100 Days of News

7 Days to Go

• In this sport, Lesh is more. In recent years, the Lesh brothers out of Oklahoma have definitely left their mark on the Calgary Stampede Team Cattle Penning Competition, presented by Calfrac Well Services — and the same can be said for their impact on the sport of team penning across the continent. Joel, 28, Jordan, 21, and Jared, 31, are all household names in this exciting equestrian discipline, while Jamin, 30, holds his own at competitions in the Sooner State. Click here to read more.

   

• The year was 1988, and Sharon Cooke was about to enter into a long-eared love affair. Click here to read more.

• As part of the Calgary Stampede’s Centennial celebrations, the 2012 Sheep Showcase will be tipping its hat to history. Click here to read more.

8 Days to Go

• Out on the wide-open range, there are Ferraris and half-tons, Jeeps and Porsches. Four decades ago, Gus McCollister chose the Cadillac of the equine world — and she’s never looked back since that initial test drive. Click here to read more.
   
• Draft Horse Town, which pays homage to the working-class gentle giants that helped build Western Canada, has been one of the most popular exhibits at the Calgary Stampede since its 2010 debut. And this year, organizers will be showing off their theatrical chops — with many of the individual demonstrations being corralled into a twice-daily, one-hour presentation called The Big Shoe. Click here toread more.

9 Days to Go

• On Friday, July 6, the Centennial Stampede Parade will showcase how We’re Greatest Together by engaging the public through social media and showcasing our commitment to community – all while celebrating the Calgary Stampede’s history. Click here to read more.

• Dust off your hats, the fourth and final White Hat Round Up before the 2012 Centennial Calgary Stampede will be held this Sunday, July 1 in Canmore and Banff.  The Calgary Stampede will join the two communities’ Canada Day festivities as a way to say thank you to Albertans. Click here to read more. 

10 Days to Go

• This year, in honour of the Calgary Stampede’s Centennial theme - We’re Greatest Together - the Stampede Visiting Bands committee is pleased to welcome competitors from around the world to compete in the 2012 World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) World Championship. Bands will compete in what is considered to be the largest and most well respected competition of its type in the world during the Calgary Stampede, July 6-15. Click here to read more. 
   
• In keeping with the Centennial theme, We’re Greatest Together, the Indian Village presented by Penn West Exploration will be performing a new daily production entitled The Spirit of Dance: A Pow Wow Experience. The show, which tells the history of Pow Wow and the origins of First Nations dancing through song and dance, is a wonderful way to learn more about First Nations culture and acknowledge the central role that they play in our community. Click here to read more. 

11 Days to Go

• The By the Banks of the Bow sculpture took 4 years to complete.

12 Days to Go

• Ten of the 15 horses in The By the Banks of the Bow sculpture have competed in the Calgary Stampede Rodeo.

13 Days to Go

• The By the Banks of the Bow, is one of the largest sculpture installations in North America and includes 15 horses and two riders. 

14 Days to Go

• Get into the Calgary Stampede spirit! On Saturday, June 23, Lammle’s Western Wear and Tack  kicks off the 2012 Stampede Talent Search with a pancake breakfast and live entertainment from some of Southern Alberta’s finest young performing artists. The 2012 Stampede Talent Search runs through this year’s Calgary Stampede July 6 to 15.  Preliminary rounds get underway July 6 and the twelve highest scoring contestants will compete for a $4000 Grand Prize on July 14.

  WHAT:                       2012 Stampede Talent Search Kick-Off

  WHEN:                       Saturday, June 23, 2012

                                        Pancake breakfast starts at 10 a.m.

                                        Cake Posse at 11:30 a.m.                  

  WHERE:                    Lammle’s Shawnessy, 230, 350 Shawville Blvd. SE, Calgary

• If you’ve never tried bannock, it’s time you headed to Indian Village presented by Penn West Exploration for a tasty treat you won’t find anywhere else on Park! The Bannock Booth serves up a variety of bannock delicacies, including bannock hot dogs, Indian tacos, tacos-in-a-bag, bannock breakfast sandwiches, bannock burgers and bannock moose ears.The Bannock Booth is open throughout the Calgary Stampede, July 6-15, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Indian Village is one of the many activities offered free with Park admission.

15 Days to Go

• The TransAlta Grandstand Show - Century – is a fast-paced, music driven spectacular a hundred years in the making. Running nightly during the Calgary Stampede, July 6 to 15, the TransAlta Grandstand show has captured key moments from the Stampede’s past while infusing the show with a modern twist and contemporary flair. Click here for more information.

