Lessons from a Calgary Stampede rookie
Stories and images from a reporter's 1st rodeo (literally)
The expression "this isn't my first rodeo" does not apply to me.
Sure, I grew up watching movies like The Magnificent Seven and Blazing Saddles, and my prized possession may have been a Woody doll from Toy Story, but the Calgary Stampede was an entirely foreign concept to me.
However, the opportunity to cover the 10-day frontier festival offered me insight into this keystone of western Canadian culture. The people I met and worked with were incredibly hospitable and generous, eager to educate this greenhorn on the Stampede essentials.
There is always room for pie
Yes, this is still a sports site, despite any hunger-inducing Instagram pictures.
But with some help from Tom the tour guide, I was able to sample the best of the Stampede.
It's been a successful food tour for <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealBenBlum">@TheRealBenBlum</a> at the <a href="https://twitter.com/calgarystampede">@calgarystampede</a>, add CBCSports on Snapchat for more<a href="https://t.co/fpsviC86h9">https://t.co/fpsviC86h9</a>
—@cbcsportsOn another note, a "spaghetti western" food truck would fit in perfectly here.
Ride at your own risk
A history of concussions and a healthy, respectful fear of Clydesdales kept me off the horses, but Olympian and CBC broadcaster Kelly VanderBeek and I did enjoy some thrilling rides.
While I technically won, VanderBeek's bravery should be commended with a little donut medal of her own.
More than rodeo
I was crestfallen that daily reenactments of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance weren't a thing, but I quickly discovered a wide array of entertainment options that went beyond the grandstand.
Those, plus free nightly concerts and fireworks that would make Walt Disney blush, mean you can spend your whole time at the Stampede without seeing a horse and still have fun.
Prepare for anything
Torrential downpours followed by scorching heat? Dress in layers and bring an umbrella.
Eating bug-covered donut holes? Worth it just for some Anthony Bourdain-level street cred.
Encounters with our prime minister? Just play it cool.
Lesson of this story: anything can and will happen, so best to approach it with an open mind and plenty of allergy medication.
'It's a Stampede thing'
If there's something you can't explain, best to chalk it up to this axiom.
Belt buckles as big as your fist, horse-traffic mixed with your daily commute, and cutlery becoming obsolete due to all food served sticks are all easily clarified: "it's a Stampede thing."
Even after 10 days I'm by no means an expert on the Stampede, but if ever asked how my job consisted of watching parades, riding rides and acting like Marty McFly in 1885, I have a solid answer for them.