[Shodan]

Calgary companies brace for Stampede
Mantra of 'drink triple, see double and think single' coming under increased scrutiny

Jon Harding
Financial Post

Thursday, July 05, 2007

As Calgary's 10-day, booze-fuelled Stampede bash kicks off Friday, the mantra quietly embraced by corporate Calgary to "drink triple, see double and think single" is coming under increasing scrutiny.

Along with being a salute to Western cowboy heritage, the Calgary Stampede has blossomed into a business networking free-for-all involving scores of parties where liquor and morals flow freely.

The party has become such a unique part of cash-loaded Calgary's fabric that employers tend to look the other way as entire departments leave at midday for a romp at the bars, show up hungover after a night of two-stepping, or even start the day off drinking tequila at one of the notorious breakfast booze-ups.

The result is that divorce-law firms are in big demand after the Stampede ends and, moreover, it's common knowledge that sexual assault reports spike during the festival.

But some believe the corporate revelry is getting out of hand, highjacking the event and promoting behaviour that puts employees in awkward situations.

Widely criticized was a promotion by a city boutique, Hotel Arts, that offered guests the chance to check in their wedding ring at the door and airbrush away any tan line. The hotel later issued an apology, claiming the promotion was meant as a publicity stunt.

A marker of the emerging discomfort is the recent workshop organized for the first time by the Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership, a Calgary-based group that promotes ethics in business and government.

In the session for corporate executives to draw attention to the deterioration in Stampede behaviour, the foundation highlighted true scenarios where employees were pressured into situations that would not have been acceptable or could have resulted in legal ramifications outside of Stampede.

They ranged from a rookie engineer at an oil company who was encouraged by his employer to attend a client's party where waitresses were topless, to an articling law student who was humiliated and embarrassed when encouraged to try a "booby shot" in which she had to drink from a glass placed between a waitress's breasts.

"If you think your fate in this firm or company is tied to whether you accept an invitation or how you behave at an event, we're into something that is a lot more serious than what people would chose to do in their own time," said Janet Keeping, president of the foundation.

"The threat through both examples that really speaks to management ethics is that neither one knew what the repercussions would be. In the case of the young woman, no one from management stepped in to help or said You don't have to do this.' Another question for the host company is what does this kind of party say about your firm."

The event attracted only 25 people -- a measure of Calgarians' reluctance to be seen as party poopers.

Officially, companies promote good behaviour. Petro-Canada sponsors Family Day at the Stampede Grounds to encourage family values, while EnCana Corp. expects its employees to abide by its code of conduct.

"Sure, everybody knows that in a festival atmosphere, behaviours become festive," said EnCana spokesman Alan Boras. "We have guidelines with respect to behavioral matters and codes of conduct that are ongoing and have been in place for a long time. There is nothing seasonal about them."

Steve Allan, a Stampede executive for more than 30 years, said the organizing committee is aware of the discrepancy between policies and realities, and plans are in the works to remind corporate Calgary this fall that the fair is about upholding cowboy values, like honesty, integrity and friendliness.

He noted that the committee is protective of maintaining the Stampede's more wholesome image.

Part of the blame rests with the city's explosive growth, which has resulted in a proliferation of functions, he said.

"We have been known as the city where a person takes the time to speak to a stranger on the street, and that sort of thing," he said. "Are we losing sight of who we are? I don't think so, but we need to keep talking about it. I was disappointed with the ring gimmick. That was over the edge. Let's have fun, but be responsible. Use common sense and judgment."

(With files from Claudia Cattaneo, Financial Post)
© Financial Post 2007

Copyright © 2007 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

[The Kid]

Thanks for the article.....can't read it now as I'm on my way out for some early Stampede boozing mixed in with some questionable conduct! Sure to be hung like a dog tomorrow at work! Will try to read the article tomorrow. STAMPEDE BABY!!!!!

[freeweed]

Marriages are a sham anyway, and any couple that is seeing a divorce lawyer as a result of Stampede - folks, it was going to happen sooner or later anyway.

It's 10 bloody days! Don't get married if you're going to be zero tolerance towards each other.

[DizzyEdge]

Thanks for the article.....can't read it now as I'm on my way out for some early Stampede boozing mixed in with some questionable conduct! Sure to be hung like a dog tomorrow at work! Will try to read the article tomorrow. STAMPEDE BABY!!!!!

Hmm that sounds rather unfortunate...

[Policy Wonk]

some friends of mine from California are in town for the Stampede, they want to goto Cowboys because that is where Price Harry got in trouble, so that should be a "interesting", I am going along with it because I just know it will disgust them. We should be out in under half an hour.