• In conjunction with today’s release of Wil’s single, Ride, the Calgary Stampede is pleased to announce, Calgary artist Wil, creator of the Stampede’s commercial song Ride, will perform nightly at the Bell Centennial Plaza. Click here for more information.  

16 Days to Go

• More than $1.2 million in prizes were unveiled today as Calgary Stampede Lotteries showcased its impressive 2012 lineup. Included was the much-anticipated 2,391 square foot Rotary Dream Home presented by Homes by Avi, valued at $745,950 and Kinsmen Wheels totaling $500,215. Click here for more information.

• Local philanthropist, rancher and businessman Bill Siebens has made a remarkable gift to the Calgary Stampede Foundation, and presented the Foundation with the almost 8,000-acre southern portion of the historic OH Ranch, in southwestern Alberta.  The gift also includes the OH brand and the ranch’s historic buildings – such as the 1885 ranch house, the old cookhouse and replica North West Mounted Police cabin. Click here for more information.

17 Days to Go

• Get into the Calgary Stampede spirit! On Saturday, June 23, Lammle’s Western Wear and Tack  kicks off the 2012 Stampede Talent Search with a pancake breakfast and live entertainment from some of southern Alberta’s finest young performing artists.

  Past Stampede Talent search winners and finalists, including: 2011 Grand Prize Winner Madi Allen; 2011 first runner-up Michael Wittemann (the Yo-Yo Guy); 2005 Grand Prize Winner Maureen Murphy and 2012 Junior Showcase participant Destiny Dowell will perform.

  The 2012 Stampede Talent Search runs through this year’s Calgary Stampede July 6 to 15.  Preliminary rounds get underway July 6 and the twelve highest scoring contestants will compete for a $4000 Grand Prize on July 14.

  WHAT:                       2012 Stampede Talent Search Kick-Off

  WHEN:                       Saturday, June 23, 2012

                                         Pancake breakfast starts at 10 a.m.

                                         Cake Posse at 11:30 a.m.                       

  WHERE:                     Lammle’s Shawnessy, 230, 350 Shawville Blvd. SE, Calgary

• The Calgary Stampede is pleased to introduce a brand new entertainment venue – Located in the centre of Stampede Park, the Plaza is an ideal location to gather, celebrate and create memories throughout the Centennial Stampede, July 6-15. Click here to find out more information.

18 Days to Go

• Did you know that in 1996, a $50,000 prize for Barrel Racing was added to the Rodeo?

19 Days to Go

• White Hat Round Up is at The Gathering: Cowboy Poetry Festival in Pincher Creek today, June 16, 2012.

20 Days to Go

• Calgary Stampede is proud to participate in the Cultural Access Pass (CAP) program for its Centennial year.  Run by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, CAP provides Canada’s newest citizens a year of free access to more than 1,000 cultural attractions across Canada.  New Canadian citizens, who have received their citizenship within the past 365 days, are eligible to join CAP; to date, more than 50,000 have registered.

  Cultural Access Pass members receive complimentary access to:

  ·         Calgary Stampede July 6, 9 and 10

  ·         World Association of Marching Showbands McMahon Stadium performances July 7, 8 and 9

• Calgary Stampede Lotteries will unveil this year’s exciting prizes valued at more than $1.2 million on Tuesday, June 19 at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Rotary Dream Home located on Stampede Park.
  This is a wonderful opportunity to tour the luxurious Dream Home, built by Homes by Avi and get an up close look at the Kinsmen Wheels prize vehicles. Members of the Calgary Stampede Showband will also perform during the event.
  Representatives from Calgary Stampede Lotteries, and representatives from our Lottery partners – the Kinsmen Club of Calgary, Rotary Club of Calgary South, Calgary North Hill Lions Club and the Calgary Marching Show Band Association - will speak and be available for photos and/or further comments.
   

21 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede Light Up the City, presented by TransAlta will be a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate the Stampede’s first 100 years and the beginning of the next 100 years.  In addition to the four viewing locations around the city, the Stampede announced that Stampede Park will come alive with a roof-top special effects chase. For more information, click here.

22 Days to Go

• The health-nut or allergen-conscious Stampede goer won’t be left out of the excitement of trying new delicacies on the Midway. Come and dine with the rest of your partners on delicious treats that are healthy or made without gluten, dairy or nuts. New vendors and local YYC Food Trucks will be mixing up delicious treats that will appeal to everyone’s taste buds. For more information, click here.

