Calgary Stampede | BMO Kid’s Day
BMO Kids’ Day
Stampede with your little ones with a free pancake breakfast in the GMC Stadium Courtyard from 8 – 9:30 a.m. while quantities last, and a free variety show from 8-10 a.m.
FREE entry all day for kids 12 and under
FREE entry for everyone until 10 a.m.
World Stock Dog Championships
Celebrating 25 years, see the World Stock Dog Championship at 10 a.m. in the Nutrien Western Event Centre. These incredibly agile and intelligent dogs move sheep through a challenging course and into a pen in four minutes or less.
The Great FUNtier
See what we did there? If you’ve got a pint-sized adrenaline aficionado in the family, The Great FUNtier is chalk full of specialty kids’ rides. There’s even a mini Midway, where cowpokes can try their hand at games for a chance to take home a prize.
Alex Hughes – 4-5:45 p.m.
Devin Cooper – 6-7:45 p.m.
Sacha – 9:30-10 p.m.
The Reklaws – 10:30-11:45 p.m.
Drew Gregory – 12:15-2 a.m.
Don Amero – 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Clerel – 1:45-2:30 p.m.
Ruby Waters – 7-7:30 p.m.
Allan Rayman – 8-9 p.m.
Tash Sultana – 9:30-10:45 p.m.
The Free Label – 4:45-8 p.m.
Lupe Fiasco – 10-11:15 p.m.
The end of Day 5 marks the official halfway point of the Stampede, but also the start of Pool B for the Rodeo. Today’s action was capped off by a strong showing on the Bulls. After the Riders got the upper hand for the first time this year yesterday with six of 11 riders gutting out the full eight seconds, the bulls came back strong and only allowed four successful rides today. Creek Young of Rogersville, Missouri lead the pack with an 87.5 point ride on the back of the bull they call Flight Risk.
Full Rodeo results can be found, here.
Chad Fike, driving the Shaw GMC Chevrolet Buick wagon, struck big with his second day-money win of the week after posting a time of 1:12.97 at the Cowboys Rangeland Derby. Tuesday’s action at GMC Stadium also saw changes atop the overall standings with Layne MacGillivray surging to the top of the aggregate standings with a five-day total run time of 6:09.35 and a payout of $20,000 for his efforts.
Full Cowboys Rangeland Derby results can be found, here.
Stampede Powwow Kicks off in a Vibrant Show of Culture
Yesterday was day one of three of the Calgary Stampede Powwow, which is taking place in the Saddledome. A new celebration of culture and a gathering of community, this one-of-a-kind event produced in collaboration with Powwow Times features competitive dancing, drumming, singing and a showcase of other Indigenous performances.
The Saddledome was alive with energy during day one, where competitors from across North America competed across five different dances: Men’s & Women’s Fancy, Men’s & Women’s Traditional, Men’s Grass, Men’s Chicken, and Women’s Jingle. During the first two days, dancers are competing for points to make it to the Top 20 in each category. On Thursday, July 14 the Top 20 in each category will compete for a place in the Top 10 and a cash prize.
If you’ve never been to a powwow, now is your chance to be dazzled by world-class competitors, learn about the origins and contemporary practices of powwow dancing and immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind event. Grab your favourite Midway treat and drop in to catch all or part of the action. The competition continues for two more days, with competitors vying for a total prize pot of $175,000. Catch the action today and tomorrow from 3-6 p.m. in the Saddledome. The Stampede Powwow is free to watch with admission to Stampede Park. Learn more, here.
Youngest Heavy Horse Pull teamster takes after his dad
The Heavy Horse Pull showcases the incredible horsepower of the draft horses in an action-packed, three-night series at Nutrien Western Event Centre.
And at just 14 years old, Johnny Luster is the youngest Heavy Horse Pull teamster, driving Prince and Rogue and competing in Tuesday’s Light Weight Class pull.
It’s a family affair between Johnny and his father Jordan, as the father-son duo take their teams across the finish line pulling upwards of 2,000 lbs. Growing up, Johnny’s dad and grandpa used chore horses around the farm to chore their 150-cattle farm, but only got into the Heavy class a few years ago.
This is Johnny’s second year competing at the Calgary Stampede and has been involved in the Heavy Horse Pull for three years, taking after his dad who has been involved for four.
Johnny says that being able to pull at the Calgary Stampede is huge for their family. They gear up weeks in advance and when they start pulling in May and it all leads to this moment at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Today, Johnny’s dad Jordan takes the stage at the Nutrien Western Event Centre to compete in the Middle Weight Class with his team Tom and Lester.
“My favourite part about the Heavy Horse Pull at the Calgary Stampede is seeing all of the teams compete, perform at the highest calibre and how happy everyone is when they win it,” said Johnny.
The Heavy Horse Pull is a can’t-miss event and the action continues through Thursday, culminating with the Heavy Weight Class at 6:30 p.m.
Best New Food on the Midway: The Best Kids’ Choice Food Award Goes to Chicken on a Stick!
Seasoned, tender, breaded white-meat chicken, stacked high on a wood skewer. Enough to share but why would you want to? Chicken on a Stick is the Best Food Kids’ Choice winner at the Calgary Stampede.
Yesterday’s judging was made extra special as the food judges were a group of young women from Stardale Women’s Group. For over 25 years, Stardale Women’s Group has empowered the lives of Indigenous girls, strengthened their families, and inspired communities to engage in the core values of reconciliation. This group of 20 food judges were tough critics, but had a blast while tasting many different foods!
Celebrating Stampede in Downtown Calgary
Have You Been Downtown Yet?
If you haven’t, you are missing all of the free events and activities happening at Fluor Rope Square (a.k.a Olympic Plaza) and Stephen Avenue Mall! There are 380 Downtown Attractions Committee Volunteers hard at work giving guests a unique western hospitality experience from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. daily, except on Sundays.
The sights are impressive as you experience Old Time Rig rides, pancake breakfasts cooked in the back of a Chuckwagon, greetings from mascots, laughter from clowns, square dancing, a First Nations Parade and spectacular entertainment. See you downtown!