Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Stampede!

 

As long-time rodeo fans, both performer (Duane) and spectator (both), we jumped at the opportunity to attend the Calgary (Alberta, Canada) Stampede.  In 1912 Guy Weadick, former trick roper and vaudville performer, arrived in Calgary with a grand idea of a 6 day show to capture the romance and culture of the old west.  With the financial backing of four Calgarians, his dream was realized.  Among the rodeo events were featured trick (horse) riding and women saddle bronc riders.  

The stampede is held in Calgary’s Stampede Park.  The 10 day event features one rodeo per day with the top money winners in each event competing on the final day.  The rest of the festival is just like a state fair with amusement rides, midway games, all kinds of food, animal and agriculture displays.

IMG_5190

Opening ceremoniesIMG_5199

IMG_5217

Saddle bronc riding

IMG_5223

We recognized three well-known rodeo competitors. Trevor Brazil and Fred Whitfield are both calf ropers’

Fred Whitfield with the winning time for Tuesday.

IMG_5229

IMG_5230

Steer riding (youngsters’ intro to bull riding)

IMG_5233

Bareback riding—this cowboy is in the perfect position.  He leans back, holds on with one hand, and rakes the horse’s shoulders with his spurs.  (Around the back of the horse is a strap that irritates the horse.The spurs don’t hurt, but irritate the horse further.)

IMG_5238

The ever-popular bull riding.  Here is the third famous competitor we recognized—J. B. Mauney (pronounced moony.)

IMG_5250

Between the rodeo and the evening entertainment we walked around the grounds.  Brock and Leola liked the horses.

That’s one big foot!  Yes that is a draft horse and yes that is as big as a dinner plate.

IMG_5254

This miniature is about 6 years old.  His hooves could fit in the center of the horseshoe above with room left over. IMG_5257

We watched the blacksmith for a while then walked over to the Indian village.  The seven nations of native Canadians were very active participants in the Stampede.

Unfortunately all of their activities were held outdoors.  A thunderstorm shut everything down here, including whatever tipi was open for display.

IMG_5266

We had a wide variety of food venues to choose from.  We selected a mall food court type of area where we could all choose what we wanted, then found a table.

The evening entertainment started out with the Calgary Stampede Showband and representatives of the Indian nations, the military, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

IMG_5273

First were chuckwagon races.

The youngsters were fun to watch.  They bounced up and down to get the horses to move forward.

IMG_5281

Four horse teams pull each chuckwagon.  One horse rider uses his horse to position the lead team.  At the sound of the Klaxon the rider at the rear throws a plastic block into the back of the wagon.  The rider at the head lets the team go, mounts and rides alongside.  The guy at the back leads his horse past the front barrel, mounts and rides after the wagon.  First wagon to complete one turn around the outside track wins.

IMG_5283

After the races this elaborate stage was assembled.  Watching that was entertainment itself.  It was announced the show to follow was a tribute to Guy Weadick and that in accordance with his philosophy, “It has to be BIG!!!”

First were several Hollywood style musical numbers featuring The Young Canadians, a group of youngsters ranging in age (we’re guessing) from 6 to 21 who are trained in the entertainment arts.

IMG_5295

There was a low-wire act,

IMG_5308

a high-wire act,

IMG_5331

These acrobats who bounce on the trampolines, then land somewhere on or in the box.  What makes them neat to watch is that they seem to stand sideways for a couple of seconds on the side of the box. 

IMG_5320

A Purple Rain tribute to Prince

Note the flaming water fountains

IMG_5327

All kinds of people were floating above the stage:

drummers,

IMG_5300

aerial artist,

IMG_5315

piano player,

IMG_5326

singer,

IMG_5346

trick dirt bike riders.

IMG_5332

The finale was a very impressive fireworks show that made our best Fourth of July fireworks look look ordinary.

 

Up next is Drumheller.  What’s there?  Stop back and see.

Louise and Duane

1 comment:

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

What a wonderful rodeo. We love rodeos. We go to the Houston one every time we are there in March. Sorry the rain spoiled the outdoor fun.

What amazing entertainment. We have never seen those types of acts at a rodeo. Looks like you two had a super day.