Happy Calgary Stampede! "Yahoo!"

The oil companies in Calgary aren't returning anyone's calls today because everyone is out on the town, wearing Stetsons, jean, boots, and leather vests. It's the start of the Calgary Stampede, a kick-ass rodeo that runs from July 7 through the 16. There are chuckwagon races, a "winner-take-all" $50,000 rodeo, a midway, and more. The Stampede has been an annual event since 1912. I do have an image of the 1912 poster, but the 1913 poster is much cooler, IMO. You can see them all for yourself by clicking HERE.

Other interesting points....

• Flapjacks and bacon are served free of charge around the city, but especially in Rope Square
• Plenty of music and dancing, ranging from square-dancing to native american dance groups to Western swing to cowboy rock 'n' roll.
• Strangers will greet you by hollering: "Yahoo!"
• "Injuns" ride up and down the street on horseback. Perhaps I should say "First Nation-ers." Or is it First Nationals? Anyway, while the garb looks native, the folks wearing it are as likely to be named McGillicudy as anything else, so get that chip off your shoulder, bub!

Point is, if you need to talk to someone in Calgary this weekend, they might be a tad busy.

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