[The Kid]

Hmm that sounds rather unfortunate...

:haha: :haha: :haha:

[The Kid]

some friends of mine from California are in town for the Stampede, they want to goto Cowboys because that is where Price Harry got in trouble, so that should be a "interesting", I am going along with it because I just know it will disgust them. We should be out in under half an hour.

Ya, last year we had several friends in from Vancouver that just had to get into the Cowboys beer tent. Paid 50 bucks a head to avoid the line and almost barfed as soon as we were in. The whole place smelled of piss and shit and we split within 30 minutes. It was really digusting, atleast the night we were there.:yuck:

[IntotheWest]

The bullshooters breakfast ("notorious breakfast booze-ups") is how I got initiated into the Stampede Culture when I first moved here (by choice, of course...not as the article describes some "situations"). It was very interesting - orange and vodka at 7am with a full buffet, alongside fellow colleagues/execs, and higher-up customers (VPs, GMs, etc). Kind of strange, but it was definitely fun.

I'm not sure about all of what the article describes as being out of hand - as these parties etc have happened for years (and aside from 10 days, is it really that much worse than some Xmas parties?)...I know several execs that will fly out for Stampede for these schmoozing/networking parties. Some may be out of control, but I think the story is still talking of exceptions.

I agree with Freeweed, and I think it was only meant in fun...if your marriage breaks-up because of Stampede, it was likely heading that way (or you married at 19 years old :))

Is Jon Harding from Calgary? It sounds like they're either jealous no one invited them, or they just are too uptight. Trust me, the "entire dept leaving at midday" generally makes up the missed hours after - at least in my line of work.

[Surrealplaces]

My company is pretty good about the Stampede, all employees get parade morning off, and one afternoon off any day during the Stampede. I've got 4 Stampede functions to attend this year, so I probably won't be work much at all next week.

[mersar]

The University gives everyone a half day off during stampede, a lot of people take parade day off as well. We had our pancake breakfast this morning (although I didn't go), but seeing as its the university I doubt much interesting happened (aside from the reports of the president burning the pancakes).

I'm taking the afternoon off tomorrow, got tickets for the rodeo plus lunch in the new restaurant in the grandstand. Plus my sister won tickets to the acoustic performance that Finger Eleven is putting on tomorrow afternoon and wants to see their performance that night as well, so I may splurge on tickets for the chucks and show as well.

[freeweed]

Trust me, the "entire dept leaving at midday" generally makes up the missed hours after - at least in my line of work.

It certainly happens, but I think Stampede is a reflection of how hard a lot of people work otherwise. I think Calgary's reputation of a city of people working 80 hours a week and rushrushrush is a bit overstated, but a lot of the hard-partying Stampeders (other than the requisite 19 year olds) tend to be execs and the types who often work till 9pm every night.

The cowboy theme aside, I think it's something every city needs - a good week to just blow off steam, do some business schmoozing, and otherwise relax. What exactly is wrong with that??

Even for those that don't waste the entire week drunk, it's still got its perks. Casual day for a week. Breakfasts every day downtown, and your boss doesn't mind if you go to 2 or 5. It's just a nice break from the usual 12 month work cycle.

[Deepstar]

^I agree. I'll be getting alot of time off work during Stampede, to attend various events, and in the end it makes up for the long hours I put in sometimes.

One of my events is a golf tournament out at Glencoe. Really looking forward to that one, last year's was a good drunk up :tup:

[Policy Wonk]

Disneyland isn't clean enough for this guys wife...

Usually if I had to choose between Cowboys and a bullet in the head, I would take the lead, but this I just have to see.

Ya, last year we had several friends in from Vancouver that just had to get into the Cowboys beer tent. Paid 50 bucks a head to avoid the line and almost barfed as soon as we were in. The whole place smelled of piss and shit and we split within 30 minutes. It was really digusting, atleast the night we were there.:yuck:

[dubiousmike]

Yeah, our company party is at Cowboys. 4 drink tickets. pffft. I'll stay for 20 minutes, slam all four, say hello, and get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible.

Fuck the Stampede.

It's like Mardi Gras for rednecks.

[Bigtime]

Thanks for the article.....can't read it now as I'm on my way out for some early Stampede boozing mixed in with some questionable conduct! Sure to be hung like a dog tomorrow at work! Will try to read the article tomorrow. STAMPEDE BABY!!!!!

FANSTASTIC! Made me laugh this morning!

I hit up my first business function last night at the Ranchmans, at least that place is more 'authentic' than Cowboys or Outlaws as far as Western bars go. Had a good time, some free drinks and a great free meal.