23 Days to Go

• Although the three stars of the ENMAX Corral Show – TAILS: Three Horses. One Legend. are horses, the two legged cast members bring a wealth of local and international and talent. They include Tom Jackson, Matt Masters, Dan Imler, Keith Stewart, Dwayne Wiley, Alex Wells, Rae Lynn Armstrong, Rosalyn Beaton, Madison MacDonald, Sally Bishop and Tomas Garcilazo. For more information, click here.

24 Days to Go

• In 1933, all major Rodeo events – except the Wild Cow Milking Contests -
  were won by Albertans.

25 Days to Go

• Did you now that Guy Weadick's wife Florence LaDue's real name is Grace Bensell. 

26 Days to Go

• In 1961, the 22, 000 acre Stampede Ranch (located near Hanna), was created. The first of it's kind in North America, it operates a breeding program that produces some of the top rodeo stock in the world.

27 Days to Go

• Love the midway? Hate the lines? The "Midway Express Access Pass" accompanies your wristband or coupon purchases and offers premium, front-of-the-line access to all rides through a special gated entrance. $20 (includes GST) plus the cost of coupons or Ride All Day Wristband. Sold on Park ONLY, on a limited basis each day - first come, first served. 

28 Days to Go

• It’s that time of year again. The Centennial Calgary Stampede is just around the corner and 2012 Media Guide is now available online. An abbreviated printable version of the Media Guide will be available soon.

  The 2012 Media Guide can be found by visiting here.

• Could you be the next Calgary Stampede Queen or one of the Princesses? The 2013 Stampede Queen and Princesses application process has started and will run through September 4, 2012. Ladies will have a chance of a lifetime promoting The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth to the rest of the world. The Calgary Stampede is looking for three very special ladies to represent the Stampede through this amazing journey.

The Stampede Royalty act as official ambassadors of the Stampede by promoting western heritage and values in the community and around the world, making more than 400 appearances during their reign. The winning three contestants must embody the Stampede values of integrity, pride of place, western hospitality and commitment to community.

To view the application form visit their Facebook page here.

29 Days to Go

• This Centennial year, the Calgary Stampede isn’t just a great place to gather, it’s also great place to showcase your country music singing abilities. The Nashville North Star Competition gives 10 contestants the opportunity to compete for the title of Nashville North Star during the Calgary Stampede, July 6-15. Click here for more information.

30 Days to Go

• Heidi Bernhard of Pincher Creek, Alberta is the lucky winner of the Calgary Stampede Lotteries Early Bird dream vacation to Turkey. Renowned for its cultural wonders, historic beauty, clear seas and sandy beaches, Turkey promises to be a breathtaking vacation. This 16-day vacation is valued at $14,000. Click here for more information.

31 Days to Go

• Today, four inspiring Calgary Stampede personalities were honoured with memorial benches at the High River Cemetery in celebration of the Centennial year.  Guy Weadick, Flores La Due, Charles Bensel (father of La Due) and Margaret Fraser (Stampede Life Member) were recognized as important and inspirational people to the Calgary Stampede. For more information click here. 

32 Days to Go

• This weekend from June 1-3, the Calgary Stampede held it's most successful 4-H on Parade. 

33 Days to Go

• The fourth and last Four Corners presented by BURNCO was held today, June 2, with a huge success! 

34 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede has found its pair of Ultimate Interns for Centennial Calgary Stampede.  Arielle Land and Jovita Byzitter will experience the Calgary Stampede like never before and share all their unique adventures with the world via social media. Click here for more information. 

35 Days to Go

• The fourth and final of the Four Corners presented by BURNCO events, will take place Saturday, June 2 at Westside Recreation Centre in the community of Westhills. Exclusive to this event will be a dance performance by the Chinook Country Line Dancers and a musical performance by two Calgary fiddlers, Joshua & Kyleigh. 

  The mini festivals are comprised of Stampede favourites including an old-time community fair with interactive games, rodeo demonstrations, dancing and giveaways! Of course no Stampede event is complete without a free Stampede Caravan pancake breakfast, which will be served at 9 a.m. to the first 3,000 people. Free Centennial cake will also be served at 11 a.m. 

36 Days to Go

• From a world-renowned design team, to a cast featuring Tom Jackson, it’s no surprise that highly sought after Hollywood equine trainer – Bill Lawrence – is working with the three stars of the ENMAX Corral Show – TAILS: Three Horses. One Legend.Lawrence brings seasoned credentials to TAILS. He has most recently trained the horses in War Horse, a production produced by Steven Spielberg, as well as the films The Legend of Zoro, Racing Stripes and The Young Black Stallion. To read more, click here. 

