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Storytime Tapestry Newsletter
The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural
awareness throughout the world.
Welcome to Fascinating Facts and Tantalizing Trivia
A Hartson Dowd Column
July 14,
2007
Often called the greatest outdoor show on
earth, ‘The Calgary Stampede’ attracts the world’s top professional cowboys, who compete
for hundreds of thousands of dollars during the ten-day event.
Saddle up and head
for Calgary, Alberta in Canada. Experience the Old West and the Wild West when you visit this
vibrant Canadian metropolis during the Calgary Stampede.
The
world's top rodeo athletes will take on the world's toughest stock at this
year's Stampede Rodeo which offers increased prize money - a total of $1.75
million. The winners of each of the six major events - saddle bronc, bareback,
bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing - will tuck
$100,000 into their Wranglers on the final Million Dollar Sunday, the biggest
one-day prize in pro rodeo.
"And......they're off" are the famous words
from legendary announcer Joe Carbury, and in 2007 his words will send off chuck
wagon drivers competing at the richest ever GMC Rangeland Derby. For the first time,
the chuck wagon drivers and their teams will be competing for over $1 million in
prize money, including a sudden death Final heat worth $150,000 for the winner.
With 36 drivers going head-to-head during nine heats of racing every night,
this year's battle for the title will prove to be an all-out dash for the
finish line.
The 2007 evening Grandstand Show, Spirit of 1912, is a
celebration of Alberta's western heritage and
the human spirit. It features singers, dancers, comedians, acrobats and
musicians from across Canada, along with the Young
Canadians of the Calgary Stampede. In addition
to an outstanding spectacle on stage, the sky overhead lights up in a dazzling
dollar pyrotechnic display with TransAlta Lights Up the Night.
The Stampede's entertainment stages will feature some of
the world's top entertainers including Bon Jovi, Reba, Big & Rich, Gretchen
Wilson and Canada's own Tragically Hip
who will all rock the Pengrowth Saddledome. The Stampede's free stages,
Nashville North and the Coca-Cola stage will present some of the most
recognized entertainers ever including Good Charlotte, Hinder, Finger Eleven,
Tom Cochrane, Prairie Oyster and Marty Stuart.
North America's largest mobile midway features four new
rides including Mega Drop, Swing Tower and, back by popular demand, the Zipper.
All totalled, there are 35 major rides and 22 kids rides along with the two
pay-per-ride thrill rides, the Skyscraper and the Sling Shot.
Going back 120 years, agriculture has always been one of
the cornerstones of the annual Calgary Stampede, and this
year more than 40 agriculture programs, competitions and attractions will both
entertain and educate. From the International Youth Livestock Show to the
Canadian National Miniature Horse Show to the Beef Cattle Showcase and Agrium
Ag-tivity in the City, come celebrate agriculture where each day is guaranteed
to be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
As always, the Stampede spirit can be found in
neighbourhoods and workplaces across Calgary, including the dozens
of events - from pancake breakfasts to downtown attractions - organized by
Stampede volunteers every day throughout Calgary.
The Calgary Stampede is a
volunteer supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and
promotes western heritage and values. The Stampede contributes to the quality
of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through its
world-renowned 10-day Calgary Stampede, year-round
facilities, products and services and agricultural programs that foster
understanding of the agricultural industry. All revenue generated is reinvested
into our various programs and facilities.
If
you have never been to a rodeo, you really have missed a spectacular
event. We have been lucky enough to attend the Calgary Stampede on many
occasions and each time I enjoy myself even more. It is difficult to
imagine how skilled the cowboys are untilk you see them at work.
The
people of Calgary are so warm and
friendly! Each person seems to feel that it is his or her personal
responsibility to mensure that you enjoy your stay in their beautiful
city. A visit to the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada can give you a look
into the early years of the West.
When
asked which one of the following Canadian events or attractions would be the
most interesting and enjoyable for a tourist, 67 per cent of
Canadians chose the Calgary Stampede. Most
interestingly, all regions surveyed ranked the Calgary Stampede as the number
one do-not-miss event.
Hartson
S. Dowd
hsdowd@telus.net
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