Stampede live blog: A trio of pancake breakfasts turn strangers into neighbours
And Ceebee rides a mechanical bull
A celebration of community. That theme was front and centre as the CBC Calgary Stampede Posse made stops at pancake breakfasts that showcased the enthusiastic commitment to community spirit in Calgary.
Five thousand Calgarians from different backgrounds turned out for the 22nd annual Ismaili Muslim Stampede Breakfast at the Jamatkhana Centre in the city's northeast. The breakfast featured a traditional east African side dish called Bharazi—pigeon peas in coconut sauce—that's always a big hit. Ceebee, the CBC Kids mascot proved to be one of the more popular attractions, posing for pictures and handing out hugs and high-fives. There are currently 15,000 Ismaili Muslims who call Calgary home.
In Bridgeland, lines stretched around the block for those who have a different taste when it comes to a pancake breakfast. The second annual vegan pancake breakfast served up organic hotcakes, vegan sausages and tofu scramble to 2,000 guests—some who were enjoying vegan food for the first time.
On 17th Avenue, Tomkins Park turned into a mini-Stampede as the business community came together for their inaugural Stampede celebration. After months of construction, the Red Mile has been temporarily reopened—and that led to a huge turnout. Three thousand stampeders showed up with their appetites for a pancake breakfast and then relaxed in the afternoon sun to live music and dance performances. There was also a mechanical bull at the park that Ceebee summoned the courage to mount, to take what turned out to be a short but eventful ride.
Watch Ceebee the mascot ride the mechanical bull
Check out other Stampede events throughout the city
With files from Dave Roberts