37 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede is proud to once again host 4­-H on Parade, Canada’s largest 4­-H event, from June 1 to 3 at Stampede Park. 4­-H on Parade is the culmination of a year’s worth of time and effort put in to a variety of projects by Calgary area 4-H members from 48 different clubs. This event is an excellent opportunity for the public to see what 4-H is about – first hand. Click here for more information. 

38 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede's Heavy Horse Show Committee will add some Stampede flavour to this year's POPS in the Park. The World Champion six horse hitch will join the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra May 30 and 31 at Heritage Park. The Heavy Horse hitch will arrive at 6:15 p.m, with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. and the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

39 Days to Go

• July 14, 2010 was the first time in Stampede history that the Chuckwagon racing event was cancelled. After heavy rain, the track was deemed too wet and not safe.  

40 Days to Go

• The third Four Corners presented by BURNCO event, was today, Saturday, May 26.

41 Days to Go

• The Coca-Cola Stage line up was released last night, May 24, during the Coke Covert concert at Flames Central. Click here for the complete line-up.

42 Days to Go

• Dust off your hats and shine up your boots - the Calgary Stampede is headed to Cardel Place! The third of the Four Corners presented by BURNCO events, will take place Saturday, May 26 at Cardel Place in the community of Country Hills.
  Exclusive to this event will be a Punjabi Cultural demonstration by the North Calgary Cultural Association, a Filipino Cultural demonstration by the Kasayahan Performing Arts Group, a ZUMBA demonstration by the Cardel Place and a “Youth Got Talent” performance by the Northern Hills Community Association.
  The mini festivals are comprised of Stampede favourites including an old-time community fair with interactive games, rodeo demonstrations, dancing and giveaways! Of course no Stampede event is complete without a free Stampede Caravan pancake breakfast, which will be served at 9 a.m. to the first 3,000 people. Free Centennial cake will also beserved at 11 a.m.

43 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede Showband, in conjunction with the Calgary Marching Show Band Association, is hosting its annual spring performance, Music ‘N Motion Sunday, May 27, at 2 p.m. at McMahon Stadium. The show features approximately eight bands from Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton and is an excellent opportunity to get a sneak peek at the 2012 field shows.This year, the Calgary Stampede Showband will present their 2012 production 

The Legend Continues inspired by the sights and sounds of the Calgary Stampede from past to present. The Showband will take you on a musical and visual journey that mimics chuckwagon races, a cowboy getting ready to compete, and the daily excitement of the midway.

44 Days to Go

• On Thursday, May 24, the Calgary Stampede will release the much anticipated lineup for the 2012 Coca-Cola Stage during the third annual Coca-Cola Covert Concert at Flames Central.  Not only will the entire 2012 Coca-Cola Stage lineup be announced, but two of the bands from the lineup will perform at this exclusive win-to-get-in event.

45 Days to Go

• White Hat Round Up is at the Little Britches Parade and Rodeo today, May 21, 2012.

46 Days to Go

• Stampede Packs are back, and bigger and better than ever before. For your 2012 business and promotions packages you will have two options for the Calgary Stampede adult pack which consists of a satchel type bag and a traditional back pack. New colors and designs. More information coming soon!

47 Days to Go

• Did you know that the Calgary Stampede distributes 30,000 posters annually?  

48 Days to Go

• Pick up your Calgary Stampede Advance Midway Card at participating Safeway locations throughout Calgary and Mac’s locations throughout southern Alberta between May 18 and July 5. Ride all day with the purchase of the RIDE ALL DAY card for $36.45 (valid July 5,6,9 to 13) or purchase 56 coupons for only $36.45 (valid July 5 to 15) and save over 25 per cent on midway entertainment rides and the WestJet Skyride.

49 Days to Go

• On May 9, the Calgary Stampede and Tourism Calgary visited Toronto, ON to officially White Hat the cast of CBC’s Dragons Den. The Dragons are risk takers not unlike the Calgary Stampede’s founding ‘Big Four’. Click here for more information.

50 Days to Go

• Come explore a burgeoning friendship and discover whose spirit you most associate with – Travesio, Liberté or I’pah’ka Pi – at the ENMAX Corral Show – TAILS: Three Horses. One Legend. during The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, July 6 to 15. For more info click here.
• The opportunity to showcase your star potential is here! The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts will be holding auditions for aspiring performers to study voice, musical theatre, acro-dance, gymnastics and several disciplines of dance including jazz, tap and ballet. To become a future cast member of The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede, plan to attend one of the following auditions and show us what makes you a superstar.

