Calgary Exhibition & Stampede

I probably sound like a grumpy older person, but I think the job they want to do they’re doing.
As a kid I went to hit on young girls and go on the rides. After hearing the stories of drunk carnies building deathtraps that fall apart on the midway and people have been seriously hurt, no way am I doing that again at this age. And I’m too old to hit on most women there now. Secondly, they charge the heck out of you at the front door and they really don’t need to. Thirdly, I really don’t care to see young kids drinking out of their minds everywhere and all the stories you see and hear about them doing things they wouldn’t normally do if they were not drinking so heavily, I honestly am tired of hearing about how because they added alcohol now they are ready to have a wild and crazy time (you can have a good time there without drinking really heavily). And Calgary is not a city of honky tonk cowboys, yet for 10 days it’s just about all you see, we become a city of honky tonk redneck wannabees.
I go every year because I would love to have a free home, free sports car, free lottery winnings, and seeing the cowboy style art there, their work is outstanding and very underrated. A lot of good lesser known bands are playing and a lot of people don’t realise they are as good as they are. Our city and area actually have lots of great bands and they get to expose their talent at this show and that’s also fantastic.
There is a mentality happening that I think makes the Calgarians living here all our lives avoid a little more. But I still think it’s okay to attend, but not for a day more like for a few hours.

For my birthday my husband and I went down to Calgary to visit the Stampede for the weekend. It was my first time visiting Calgary and i found the entire city absolutely gorgeous! I wish we lived there as I absolutely love the rolling hills, nearby mountains and lush trees. It reminds me of my hometown of Pittsburgh, but cleaner.
As for the Calgary Stampede, it was our first time attending the event and we were there for the entire time on the first day. Im a city girl, so I was amazed to see all of the beautiful horses and other farm animals up close and actually touch them. The Super Dogs show was entertaining and cute. Later in the evening we attended a Chuck wagon race and saw the Grand Stand show that was entertaining and spectacular. I only got on one ride and that was enough for me. I find that as I’m getting older amusement park/​carnival rides make me feel ill. As for the food, it was expensive and not healthy but it tasted so good!
We went back to the Stampede grounds the following Sunday early in the morning. Admission was free until 9 am if I recall correctly and there was a free pancake breakfast. Everybody and their mama was there. Around noon it was so jam packed that it was difficult to walk around with out squeezing and pushing through and around people.
We really enjoyed our weekend trip to the Calgary Stampede and I had a fun, memorable birthday!

Yahoooooooo I love the stampede. What is not to love? 10 days of fun and the best show in the world.
I always make a point to get down to the grounds a few times each year. To see the rodeo, go on rides, drink at Nashville North, see concerts and of corse to eat all that delicious food I would not normally eat. Hello mini donuts and deep friend Oreos!!!
There is something special about Stampede. Maybe the buzz around the city and all the lovely tourists who come to visit and take part in the fun 10 days of chaos. Great for all ages and the best 10 days you can have!!!

The day after the Calgary Stampede is always the hardest. Back to making your own pancakes. Back to not wearing cowboy regalia. Back to drinking on the socially-​accepted days. But before we know it– it will be Stampede 2016 soon enough.
I was excited to go to the Stampede this year because the Midway had tons (aaandd, I mean TONS) of food options. Usually, I stick to the classics– giant corn dog with warm mustard– from the hot sun not from a spice, but this year I wanted to be a little more adventurous.
I ate: corn on the cob, cotton candy, a huge bacon-​wrapped hot dog, deep-​fried Snickers bar, deep-​fried Oreos and (of course) mini donuts! I also drank the freshly squeezed lemonade because it is a must-​have!
So let’s talk about the deep-​fried goodies! I bought the calorie-​rich Snickers bar AKA heaven on a stick for about $ 7! I think they’ve been around for a few years, but this was my first time trying it. I really, really, really, really loved it! It was warm, gooey and really filling. I think I would have been satisfied for a few hours but for the price of admission– I was definitely there to eat. It was the perfect treat to indulge on amidst the bright lights, bustling cowpokes and electric carnival scene.
The deep-​fried Oreos was also amazing. For $ 6– I received 6 Oreos, which I think is a reasonable price. They were very delicious, I never knew you could deep fry cookies or candy bars, but I am glad some ambitious person saw a deep fryer and thought «Hey, let’s deep fry an Oreo. Oh, you know what? That was good. Let’s deep fry a Snickers bar.» My stomach thanks you for your innovation, my friend.
According to the Calgary Stampede blog, there were tons of free thinkers of the food world. Check out the other food options:

This year I relied on the Calgary Stampede app for food options and locations, but I found it a bit difficult to navigate in the crowds and it took a long time to load. I think next year I will research the food options beforehand because that Dragon Dog (or the $ 100 Hot Dog) is just calling my name.

The Stampede is great for all ages and all cultures. Every day is a bit unique and lots to see and do.
Tip: If you are on a budget or have a family with kids, the best days to go are Free admission family days on Sundays. As Long as you can put up with the crowds. You can start your day early (kids are always up early anyways) with a Free pancake breakfast and Free admission for the entire family. Lots of great entertainment all day. With a family of 6, that’s huge. It just means you spend more money on food and activities.
Parking tip: Downtown Calgary has Free street parking on Sundays so that’s another added bonus if you need to drive. Otherwise, the train is the best way to get to Stampede.

I love the stampede. A ten day city wide costume party and everyone in the world is invited :)
I always make a point to get down to the grounds a couple of times each year. To see the rodeo where I cheer the loudest for the calf that can get away and watch in awe as cowboys wearing only the safety of chaps and a hat try for 8 seconds on a bucking horse.
There is something special about the tradition of freshly squeezed lemonade paired with one of the many unusual dishes served to the masses every year — from cockroach pizza to deep fried anything while walking through the midway.
The free events around town during this week are awesome too! From square dancing on Stephen Ave to flapjacks served in every quadrant free for the masses.
Finally, lets not forget the many marching bands that treat us all to a show — my favorite being that Band of Outriders. They really help me live out my wish that I could have been a band kid too.
Born and raised Calgarian, I can’t remember a single year that the Stampede didn’t find its way into my July — even the summer I was in Latvia, I streamed the parade to be part of it all!

I hate Stampede so much…
It really needs to improve.
It’s been same old things every year, except it’s getting more dangerous, dirty and expensive.

How does one review the stampede… Do you work in the core? Are you going to tons of corporate sponsored parties. Free drinks, Free food and fun? Lining up to go to the hottest bars and clubs? Do you just go to the grounds… Greasy food and rides? The rodeo itself? The Stampede encompasses so much of Calgary and extends well beyond the grounds… but it can also be a distant thing you don’t see or participate in. You can have an absolute blast and never see a horse or you can just watch rodeo events… The stampede is diverse and has something for everyone — you make what you want out of it.
Unless you are well connected it can be a bit pricey. In the end its a touristy thing that most Calgarians use as an excuse to party. A lot of livers are lost to these 2 weeks.

Its a over priced county fair. Food was awful an ridiculously expensive. Lineups for rides were so long I didnt even get to ride ¹⁄₃ of them in the 3.5 hrs I was there. People are rude and dirty. 3 of the coolest looking ride were EXTRA $$ like 50 to 60 bucks extra. Ive been twice and I’ll never go again. Complete waste of money.

Do I really need to tell you about the Stampede?
I know, I know: expensive, same old-​same old, crazy crowd of drunken wanna-​be cowboys and girls …
Don’t really care though.
They have been consistently growing for over 100 years and have become one of Calgary’s main attractions for a reason.
That and more, plus the Free Stampede Breakfasts around the city and the western pride displayed during that week-​and-​a-​half definitely merits 5 stars!