However I feel I'm like a lot of the 'overlooked' Calgarians that doesn't work in the core, doesn't get any time off for the parade, or to attend breakfasts and countless drunkups during the day. We are the masses that drive away from the core in the morning heading towards the industrial parks. We are the people that fix your cars, make your products, and in my case sell wood. We toil away during the day while you downtowners eat and booze it up, I'm soooooo jealous of you all during Stampede! :D

[SteveP]

Yeah, our company party is at Cowboys. 4 drink tickets. pffft. I'll stay for 20 minutes, slam all four, say hello, and get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible.

Fuck the Stampede.

It's like Mardi Gras for rednecks.

C'mon the vast majority of people celebrating the Stampede aren't rednecks or country folk or whatever, it's just a party. People do get slammed and out of control a bit but what's the harm, it's only one week of the year.

A few years back I went to a stampede party at Cowboys put on by a vendor, and Cowboys was packed full of techie nerds pounding shooters, it was one of the most fun times I've had.

[Coldrsx]

Yeah, our company party is at Cowboys. 4 drink tickets. pffft. I'll stay for 20 minutes, slam all four, say hello, and get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible.

Fuck the Stampede.

It's like Mardi Gras for rednecks.

hahaha awesome:cheers:

[dubiousmike]

C'mon the vast majority of people celebrating the Stampede aren't rednecks or country folk or whatever, it's just a party. People do get slammed and out of control a bit but what's the harm, it's only one week of the year.

There's no harm. It's just lame. Been there, done that. Got the t-shirt, ate the shitty pancakes.

[IntotheWest]

^Sorry dude...you gotta be in a pretty sorry state to not have fun during the Stampede - whether you're boozing it up, or taking in one of the largest rodeos (and the largest chuckwagon) events in the world.

Even if you don't want to attend because you've "been there, done that", you have to appreciate that you have had fun in the past - and The Legend Continues...;)

[dubiousmike]

^Sorry dude...you gotta be in a pretty sorry state to not have fun during the Stampede - whether you're boozing it up, or taking in one of the largest rodeos (and the largest chuckwagon) events in the world.

Even if you don't want to attend because you've "been there, done that", you have to appreciate that you have had fun in the past - and The Legend Continues...;)

Buddy, I have fun every day. I don't need to put on a stupid looking hat or attend a parade.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Mike, Mardi Gras for rednecks is known as "Mardi Gras." It's not that different from Stampede and the hick-mook quotient is very high. Always a murder or two to spice things up.

I don't drink (much) and I won't dress up cowboy- is there anything more uncomfortable on a hot day than JEANS?- and I don't know or care about rodeo or the chucks, just not my thing, but I still like (like, not love, like) Stampede. Street life all hours, the midway, carnival food- it's like the Ex in Toronto was for me, but involving the whole city.

[Blood PuP]

When I was young I hated the stampede. Now I have learned that it is a lot more fun to just go with it instead of worrying about how stupid you look. Sure the costumes are silly, the dancing is lame, and the music has no soul. But everyone is out to have fun, so it does not matter what you are doing. Being self conscious is a waste of time. The general goofiness of some of the activities just make people more uninhibited. The only people who care about how you look and act don't matter because they are the ones pouting in the corner.

[IntotheWest]

Buddy, I have fun every day. I don't need to put on a stupid looking hat or attend a parade.

Okay buddy...go hide in your closet for the next 10 days :) Have fun.

Furry - that's exactly it. If it was just a rodeo, I could understand some aren't into that "culture".

I personally like the rodeo and chucks, and the Stampede is the best of the best...a good reason many from around the world come to visit this time of year.

However, the Stampede is far larger than the rodeo - binding the whole city for ten days, with visitors from all over to take in the activities on and off the grounds...music, street life, networking, and just having a good time.

BTW - The Stampede is "ranked" by UK's Rough Guides World Party as one of the best parties in the world.

EDIT: And yes, I even get my head in a hat - a traditional Smithbilt (black though). And yes, my in-laws (who are real ranchers and ex-rodeo riders) laugh every year. :)

[dubiousmike]

I'll admit the chucks are fun. Especially when you're hammered and you have money on it and and you're on the ground level and you can feel the thumping of the hooves on the ground. Good times.

I just roll my eyes when I see guys who wear suits and have a blackberry glued to their ear 355 days of the year spontaneously morph into cowboys.

The whole corporate side of the Stampede strikes me as completely disingenuous.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Seeing all these duded-up biz types downtown today wearing pink to support breast cancer research almost brought a tear to my eye today. I had a friend who died at 33 of breast cancer. I love this promotion ("are you tough enough to wear pink?") and it's being done with an air of levity instead of like a funeral.