WHAT:   Senior Singers (age 14-21)
WHEN:   Monday, May 28, 2012
                  Registration at 4 p.m.

WHAT:   Apprentice Singers (age 11-14)

WHEN:   Monday, June 4, 2012

R               Registration at 4 p.m.

WHAT:   Apprentice Female Dancers (age 11-14)
WHEN:   Wednesday, June 6, 2012
                  Registration at 4 p.m.

WHAT:   Senior Female Dancers (age 14-21)
WHEN:   Wednesday, June 6, 2012
                  Registration at 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Blue Room in the Agriculture Building at Stampede Park

 

Successful applicants will be taught by high caliber faculty and will train alongside other skilled performers at The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts. Students train for several performances throughout the year and culminate their season with the internationally known 10-day TransAlta Grandstand Show.

 

For more information regarding audition details/requirements and pre-registration call 403.261.0129 

or visit calgarystampede.com/youngcanadians.   

51 Days to Go

• As part of its Advance Ticket Campaign, Calgary Stampede Lotteries is offering two amazing Early Bird prizes: a 16-day trip to Turkey valued at $14,000 and a 16-day trip toAfrica valued at $20,000. Deadlines for these Early Bird prizes are May 18 and June 8 respectively. For more information click here.

52 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede once again will be offering great value deals throughout the 10-day event, July 6-15. Click here for more information on these offers.

53 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede Ultimate Interns contest submission deadline was today, May 13, 2012. For more information click here.

54 Days to Go

• The second of the Four Corners events, presented by BURNCO, took place today, Saturday, May 12, bright and early at 9 a.m.

55 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede will be putting out new pageantry on light standards and traffic lights around the city with newly designed flags that will reflect the Centennial anniversary. The flags will go up next week. 

The flags will feature designs that reflect how "We're Greatest Together", with representations of native dancers, fireworks and rodeo, to name a few. They will also feature a banner of "100 years", which will eventually be removed after the 2012 Stampede to be reused for years to come. 

56 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede needs a social media expertise. The perfect, experience-seeking, blog-posting, Twitter-tweeting, video-streaming team will reside in a trailer in the heart of the Midway and have exclusive access to 10 days of unique Stampede experiences to share with the world via Twitter, blogs and YouTube. Each person will receive an iPhone, $500 cash, $100 gift certificate for the Stampede Store, $50 midway card, $250 concession Range Bucks, a VIP night at Nashville North, Rodeo tickets and more.
  
  To enter, each team needs to upload a 60 second video and tell the Calgary Stampede why they would make the perfect pairin 500 words or less by May 13. From May 14-22, contestants’ friends and family, as well as the general public are welcome to vote daily for their favorite video. Judges will choose a winning team from the 10 most popular
  videos. Contestants can upload their videos to here, until May 13. The Ultimate Interns will be announced on May 30. 
• The second of the Four Corners events, presented by BURNCO, will take place Saturday, May 12 at the South Fish Creek Park Recreation Complex in the community of Shawnessy.

The mini festivals are comprised of Stampede favourites including an old-time community fair with interactive games, rodeo demonstrations, dancing and giveaways! Of course no Stampede event is complete without a free Stampede Caravan pancake breakfast, which will be served at 9 a.m. to the first 3,000 people. Free Centennial cake will also be served at 11 a.m.

Exclusive to this event are student performances from Bishop O’Byrne High School consisting of three student bands and two dance performances from the Student Dance Team and First Nations Dancers.

57 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede, Tourism Calgary and Travel Alberta hosted these public White Hat Drops in three Canadian cities at 12:30 p.m. local time today. Click herefor more information.

58 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede is celebrating 100 years with wine! The Centennial Selection wine was created by Township 7, a boutique winery located in British Columbia's Okanagan region. The wine - a 2009 Chardonnay, and a 2008 Merlot, both come in a collectors bottle featuring a specially designed commemorative label. Both wines are available only in Western Canada. These historic wines will be featured at Stampede events, on our Stampede catering menu, and are currently available in local retails stores at Crowfoot Wine & Spirits, Willow Park Wine and Spirits, and Aspen Wine and Spirits, and at Townships 7's two wineries. During the Calgary Stampede, July 6-15, the wine will be sold at Co-op Wines & Spirits.      