The greatest 10 days of the year! For locals and visitors alike, there is something for everyone at the Stampede. Concerts, the rodeo, chuckwagon races, evening Grandstand show, beer gardens, games, rides, shopping, and of course the food. It is always a great time and excellently organized.
I personally like to take in the Saddledome concerts, which provide you with free access to the park. It seems like the price for a day pass increases every year, so I take advantage of the free access and visit Those Little Donuts after a concert. If you’re trying to access the beer gardens, like Nashville North, arrive before the rodeo is over or be prepared to wait in a long line.
Already counting sleeps until next year!

Stomach-​churning rides: check.
Stomach-​turning fried food: check.
Amazing acts (Peking Acrobats, Superdogs, BMX bikes…): check.
Animals kicking the crap out of riders: check.
Amazing heavy horses, miniature donkeys, sheep losing their coats for the summer: check.
Vegas quality Grandstand show with everything from crazy people getting zapped with electricity to tap-​dancing with beatbox artists: check.
Fireworks every night for 10 days (minus one): check.

Love it!
Good music
Funny rodeo clowns
A rodeo ticket lets you watch all events (Bulls, Horses, Barrel Racing, Calf Roping etc.)
Never an unreasonable line for the beer in the Grandstand
3 hours — you get your money’s worth
Pray you don’t get seated next to a drunk sweaty hairy fat man/​woman, since the seats are tiny!

This is the first time I’ve been back in years, and admittedly I’m doing it as a blogger, but I have to admit that the Stampede is way better than my original memories. The sponsors and the food offerings are by far more interesting and varied… and a little insane health wise, but you don’t come to Stampede expecting a salad.
I’ve learned a lot of what goes on in the background, and especially their new green waste program with DIG, and I have to admit I’m seriously impressed. The new Agrium centre is of especial note for the education of the public and youth as well, and something I wholeheartedly recommend if you want your kids to learn the science and reality of agriculture farming. Thanks to Reg T and Bonni C for making this opportunity to learn far more in depth.

In the world of rodeo, the Calgary Stampede is a the pinnacle of the sport and a serious deal. A Grand Slam tour event, the best of the best compete for top honors in the sport. Aside from traditional rodeo, the Chuck wagons races are crowd favorites and the grand spectacle is of similar quality to a top Las Vegas show, followed by a magnificent fireworks display.
Ah but the food. Well what can I say, one delicious offering after another :-). Deep fried Oreos, Twinkies, Snickers, Pizza on a Stick, Bacon wrapped pork belly, double bacon wrapped corn dogs, pork belly and other Poutine, giant hot dogs, Turkey legs and the usual burgers, barbeques, sweets, pizzas etc.
Top entertainers perform nightly. Quite a good time!

ive attended the calgary stampede since inside the womb lmao.
pros: some rides are fun, the lemonade is good, cool vendors inside the BMO centre and terry stokes.
cons: too many rides that give you a headache, expensive ass small portion food that will influence the headache, way too crowded especially with lg’s that think bandana’s qualify as a shirt, shitty pizza, no wifi, and the price for everything is just unreasonable. (ex. $ 5.00 for a small water bottle is bs)
basically if you have a lot of money and dont give a hell about spending too much, then you’ll enjoy it.

My husband and I went for the first time to the rodeo. We were in section 219 and didn’t get any sun. It was a fun time! Only down sides that it is really hard to see with everyone’s cowboy hats on. I could barely see the cowboys. The tickets were pretty expensive — about $ 95 per person. But it included admission to the park. Food is super expensive. We paid $ 6 for root beer in a large cup and $ 3 per water bottle

The Stampede is a fun adventure — the grounds are okay but the tents is where its going down. Hit the rodeo hit some tents, ignore the vendors, Skip this years grandstand show 2014 «the barn burner» was horrible just wait for 11 to see the fireworks
Yep

