The Calgary Stampede
While I always brag about my ability to disconnect (and for the most part, I’ve been able to), there is one thing I couldn’t do – NOT blog about the Calgary Stampede. A lot of the content you will be reading on my blog this week (for the most part, I’d say about 90%), I wrote it last weekend anticipating that I would not be able to spend much time online (except to check what my clients and associates might need).
But I had to write about the Calgary Stampede.
My short summary of the Calgary Stampede? Uh, it’s like having the PNE in Calgary. Or la Feria de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico. In other words, nothing I hadn’t experienced before. Of course, it’s interesting to be immersed in cowboy town (or CowTown as they call Calgary), and it was hot and sunny and I got to wear a silly hat. But otherwise? It’s a fun family-oriented fair.
Like I’ve seen dozens all over the world in my travels and wherever I have lived.
Except, this one has cowboys, cowgirls and lots of hats. So, while I wasn’t all that impressed, I’m glad I visited the Calgary Stampede, though. It’s an experience everyone should have at least once in a lifetime. And I am also glad I did it with my family. It was a great bonding experience. A tiring one too, having to stumble upon so many people!
I went to the Stampede for a day a few years ago. It was pretty neat and seeing all the events to me was more fun than the rides etc.
I was going to go back again this year, except i was accredited for the full 10days as a photographer, but being unemployed I couldn’t afford the way over there or the hotel stay either.
I’m sure it was a lot of fun either way. Don’t have to be a cowboy/girl to enjoy it though.
There are also some other cool places to visit in Calgary, I enjoyed the Heritage Park (think that’s it).
The “PNE” part of the Stampede is certainly a lot like every other fair, but you’re not getting the full Stampede experience without going to the rodeo and chuckwagon races.