59 Days to Go

• Wednesday, May 9, the Calgary Stampede, Tourism Calgary, and Travel Alberta, along with emcee Dave Kelly, will host a public White Hat Drop in three Canadian cities simultaneously with a chance for one lucky person to win a once-in-a-century prize!  Hidden inside one of 200 white hats in Olympic Plaza, one red envelope will contain a once-in-a-century prize package to experience the Calgary Stampede during its Centennial Anniversary.  This exciting event will also take place over the noon-hour in public spaces in Toronto and Vancouver.
  
  What:  White Hat Drop
  When:  Wednesday May 9, 2012
  11:30 a.m. MDT – 200 wristbands to be distributed to the first 200 people.Participants will line up behind one of four designated entrances.
  12:30 p.m. MDT - 20 participants at a time will get access to the designated area and will have 30 seconds to choose one white hat to stand beside.
  12:35 p.m. MDT - All participants simultaneously uncover chosen hat to discover if they have won the red envelope.
  Where:  Olympic Plaza - 228 8 Avenue SE 
  
  The VIP prize package for two people includes the following:
  
  •     Tickets to the sold out Garth Brooks concert on July 12
  •     Two Day Thrill package for the Calgary Stampede, includes Rodeo tickets, a VIP behind the scenes chuckwagon experience, evening show and more
  •     A $250 gift card to get officially outfitted at Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack
  •     A Stampede dining experience featuring chef Paul Rogalski at Rouge Restaurant, one of only 2 restaurants in Canada to receive the top 100 restaurant rating in the world by San Pellegrino
  •     Cocktails and tapas at one of Calgary’s newest and most coveted restaurants, Ox & Angela
  •     A look into Calgary outside of the Stampede gates, with passes to: Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower, and the Calgary Zoo

60 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede Art Walk starts today, Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m. The Calgary Stampede Art Walk is a free neighbourhood walking tour of Stampede Park that will showcase significant pieces of art, including bronze sculptures and murals. The Calgary Stampede Art Walk is in coordination with Jane's Walk - a series of neighbourhood walking tours named after Jane Jacobs - urban activist and writer - occurring the first weekend of May since it's inception in 2007.  

61 Days to Go

• The first of the Four Corners events, presented by BURNCO, took place today, Saturday, May 5, bright and early at 9 a.m. despite the snowstorm!

62 Days to Go

• For the first time ever, the Calgary Stampede will have its very own lottery scratch ticket! Western Canada Lottery Corporation created the Calgary Stampede Centennial "Cowboy Cash" scratch ticket - which gives you a chance to win up to $50,000! Click here to find out more information.

63 Days to Go

• The first of the Four Corners events, presented by BURNCO, will take place Saturday, May 5 at the Genesis Wellness Centre in the community of Falconridge. 

The mini festival will be comprised of Stampede favourites including an old-time community fair with interactive games, rodeo demonstrations, dancing and giveaways! Of course no Stampede event is complete without a free Stampede Caravan pancake breakfast, which will be served at 9 a.m. to the first 3,000 people. Free Centennial cake will also be served at 11 a.m.

 Exclusive to this event are community performances and demonstrations by Elite JunJani Institute of Culture, Capoeri Aché Brasil Calgary, Marakame Mexican Dance & Art and the Sikh Dance Club.

64 Days to Go

• Ever wonder about all the art around Stampede Park? The Calgary Stampede Art Walk is a free neighbourhood walking tour of Stampede Park that will showcase significant pieces of art, including bronze sculptures and murals. On Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m., eager participants can meet up, walk and learn about the past 100 years of art appreciation at the Calgary Stampede.

Coordinated by the Public Arts Committee and the Historical Committee, the walk will provide insight on the technique and history of some of the iconic Stampede imagery found throughout Park. Participants are asked to meet at the bronc twister sculpture, in front of the Calgary Stampede's main gate by Victoria Park Stampede LRT station by 2 p.m. The walk will end back at the bronc twister statue at 4 p.m.

The Calgary Stampede Art Walk is in coordination with Jane's Walk - a series of neighbourhood walking tours named after Jane Jacobs - urban activist and writer - occurring the first weekend of May since it's inception in 2007.  

65 Days to Go

• The new Enmax Corral Show - TAILS: Three Horses. One Legend. is a tale of how the Calgary Stampede came to be. To find out more information of this amazing story, click here. To view the trailer, click here.

• The design team behind TAILS: Three Horses. One Legend. is world renowned! For more information on each member of the design team, click here. 

66 Days to Go

• Own a piece of history with specially created Calgary Stampede Centennial limited edition cowboy boots, hats and buckles.  Only 100 of each item will be created to commemorate the Centennial.  Place your order now to be outfitted in time for the 2012 Calgary Stampede.