Anyway, further to what I was saying earlier and affirmed by ITW, I just headed off to lunch today (no lineup at Uptown Sushi!) and then walked down Stephen Ave from 8th to OP, just taking in all the buskers and such, and then walked down 1st SE (one of the few times of year that the non-crackheads are in the clear majority!), bore witness to all the construction, and walked back home along 17th, with patios packed the whole way- didn't even step on the grounds. It's just about people and conviviality, for me.

[dubiousmike]

^^^

WORD!

I wore a pink shirt today :) It blew my mind how many others did.

[Deepstar]

Buddy, I have fun every day. I don't need to put on a stupid looking hat or attend a parade.

I have fun every day also, but I have even more fun when Stampede rolls around. I've never been able to figure out those who can't get into it, I feel bad for them, because the rest of the city is having a blast.

Open your mind up a little.

[Western Spaghetti]

I just roll my eyes when I see guys who wear suits and have a blackberry glued to their ear 355 days of the year spontaneously morph into cowboys.



That's what I like most about the Stampede :) Where else can you do that?

[Western Spaghetti]

There's no harm. It's just lame. Been there, done that. Got the t-shirt, ate the shitty pancakes.

The Stampede is different for everyone. I agree, the food at some of the breakfasts isn't great. The private events tend to have great food, ands usually free drinks, that's where the fun is at.

Last year 3 of the breakfasts I went to had excellent food, Eggs Benedict, etc..

[Western Spaghetti]

Quote:
Originally Posted by dubiousmike View Post
Yeah, our company party is at Cowboys. 4 drink tickets. pffft. I'll stay for 20 minutes, slam all four, say hello, and get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible.

Fuck the Stampede.

It's like Mardi Gras for rednecks.

hahaha awesome

Just out of curiosity what is it you find so funny and awesome out of that?

[clooless]

Pfffff. Stampede is no worse now that it was ten years ago when I went on my first Stampede pub crawl. Bigger, yes, but the behavior is pretty much the same. Just go with the flow and enjoy the spectacle I say. I mean, is there really anything wrong with time off from work, beer tents, beef barbeques, drunk, semi-clad women, cheesy country music and mini donuts once a year for ten days?

If there is anything lamentable about the current Stampede it's the fact that in recent years so many beer tents/bars/events are sponsored by Budweiser, thus excluding any beer actually worth drinking. At least when Labatt Ice sponsored events it was a beer worth drinking.

[dubiousmike]

Open your mind up a little.

Open my mind? There's no subtle and elusive subtext or enlightenment to be gained from Stampede. We're not talking about a mind-expanding and transformative cultural exhibition that tests the limits of our tolerance and understanding. We're talking about a ten-day boozefest with free hamsteaks and the occasional decorative haybale. I'm pretty sure I have a grip on the scope and philosophy of this event. It's an opportunity for a city that is normally glued to the status quo to yell "hooooo-ey!" and then see how many hotwings it can fit in its mouth at once. Sounds fun, but I tried it once and woke up the next day naked and covered in bruises.

But hey, I left work at noon today and got drunk. That was fun. So maybe there's something to this ;)

[freeweed]

But hey, I left work at noon today and got drunk. That was fun. So maybe there's something to this ;)

Ah, now he's getting it.

Conform, little peon. Comform. :haha:

[Tobyoby]

But hey, I left work at noon today and got drunk. That was fun. So maybe there's something to this ;)

That's what it's all about. I did the same thing :)

[jeffwhit]

Seeing all these duded-up biz types downtown today wearing pink to support breast cancer research almost brought a tear to my eye today. I had a friend who died at 33 of breast cancer. I love this promotion ("are you tough enough to wear pink?") and it's being done with an air of levity instead of like a funeral.


I had to pull out my only pink shirt today, quite proud that the stampede is taking on such a worthy cause this year, especially as the last fe years have seemed to be about pure indulgent debauchery.

[mersar]

I was down at the grounds today (had tickets to the Lazy S for the rodeo, and also went to the grandstand tonight) and the atmosphere and how they were doing the breast cancer awareness was quite well done. Plus they raised just shy of $600,000 in the 30 hours the one promotion ran for. But seeing as how everone from the Stampede president through to the Prime Minister and nearly all the ground-level staff in the grandstand all were wearing pink, it didn't look all that out of place. And the pink accents on everything around the grounds (pink outriders, pink bandanas on the superdogs, pink ad boards in the rodeo infield) also didn't hurt.

