It’s the biggest event in Calgary every year, and the 2017 Calgary Stampede, coinciding with Canada’s 150th birthday, was once again an incredible 10 days.

One of the highlights every year is the Grandstand show. This year’s show, hosted by Jann Arden, was titled "Together" and tied into our Canadian heritage. Featuring acrobats, Inuit Throat Singers, The Young Canadians, Alberta Ballet and much more. As always Arden was hilarious on stage, telling a funny story about one of the Young Canadians asking for her phone number. A stunning rendition of Good Mother was a highlight in a show with many of them. The Grandstand show was one of the best in recent memory.

Canada’s Safari Jeff was featured with his reptile show which drew kids and adults alike to the BMO Centre, where vendors pitched everything from phone chargers to hot tubs. The Stampede Corral offered the Bell Adrenaline Ranch – a motocross show featuring fire, an impressive screen display and mind-blowing stunts. The dog bowl featured adorable puppers doing tricks including incredible dock dives.

The Stampede Midway is always legendary for its rides and food. Although I didn’t partake in any of the rides, the variety of food was remarkable. Some items, like the deep-fried Jell-O, often sold out. The clam chowder poutine was delicious as were the perogy options. Some items were gimmicks, like the ghost pepper pizza (not tried) and the deep-fried chicken feet. As one of the cheapest midway options, the chicken feet were an interesting experience. Very little meat was found under the breading but as a novelty item it was cool. Bear Balls were another popular dish, offering both savoury and sweet offerings over deep friend dough. Deep fried continued to be the theme, with some like the deep-fried lemonade being a small portion for the price, but others like deep fried coffee being a real treat.

Multiple beer gardens, including for the first time a local brewery bar in the lower level of the big 4, quenched peoples thirst while Nashville North provided the party that at times had a line up down the block. Gay Days on July 8th was one of the biggest so far with hundreds of participants.

Beautiful weather, beautiful people, and amazing events made Stampede 2017 a truly memorable 10-day event.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Calgary Stampede | Concert Review |