Stampede 2022

Coffee was made, Chuck and Deb headed to town to drop off her test and pick up a truck part. After his breakfast S headed out to work on the ranger and found Chad and Karen had stayed back so Chad and he got busy troubleshooting. Karen and I visited till Schmitt’s were back for a happy hour before we headed to the city.

We led the way to the Stampede grounds around 12 hoping to get there in time for the rodeo. However parking was a challenge with most lots full. A greedy construction lot opened up some spots and after we got parked asked for $40 each!!! HOLY cow, we had passed an underground spot for $25 but thought we would find our usual hockey spot.

That was the start of the stampede cash grab. Our first stop was the saddle dome to use the washrooms and quickly show them the ice surface. It was then off thru the grounds to see the sights. Food was the next stop; everyone got something different. S thought he wanted a turkey leg but changed mind when he saw 1 leg was $28!! He opted for pulled pork for $12 and Chad brisket/ribs for $32. The others had a variety and I was not quite hungry. Vegas went to the heavy horse pull while we chose a cold drink in the big 4. There was a/c, a band and TV screens of the rodeo.

It was not long and the Vegas group were done watching so we met at Nashville North to get in line. Eventually we got in and once again my photo of my ID almost sis not get me in. It took allot of sweet talking the head of security as they were running criminal checks which we did not figure out till later why. It seems today was LBGTQ+ and there have been banned folks who may cause trouble. Once inside we found a table and the fellows lined up to get drinks but once at the counter found the machine not working so off to another line. 

these are NOT all mine :)

Friends Doug and Toby were there so we caught  up with them and eventually joined their table after Deb and Chuck left to go to the Indian Village and once out could not get back in. The Hanna band started their set at 6. Tim is our naturopath and son of Dr Dave. Dr D brother is the drummer and the lead singer dates his daughter. It is a real family band. 

hear a song clip :)

Dr Tim

another song clip

and another :)

Chad and Karen then were off to do a few things before our grandstand show. The band played very well but we had to leave to meet the Vegas folks at 7.

We found our seats and after a couple chuckwagon heats S and I had to walk all the way back down to level 1 from  to find beef on a bun. Thank goodness it was worth it taste wise but again it was way over priced at $13 each and a half filled dish of fries for $6. The rest of the night was filled with entertainment, fireworks and an amazing drone show. 

watch these 4 videos from the evening performance

It ended around 11:30 then we all made the crowded walk to the entry gates then to the car. We arrived home at 1 to find ranger dash cluster lights left on, oops. S had a bowl of Cheerios, granola and banana before going to bed.

Calgary tower all lit up for LBGDQ+ day