[IntotheWest]

Open my mind? There's no subtle and elusive subtext or enlightenment to be gained from Stampede. We're not talking about a mind-expanding and transformative cultural exhibition that tests the limits of our tolerance and understanding. We're talking about a ten-day boozefest with free hamsteaks and the occasional decorative haybale. I'm pretty sure I have a grip on the scope and philosophy of this event. It's an opportunity for a city that is normally glued to the status quo to yell "hooooo-ey!" and then see how many hotwings it can fit in its mouth at once. Sounds fun, but I tried it once and woke up the next day naked and covered in bruises.

But hey, I left work at noon today and got drunk. That was fun. So maybe there's something to this ;)

Glad to hear you admit some fun :)

But, also, despite many of us growing up with the Stampede as being no big thing, and definitely couldn't be a "cultural" experience - it most definitely is. I absolutely love watching various folks being interviewed during the parade from Britian, Australia - even the U.S....and yesterday, one guy from Nigeria (I believe), and they're all fully into the Stampede mood/experience. Or, the many celebrities, and Hollywood productions that even make mention of the Stampede. The dressing up in cowboy fashions is really just to show support for the culture - and honestly makes it more fun (IMO)...adding the "tough enough to wear pink" is the icing though. Even most of the rodeo contestants were tough enough.

As for the sport itself, again, I understand not everyone will like it (just like any other sport) - but there is no where else in the world that chucks are such a big event...and the rodeo itself attracting some of the biggest names - such as Dan Mortensen from Montana, 8-time world champ who is taking the year off except for the Stampede. It's a big deal.

[IntotheWest]

I was down at the grounds today (had tickets to the Lazy S for the rodeo, and also went to the grandstand tonight) and the atmosphere and how they were doing the breast cancer awareness was quite well done. Plus they raised just shy of $600,000 in the 30 hours the one promotion ran for. But seeing as how everone from the Stampede president through to the Prime Minister and nearly all the ground-level staff in the grandstand all were wearing pink, it didn't look all that out of place. And the pink accents on everything around the grounds (pink outriders, pink bandanas on the superdogs, pink ad boards in the rodeo infield) also didn't hurt.

How was the Lazy S? Is it worth it? This makeover to the Grandstand is a great idea...Ranahans is already a big success.

[mersar]

The Lazy S was good. Food was pretty good (I had a very nicely done NY steak), downside was the servers were a bit insistent on drinks since they is how they make their money, all food is included in the ticket price. The view from there though are a bit restricted as you are pretty far from the infield (for those that don't know, the Lazy S is the middle of the 4th level of the grandstand, they took some of the glass covered area out and turned it into an open air restaurant with a lounge behind it). Still a bit undecided if it was worth the $300 ticket price, but seeing as how I didn't actually pay for my ticket I shouldn't really complain.

[jeffwhit]

My favourite thing about the Stampede is easily the $8 beers.

[Surrealplaces]

^^^

WORD!

I wore a pink shirt today :) It blew my mind how many others did.

Right on!

[Surrealplaces]

Glad to hear you admit some fun :)

But, also, despite many of us growing up with the Stampede as being no big thing, and definitely couldn't be a "cultural" experience - it most definitely is. I absolutely love watching various folks being interviewed during the parade from Britian, Australia - even the U.S....and yesterday, one guy from Nigeria (I believe), and they're all fully into the Stampede mood/experience. Or, the many celebrities, and Hollywood productions that even make mention of the Stampede. The dressing up in cowboy fashions is really just to show support for the culture - and honestly makes it more fun (IMO)...adding the "tough enough to wear pink" is the icing though. Even most of the rodeo contestants were tough enough.



Last night down at Stephen ave there were plenty of out of towners, lots of foreign languages being spoken. I saw large group Brits all dressed up in their cowboy gear and were quite hammered. It was great.

I was surprised by how many French speaking people were out and about in their cowboy hats and stuff. That's the kind of thing I like about Stampede. It's Canada's biggest festival, and a good excuse to do some partying.

[Deepstar]

Open my mind? There's no subtle and elusive subtext or enlightenment to be gained from Stampede. We're not talking about a mind-expanding and transformative cultural exhibition that tests the limits of our tolerance and understanding. We're talking about a ten-day boozefest with free hamsteaks and the occasional decorative haybale. I'm pretty sure I have a grip on the scope and philosophy of this event. It's an opportunity for a city that is normally glued to the status quo to yell "hooooo-ey!" and then see how many hotwings it can fit in its mouth at once. Sounds fun, but I tried it once and woke up the next day naked and covered in bruises.

