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Weekend at the Calgary Stampede: what it will cost you

Weekend at the Calgary Stampede: what it will cost you

The Calgary Stampede, like any renowned extravaganza that’s earned a spot on your bucket list, doesn’t have to cost you the ranch as long as you fill your appetites before you get there.

But where’s the fun in that?

Seriously though, once you pay the price of admission – that’s $18 for adults and $9 for seniors and kids six to 12 – there is plenty to see and do that is free and cheap. In fact, Stampede blogger Sky England insists you can do a day at the nine-day-long rodeo and exhibition for just $35.

Plenty of free fun at the Stampede

From the Peking Acrobats who will contort to your heart’s content to the high-dive act that sends your heart aflutter to those dare-devilish canine tricks, and the Bell Adrenaline Ranch that gets you ramped up for extreme motorsports, there is plenty of on-the-house events and performances to feast your eyes and ears on.

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If that’s not enough there are big band competitions and pow wows at the new Indian Village and all things animal, to western arts and culture shows and even fireworks that light up the prairie sky, capping off another day at the World’s Greatest Outdoor Show.

Celebrity watchers will want to see the parade which features parade marshals Jann Arden, a Calgary native and singer-songwriter and country music superstar Paul Brandt. Look out for a slew of free performances by the likes of Walk Off the Earth, The Sheepdogs, Jocelyn Alice, Mother Mother and Jojo Mason.

Paul Brandt, left, and Jann Arden. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
Paul Brandt, left, and Jann Arden. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

Rather than pack peanut butter sandwiches in your knapsack, you’ll want to bring your appetite for pancakes. They’re hot and free and an old Stampede tradition that’s been going on since 1923 when a group of chuck wagon drivers set up an impromptu flapjack stand and flipped pancakes that they shared with passersby. The complimentary pancake breakfast tradition would go on to become an enduring symbol of western hospitality.

“You can eat a lot of pancakes during the Stampede and it’s all free,” says Neil Hilts, media relations coordinator of the Calgary Stampede. “Every community does it and they’re run by different organizations, restaurants and churches. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley is hosting one and Stephen Harper has in the past.”

A few shots from the 2015 Pancake Parade on Stephen Avenue Walk. (Flickr/Reg Tiangha)
A few shots from the 2015 Pancake Parade on Stephen Avenue Walk. (Flickr/Reg Tiangha)

From cheap eats to gourmet fair food

Food is perhaps one of the markers of a truly spectacular exhibition. Last year, Stampede goers gobbled up $100 hot dogs made of Kobe beef, lobster and truffles. But oil-poor Alberta may be a bit less extravagant this year. Even with much lower price tags, the food is still quite the show stopper. From Oreo churros at $6, a rainbow-coloured fruit-infused grilled cheese and Teriyaki chicken perogies to $10 mac and cheese-stuffed burgers and sticky toffee bug balls sprinkled with –yum – meal worms and crickets, there really is something for every conceivable craving. Try an $8 big pickle dog, which is a hot dog stuffed inside a pickle, rolled in corn meal and deep fried. Heartier appetites might prefer a $26 rack of ribs.

Health-food enthusiasts need not fret. Fresh-squeezed lemonade with cantaloupe, the Stampede’s newly crowned favourite drink, is available for $5.

“I don’t think people come to Stampede to eat healthy,” says Hilts. “But you can eat healthy if you search for it. People come to try the wild foods. We have more than 30 new foods and they go viral around Canada and people love seeing what our vendors offer them.”

The midway is a thrill for any adrenaline junkie and there are suitable rides and games for both big and little kids. You can ride all day this weekend for $58. Save $5 on that rate by riding on a weekday.

(CBC)
(CBC)

Souvenirs could set you back some. Cowboy boots start at $199, says Hilts, while cowboy hats are more affordable and range from $10 to $90. There’s a Build-A-Bear workshop at the Stampede Market and all variety of western paraphernalia from belt buckles and spurs to bandanas and blue jeans. Pick up a piece of original art at the Western Oasis but be forewarned that it could set you back a few thousand dollars.

Don’t forget the rodeo!

Of course, what differentiates this festival from all the others: the world-famous rodeo in which the skill of competitors and the brawn of horses, bulls and steers vie for your attention. With over $2 million in prize money, its stands to reason that all eyes would be on the rodeo. Tickets for a seat at the various rodeo events run from $33 to $90. But if you don’t mind standing, you can get in for as little as $14.

“Our rodeo enthusiasts sure do spend a lot at the Stampede,” says Hilts. “It will be interesting to see how it does this year with the downturn in Alberta’s economy. We’re very hopeful that Albertans not vacationing this summer will opt to spend a little more money at the Stampede.”

Bucking bronco at the 2013 Calgary Stampede (Flickr/Brandy)
Bucking bronco at the 2013 Calgary Stampede (Flickr/Brandy)

Adding it all together

If you’re looking to head to the Stampede this Saturday, here’s what it’ll cost you:

Admission for one adult: $18

Pancake Breakfast: Free

Cowboy Hat: $10-$90

Rides and Games All-Day Pass: $58

Mac and Cheese-Stuffed Burger: $10

Cantaloupe Lemonade: $5

Rodeo Event Seat: $35-$90

Dog Show: Free

Oreo Churro: $6

Fireworks Show: Free

Total: $142-$277

Saving a little extra

The Stampede offers value days in which discounts and freebies are offered on certain items such as admission and breakfast. This Sunday, for example is Suncor Family Day from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, and includes free admission, free breakfast for the first 20,000 guests, and a free variety show on the Grandstand stage.

You can also get discounts on rides and child admissions by checking out some of the affiliate promotions.