Cowboy Boots - Handcrafted specifically for you, each pair comes with full quill ostrich vamps, kangaroo shafts and full leather lining and soles.  Cowboy boots will retail for $1,300.00.

Centennial Cowboy Hat - Smithbilt Hats has designed the ultimate cowboy hat for the Calgary Stampede.  Custom made to fit each and everyone’s head perfectly, this pure beaver felt hat features a sterling silver Centennial hat buckle and your name printed on the interior leather band. Get your head in a custom Smithbilt Centennial cowboy hat for $1,500.00.

Centennial Buckle – Crafted in sterling silver and gold, the buckle features the iconic Stampede horse “I-See-U” and requires 40 hours to create each before signing and numbering. This Scott Hardy buckle is available in two sizes, rodeo and dress and retail for $2,950.00 and $2,600.00 respectfully.

Inquires about purchasing Calgary Stampede limited edition items can be made by calling 403.232.9987. 

67 Days to Go

• Since 2002, the Calgary Stampede has operated Stampede Packs. Guests can grab their own Calgary Stampede backpack at the Stampede Market in the BMO centre, this Stampede, July 6 to 15. Each Stampede Pack is filled with eats, treats and great deals for only $16.

68 Days to Go

• The Stampede Market in the BMO Centre has a huge variety of products you may not even have thought you needed.  In addition to the traditional home products, new for 2012 are home décor items from Arizona, Magic Mesh Door, Custom Made Furniture, Leather Jewelry, Mineral Makeup, Movie Posters, Handmade glassware, Art, Australian Outdoor Clothing, Skin Care, Denim Jackets, Flip Flops and many many more items, so mosey on down to the Market in BMO Centre.

69 Days to Go

• Contribute to the Calgary Stampede Time Capsule! For more info click here. 

70 Days to Go

• New Midway food for the 2012 Centennial Calgary Stampede. These culinary creations are sure to make your mouth water and keep you coming back for more. For information click here. 

• The Beach Boys are back and there heading our way! Reunited after 20 years, the boys will be performing at the Saddledome on Wednesday, July 11.  For more information and how to get tickets click here.

71 Days to Go

• Four Corners presented by Burnco. In celebration of the Stampede Centennial, four mini festivals will be held in each of the city’s quadrants over four Saturdays in May and June. Dust off your hats and shine up your boots and get an early taste of what’s in store for the 2012 Calgary Stampede, which runs July 6 to 15. For more information click here.

• The Calgary Stampede Lotteries Advanced Ticket Campaign is now underway! Advanced tickets are on sale till June 22. Prizes include a dream home, four trucks, a fifth-wheel trailer, a boat, a personal water craft, and $100,000 in cold, hard, tax-free cash. For more information click here. 

72 Days to Go

• The Stampede Talent Search is on! Online registration is now open for the 2012 Stampede Talent Search Auditions. Sixty senior contestants (ages 13-21) and 10 junior contestants (ages 6-12) will be selected to perform during this year’s Calgary Stampede which runs from July 6-15. For more information, click here. 

73 Days to Go

• Come April 26-27, 2012, The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede will get the privilege to meet and learn from Canada’s most honored ballerina – Evelyn Hart. The annual ballet evaluations for apprentice and senior dancers on April 26 will bring Hart to Stampede grounds to be one of three judges to help adjudicate. While here, Hart will also teach a Master Class the following day, April 27. 

74 Days to Go

• Happy Earth Day! The Calgary Stampede works hard to do its part to help the enviroment. On park, during the ten-day event, there are 250 beverage recycling containers throughout the midway, six solar powered trash compactors, seven recycling centers, eight recycling trees, 11 recycling Chuckwagons, and six double recycling centers.

75 Days to Go

• White Hat Round-Up is at the Medicine Hat Spring Rodeo today!

76 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede has always been fortunate to have vendors join us from all over world to offer unique and quality shopping and eating experiences to our Stampede guests every year. For 2012, we have 15 vendors who have been working at the Stampede for over 30 years. Of these 15 vendors, three stand out! Niagara Therapy of Canada, who has been participating for 52 years, Libbertt Concessions Inc., with 57 years, and Fazackerley’s Fudge & Candy Inc., with an impressive 60 years!

77 Days to Go

• 2^nd Annual Extreme Cowboy Race! Check out this exciting new equestrian sport, April 22, 2012. Starts 10 a.m. For more information click here. 

• The 2012 Nashville North line up is released! Emerson Drive, Jason Blaine and more! Click here for more details.  

