FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES
POWWOWING IN INDIAN VILLAGE
My first day on the grounds I went to tour the teepees in Indian Village and ended up sticking around for the traditional powwow. It was amazing to watch traditional dances from five different First Nations and learn a little history at the same time.
I went back the next day to watch it again (and naturally ended up spending a lot of money on jewelry and dream catchers). We were invited on stage to join the final powwow, but I declined and took photos instead. Guess that just means I’ll have to go back a third time.
I’d spent a grand total of seven days of my life in Calgary before moving here last month just in time for Stampede, writes Vanessa Hrvatin. I have been to Stampede once before. The year was 2005 and I was 13. This time, with my fresh 25-year-old eyes, I’ve had a whole new Stampede experience. Here are some of my highlights over the past few days. EATING AND RELAXING (BUT MOSTLY EATING) IN WEADICKVILLE
I got tipped off about Weadickville during an interview I did pre-Stampede. I was warned that a lot of people miss it because it’s right at the entrance, so I made sure to look for it.
The area has great shade and picnic tables where I sat to cool off and eat my food truck mac and cheese. Another afternoon I took my shoes off, lay in the grass and listened to some violinists (while eating food truck mac and cheese, yet again). It felt like an oasis away from all the hustle and bustle of the midway.
EXPLORING MY ARTISTIC SIDE
More realistically this is exploring the artistic side of other people, considering I can’t even draw a stick person. In the Western Oasis there lies a quiet section where artists sell their work. My favourite part of this section is the Artist Ranch Project.
Six contemporary artists were chosen to spend a weekend on a few ranches outside the city and then produce artwork that reflected their experience. From copper moulding to glass work to painting, I was amazed at the diverse artwork that was created.
Erin Brekke Conn is an artist who was born and raised in Calgary but had never done western paintings before. I stood for awhile, mesmerized as she painted a cowboy she had seen perform at the rodeo earlier that afternoon. Oh, did I mention there’s also a wine bar?
LIVING IN AN INFOMERCIAL
Perhaps one of the most surprising parts of Stampede for me was in the gallery section of the BMO Centre. It was like walking through a giant infomercial.
There were hundreds of vendors set up showcasing their products — from vacuums to clothing irons to food slicers. And by showcasing I mean literally showing off their products. Each vendor had a microphone and demonstrated how easy it is to vacuum up cheerios, or how quickly you can slice an onion.
It might sound silly, but the vendors kept me entertained for more than an hour.
WATCHING PEOPLE FALL OFF A MECHANICAL BULL
Remember how last time I was at Stampede I was a child? Well, this time I was able to go into the beer tent and appreciate the joys of watching people attempt to ride a mechanical bull (is there anything more entertaining?) Of course, I didn’t try. As a Stampede newbie, I decided it was safer to stand on the sidelines and judge others, rather than risk humiliating myself.