But hey, I left work at noon today and got drunk. That was fun. So maybe there's something to this ;)

Sorry bad choice of words, I meant to say 'open up a little', I didn't mean to say open your mind. All in all my message was more or less to accept the Stampede for what it is, a week long party. I don't have any connection to western heritage (I'm actually of Chinese origin), but last night I put on a cowboy hat and went out Stampeding, it's all in good fun.


^^^

WORD!

I wore a pink shirt today :) It blew my mind how many others did.

That's awesome! :tup: Sadly, I was too chicken to wear a pink shirt, but my girlfriend had a pink cowboy hat :)

[Lobstick]

Where are these Tequila breakfasts at?

[IntotheWest]

^I'm not sure if there's others...but as I mentioned earlier, one of the "notorious" ones attended by many execs is the Bullshooter Breakfast at the Westin. Great buffet, along with special orange juice. Actually, the juice comes right away at 7am sharp from what I recall.

You stumble out of there around 11am-ish.

[Lobstick]

^Those wacky execs are out of control.

I don't think companies actually see partying during stampede as a problem, otherwise they wouldn't be paying to set up parties and offering open bars. It's a pretty slow time of year for a lot of companies anyways.

[Boris2k7]

I'm almost lamenting the fact that I don't own a single pink shirt now...

Oh well, over the weekend I was helping out by attending a parking lot, while wearing my funny cowboy hat. It is one of those Alberta Beef ones from a few years back, so I don't feel too bad about not having supported a cause.

Still haven't hit up any parties though...

[davee930]

Just out of curiosity what is it you find so funny and awesome out of that?

hes from edmonton and is jealous so he wants to try and bring us down

[Just Build It]

Just out of curiosity what is it you find so funny and awesome out of that?

My thoughts exactly. When the whole city gets into something and is enjoying it, you have to feel pity for the person not enjoying it. Although later Dubiousmike was out wearing a pink shirt and partying. :)

[freeweed]

So it's only Monday, and what a start to the week. This morning's breakfasts were universally ruined by some nasty rain and (seemingly) tornado-force winds blowing through the downtown. Everyone was in a somewhat pissy mood heading out for lunches, when suddenly, the sun comes out and it turned into a pretty gorgeous day. I think the sudden nice weather got to people, because they sure started partying hard.

Now my thoughts lead me to think this could be the craziest Stampede week ever, or certainly for a long time. With the city finally becoming unaffordable for the 20-somethings that were moving here jobless and homeless in years past, I think we'll see a lot fewer risk-takers and thrill-seekers from here on in. But this year? Everyone is young, out to have fun, and out to blow a serious amount of cash. I think we're going to see some very interesting headlines by Sunday, which leads me to ask:

Would it be too tasteless to start a deadpool here? I honestly think we could venture into double-digit territory from drunken morons falling in front of the C-Train this year. :jester:

Seriously though, it's gonna be a wild week. If you hate partying, get out of the city, and if you can't, avoid downtown at all costs. The sheer crowd volume (both numbers of people on the street and loudness factor) today was insane, considering this is just Monday and most people haven't even begun to drink yet.

Oh, and another drunken breakfast: I've heard it called the Buckaroo Breakfast. Apparently it's invite-only, but it's not just a liquid breakfast, it's an open bar. Now that's a way to start your day. Most people don't last 2 hours there, from what I hear.

[SteveP]

So it's only Monday, and what a start to the week. This morning's breakfasts were universally ruined by some nasty rain and (seemingly) tornado-force winds blowing through the downtown. Everyone was in a somewhat pissy mood heading out for lunches, when suddenly, the sun comes out and it turned into a pretty gorgeous day. I think the sudden nice weather got to people, because they sure started partying hard.

Now my thoughts lead me to think this could be the craziest Stampede week ever, or certainly for a long time. With the city finally becoming unaffordable for the 20-somethings that were moving here jobless and homeless in years past, I think we'll see a lot fewer risk-takers and thrill-seekers from here on in. But this year? Everyone is young, out to have fun, and out to blow a serious amount of cash. I think we're going to see some very interesting headlines by Sunday, which leads me to ask:

Would it be too tasteless to start a deadpool here? I honestly think we could venture into double-digit territory from drunken morons falling in front of the C-Train this year. :jester:

Seriously though, it's gonna be a wild week. If you hate partying, get out of the city, and if you can't, avoid downtown at all costs. The sheer crowd volume (both numbers of people on the street and loudness factor) today was insane, considering this is just Monday and most people haven't even begun to drink yet.

Oh, and another drunken breakfast: I've heard it called the Buckaroo Breakfast. Apparently it's invite-only, but it's not just a liquid breakfast, it's an open bar. Now that's a way to start your day. Most people don't last 2 hours there, from what I hear.