78 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede Ultimate Intern is back and looking to find the perfect pair of social media gurus. Click here for more information.

• The annual Clock, Stock and Barrel: Stock Dog Trials will be April 21, 2012. Starts at 9 a.m. Finals at 3:30 p.m. For information click here. 

79 Days to Go

• Media seeking accreditation 2012 Calgary Stampede are to apply online here. For more information click here. 

80 Days to Go

• The 2012 annual Aggie Days will be happening on April 18-22. Free admission on April 21-22. Click here for more info.

81 Days to Go

• New to the outdoor Midway for 2012 is "Outlaw" a rollercoaster named after Outlaw, the superstar bull of rodeo. Experiencing its dips and curves will be much like riding this nobel creature himself. Also, new this year is the Twister, it will be spinning its way into your heart. New to the kids Midway for 2012 is the Chopper Charlie and Spidermania rides.

82 Days to Go

• Western Showcase in the "Western Oasis" is one of the major destination areas of the Calgary Stampede. Located in 100,000 sq. feet of Halls D and E of the BMO Centre, Western Showcase promises art, entertainment, presentations and exhibitions that depict our Western heritage and lifestyle. Click here for more information on the Western Showcase.

83 Days to Go 

• Ultimate Stampede Intern contest is back! Stay tuned for details early next week. 

84 Days to Go 

• Results of the 2012 Centennial Saddle auction are in! The #12 Calgary Stampede Centennial Saddle sold for $6,100! Click here to see full bidding details. 

85 Days to Go

• The public can submit their Stampede stories to be entered into the contest – My Stampede – to win 1/5 Ultimate Stampede Experience giveaways. For full contest rules and regulations, and prize info, click here. 

86 Days to Go

• Garth Brooks tickets will go on sale Saturday,  April 14 2012, at 10 a.m. for only $62 including all taxes and fees. For more information click here. 

• White Hat Round-Up! The Calgary Stampede is taking its famous western hospitality beyond the Calgary city limits to other celebrations in four Alberta communities. For more info click here.

87 Days to Go

• Garth Brooks ticket information will be released tomorrow. For more information click here.

88 Days to Go

• Stampede Park has 277 flags waving. Do you know where they are?

89 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede will be home to Canada's longest temporary zip line at 850 feet long and 80 feet high. Guests can reach up to 60 km/hour while taking in the view of the Stampede from new heights

90 Days to Go

• In 1926, Fire Chief James Smart led the Calgary Stampede Parade on an elephant down 7th Avenue with an estimate of 50-60 thousand people watching.

91 Days to Go

• Garth Brooks is set to play the Saddledome Thursday, July 12 during the 2012 Calgary Stampede. Click here for more info.

• Calgary Stampede Showband will be performing on Live with Kelly in Banff. Airing 10 a.m. today, April 5 2012, on CTV Calgary.

92 Days to Go

• The 2012 rodeo contestants are confirmed for bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, ladies barrel racing and bull riding! Click here for more information and to see the complete list of contestants.

• We have invited the world to the Calgary Stampede - 1976 was when we first hit 1 million attendees.

93 Days to Go

• The Core kicked off their 100 Days of Stampede Style on March 29, 2012! Core Fashion Show set for July 4 and will include the top ten must-have Stampede fashion items. For more information click here.  

94 Days to Go

• The Calgary Stampede Showband is on the set of Live with Kelly in Banff, Alberta today. They are filming for their appearance on the show set to air Thursday, April 5, 2012. For more information on the Calgary Stampede Showband click here.
• 2012 Centennial Saddle on the auction block starting today, April 2, 2012, 12 p.m. till Thursday, April 12, 2012, 12 p.m. To make a bid click here. To find out more information, click here.   

95 Days to Go

• Did you know that the Calgary Stampede made it into the travel guide book - 1000 Places To See Before You Die?

96 Days to Go

• Ticket Sale: $20.12 for opening day of the Stampede Rodeo. Today's the last day of the sale. Click here for more details and to purchase your tickets online.

97 Days To Go

• Ticket Sale: $20.12 for opening day of the Stampede Rodeo. Purchase online, or through Stampede ticket office. March 30 and 31 only! Click here for more details and to purchase your tickets online. 

98 Days To Go

• 100 Day Kick-Off with huge announcements: 2012 Parade Marshal will be Ian Tyson, City-wide fireworks, Enmax Corral Show: Tails, Three Horses. One Legend and much more. Click here for more information.  

• Record breaking 2012 Canvas Auction results here.