heck of a Rodeo

For those who could make it, the Calgary Stampede was fantastic this year. The rodeo has some fantastic events including bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, bucking bronco, steer wrestling, and of course the chuckwagon races. I was shocked at the prices and realized too late that there are so many places only where you can buy discounted tickets to the events or sometimes tickets that give you access to special events or areas. By all means get your Calgary Stampede tickets online.

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is the greatest outdoor show on earth!

Have you heard of the Calgary Stampede? The Stampede is an annual event held the 2nd week of July in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This event is comprised of one of the largest outdoor rodeo's anywhere in the world, combined with a large outdoor fair and expo.

Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors travel from across the world to visit the Calgary Stampede in Calgary. I have attended every year of my life.

The week long Calgary Stampede begins with a large Stampede Parade through the streets of downtown Calgary. Each morning there are dozens of places where you can go and get an authentic Stampede pancake breakfast, in many cases completely for free. These free pancake breakfasts are a Stampede tradition. Every night, they close the fair with a beautiful fireworks display.

Throughout the week there are many free entertainment venues available. The Calgary Stampede hosts concerts from some of the leading entertainers in the world. This is part of the reason that celebrities flock to the Calgary Stampede each year too.

You should definitely check out the details for this years upcoming Calgary Stampede and plan to attend it.