The party action has been high this years. I've been out a few times and people everywhere seem to be drinking hard and having a good time.

[Coldrsx]

" Western Spaghetti Western Spaghetti is offline
La dolce vita

Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Calgary, Canada
Posts: 716

Quote:
Originally Posted by Coldrsx View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by dubiousmike View Post
Yeah, our company party is at Cowboys. 4 drink tickets. pffft. I'll stay for 20 minutes, slam all four, say hello, and get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible.

Fuck the Stampede.

It's like Mardi Gras for rednecks.

hahaha awesome"

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"Just out of curiosity what is it you find so funny and awesome out of that?"


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redneck martigras...not so much a slag as a reality...i still laugh when i read it...thank you mike.

[Kilgore Trout]

It's just about people and conviviality, for me.


same for me. when i lived in calgary i didn't even go to the stampede grounds --- but i would appreciate the stampede simply because it meant that calgary suddenly morphed into what felt like a much larger, busier city.

does the c-train still run 24 hours during stampede?

[mersar]

Yep, 24 hour service (5-8 min frequency until midnight, then 30 min from midnight to 5am, although around midnight-1 its generally a lot higher since there are quite a few trains outbound from stampede park)

[Bad Grizzly]

same for me. when i lived in calgary i didn't even go to the stampede grounds --- but i would appreciate the stampede simply because it meant that calgary suddenly morphed into what felt like a much larger, busier city.

does the c-train still run 24 hours during stampede?

It does indeed. Last year I took it in the wee hours and it was full of drunken partygoers, it was louder than it is at rush hour. It was quite comical actually.

[Habanero]

same for me. when i lived in calgary i didn't even go to the stampede grounds --- but i would appreciate the stampede simply because it meant that calgary suddenly morphed into what felt like a much larger, busier city.

does the c-train still run 24 hours during stampede?

Same for me here as well. I haven't been to the grounds in a few years, what I like about the Stampede is the rest of the stuff that goes on in the city, and that's really what makes it Canada's biggest festival. The CNE actually draws more people 1.6 million over 16 days, compared to the Stampede's 1.2 million over 10 days), but the events outside of the exhibition grounds draw something like 2-3 million over the whole week. Not to mention that all bars downtown are busy all of the time.

I won't be going to the grounds this year, but I have a half dozen events to go to including 3 this Friday. Should be fun.

BTW, did anyone see that CBS America morning show was broadcasting live from the Stampede today. It was seen by over 3 million viewers in the US. Gotta like that.

[Tobyoby]

" Western Spaghetti Western Spaghetti is offline
La dolce vita

Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Calgary, Canada
Posts: 716

Quote:
Originally Posted by Coldrsx View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by dubiousmike View Post
Yeah, our company party is at Cowboys. 4 drink tickets. pffft. I'll stay for 20 minutes, slam all four, say hello, and get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible.

Fuck the Stampede.

It's like Mardi Gras for rednecks.

hahaha awesome"

---------------
"Just out of curiosity what is it you find so funny and awesome out of that?"


---------------

redneck martigras...not so much a slag as a reality.[/B]..i still laugh when i read it...thank you mike.


You might want to check out the Stampede a bit more before deciding what's reality and what's a slag. These days I see as many non-whites wearing cowboy hats etc as white anglo saxon types.

Maybe check through this photo thread as well.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=134320

[Tobyoby]

dp

[Tobyoby]

dp

[Tobyoby]

" Western Spaghetti Western Spaghetti is offline
La dolce vita

Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Calgary, Canada
Posts: 716

Quote:
Originally Posted by Coldrsx View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by dubiousmike View Post
Yeah, our company party is at Cowboys. 4 drink tickets. pffft. I'll stay for 20 minutes, slam all four, say hello, and get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible.

Fuck the Stampede.

It's like Mardi Gras for rednecks.

hahaha awesome"

---------------
"Just out of curiosity what is it you find so funny and awesome out of that?"


---------------

redneck martigras...not so much a slag as a reality...i still laugh when i read it...thank you mike.

I take it you haven't been down to the Stampede recently. These days I see as many non-whites wearing cowboy hats etc as white anglo saxon types.

Some aspects of it still may come across as a red-neck mardi-gras, but the reality is that overall it isn't.

[IntotheWest]

^But the biggest difference between a CNE and Stampede is the rodeo/chucks - still at the heart of the Stampede...regardless if people like/dislike the sport - or, just enjoy the many other happenings around town. Agreed though, that it is the collective city-wide party atmosphere that keeps the Stampede the most well-known rodeo outside of the NFR (arguably, even better known than the NFR).