My first review below got cut off because of length but covers that you should go if you’ve never been, explains a bit about the city at the time and talks about have to save money.
Stuff to see on the grounds:
— The coke stage brings some fairly decent acts in annually and these are shown for free each night. This is often what will drag my but down to the grounds because admission is still less than most of these guys in concert.
— The productions in the corral — Although Tails last year was not very good (and culturally insensitive to our native population…) it was still quite the technical production with some talented animals inthe ice shows the years before have been EXCELLENT. Better than most «ice shows» — it’s like a concert on ice with acrobats and Olympians. I’m not sure what 2013 will feature but it’s worth evaluating. This is also free with admission and a great deal because they are not low budget shows by any means.
— The Bell pavilion often has some very cool acts. They’ve brought in world class acrobats that have worked in cirque du soliel shows, vegas acts, world record holders and amazing bmx shows in previous years. It always changes up but often is a highlight for me. Again, free with admission.
— I like to wonder around the vendors at the roundup center. Sometimes they have cool things in there in addition to buying stuff. Last year you could give a go at surfing in a giant tank and when segways were new you could take a spin of an obstacle course. There always depends on who’s willing pay to bring an attraction in but it can be interesting for a walk around. I wouldn’t go into the roundup center without a smart phone though… those fast talking sales people are making you deals that are more expensive than the real world at times. Occasionally you find something really neat for a STEAL. For example, my laundry washer balls is something I go specifically for when I know I have one ending it’s life at home.
— In the back of the roundup center there is the oasis which is an artist gallery. It blows me away at the talent we have around here. The wine tastings in recent years have been very nice — it’s a bit of a tranquil garden in the middle of some stampede chaos. The kids crafts here are usually pretty neat — even I’ve given some a go and I don’t take children down with me.
— the midway is average — nothing special but something I always loved as a kid. As an adult I find tickets more cost effective because I don’t spend my whole day on rides anymore and my last year with a wrist band I nearly made myself sick trying to get value off the band.
— beer gardens — beer flows heavily at Stampede all around the city. If you want into the ground’s gardens you better get there early. I’ve have friends that have stood in line for 2 – 3 hours for Nashville North and ultimately give up because they haven’t gotten far enough through the line. Is it worth is? I’ve never ever been… If you do hit the clubs around the city expect lines, to be turned away for VIP events and to pay covers that are enormous. You’ll find all kinds of places around the city setting up beer gardens and then selling passes like they are this grand event but it’s not really… just a place to drink some beer and get goofy with tourists and people ducking out of work (WITH their bosses ;))
My next update will be food and housing options for the stampede…

Woo, Stampede! Everyone loves to whine about Stampede like they’re the first ones to do it. But just like people that gripe about how Mothers Day is a greeting card company manufactured holiday, I tune them out. Because, even though I dislike steep prices combined with mediocre food, what I dislike even more is a party-​pooper. Even though they’re mandatory to invite. You know the song:
Every party needs a pooper
That’s why we invited you… the party pooper!
For what it is, Stampede is alright. What the hell are people expecting? A red carpet? Champagne and kisses? It’s a ten-​day-​hootenany based on celebrating rodeos and western livin’. Any high expectations for anything other than a boozy good time all over the city; are too high. As someone with a young niece and teenage nephew, I personally love seeing the joy on their faces at Stampede. It reminds me of when I was that age and all the fun I had at the State Fair. Mind you, I don’t love it at all I think of the annual animal cruelty, but I don’t go to the rodeos or chuckwagon races.
This year, I gave in to the urge to have something unhealthy and deep-​fried and as a result; got the world’s most disgusting chips — complete with a deep-​fried moth that had fallen in to the fry oil. When I complained, the woman shrugged her shoulders and said:
«I’m sorry, we do our best to shoo all the bugs away, but they keep getting in the oil.»
When I complained louder and started posting the photo on twitter and encouraging others to do the same, she gave me my money back.
—
What I enjoy the most about Stampede, is how it brings people together. Whether it’s for pancakes, the parade, the fireworks, or meeting up with friends and family to spend way too much $$$ on rides; I really love the camaraderie. And I love all the western wear. Actually, I only love the western wear on day one and two. If you’re going to wear that plaid shirt and wranglers 10 days in a row; wash that ish :). Oh, and pack a poncho, hand sanitizer, a hat, some water and sunscreen!