For me, I have to get down to the chucks and rodeo at least once in the 10 days...definitely interesting to watch a guy (Zeb Lanham yesterday) get knocked 25 feet in the air by 2000 lb bull...only to land on his head.

[IntotheWest]

Habenero - the link to this mornings CBS show is here...you can watch Dave Price's segment on the right side of the site:

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/earlyshow/main500202.shtml

At about the 4 minute mark they show Zeb getting knocked in the air...wow.

Oddly enough, what a lot of Canadians don't realize is how big the Stampede is to Americans, and how it's been mentioned within their own pop culture/media...from TV shows as "Desperate Housewives", to movies such as "An Unfinished Life", and celebrities such as Robert Duval and Kevin Costner making mention of it on talk shows.

In fact, I would bet more Americans are familiar with the Stampede compared to RodeoHouston or CFD - or, at least, as well known and travelled to.

[Surrealplaces]

"

redneck martigras...not so much a slag as a reality...i still laugh when i read it...thank you mike.

I think I know where Cold is coming from. No matter how you look at it, the cowboy hat/country western thing has some 'redmeck' connotation, deserved or not.

At the same time the whole redneck image of the Stampede is quite unfair. 20 years ago the Stampede was for Anglo white Saxons born in Alberta, but today that's not the case. Yesterday I saw a couple of African ladies wearing their Muslim headscarf with a cowboy hats on top. Where else in the world could you see that?

[IntotheWest]

Article from Stampede Extra today...I personally think this exposure is great for Calgary, the city itself and tourism:

History is made as Stampede hits U.S. TV
Val Fortney, Calgary Herald
Published: Wednesday, July 11, 2007
There are few things in this world that'll stir this old cowpoke out of bed at five in the morning.

But the lure Tuesday morning was too irresistible: just maybe, I could get my mug on American television.

That's the official explanation for why this scribe finds herself with Stampede head honcho George Brookman, the Stampede queen and her princesses and a bevy of other western-clad volunteers at the rodeo infield at such an ungodly hour. We smile and laugh for the cameras as CBS News's The Early Show tapes segments of its program right from the heart of cowboy country.


But there's another reason: I'm here to see history being made.

Yes folks, on Tuesday, the friendly visit from the CBS gang was a big, big deal: for the first time ever, this world-class annual event that's been going since 1912 finally gets a nod from a major American network's morning show.

"We've had networks from Australia, Japan, but this is a definite first," Travel Alberta boss Derek Coke-Kerr says. "Huge is the only word I can think of for it -- you just can't buy this kind of attention."

Fun is also another word for the 50 or so of us that have gathered to mark the arrival of Dave Price, the Early Show's weatherman who's also an Emmy-award-winning feature reporter.

Throughout the morning, the unbelievably charismatic Price -- who has been here since

1 a.m. with his crew preparing for the shoot -- tries his hand at milking a cow, barrel racing and roping (he's the one who gets roped, courtesy of veteran Airdrie roper Jeff Chapman). The crowd assembled behind him, which also includes Stampede Indian Princess Liva Joy Manywounds, is trained on cue to yell "What's going on in your area?" when it's time to cut to the network's local affiliates.

But the most entertaining moment comes when three-year-old Stone and 18-month old Scout Smith --whose belt buckle is almost as big as his head -- amble into view. "Take your CBS Price time buddy, 'cause there's just a few million people watching," quips the host as Stone, the son of winning tie-down roper Stran Smith of Childress, Texas, saunters past a hay bale with a plastic sheep's head jutting out of it.

So what brings these city slickers from the Big Apple to Cowtown this fine morning? Coke-Kerr attributes it to Travel Alberta's "brilliant marketing" and contacts in the U.S. "We have taken the Cowtown image to New York, to Wall Street," says Coke-Kerr. "We had the Sally Jesse Raphael show here a few years ago, but nothing like this. The Early Show has more than five million viewers."

We also have Price to thank for this new feather in Calgary's cap. Price is unabashed in his enthusiasm.

"The only problem with experiences like this, is that it's way too short," he says with a great big smile. "So many events we cover, we're surrounded by grief and misery, but here, it's all smiles and laughter."

Price takes the credit for bringing the show to Calgary. Growing up in upstate New York as an aspiring cowboy, he had heard about the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.

So when his team was writing up their summer calendar for '07, he made sure Calgary was on the list. "I had been to Calgary before, and it was like arriving at a ranch, just pure, warm hospitality," he says. "I've got a great job, I can come to places like this and get paid for it."

And as far as our Cowtown image, one that some citizens wish wasn't always played up so feverishly? Price thinks it's one of which we should be more than proud.

"The Stampede is true Calgary to the core," he says. "It is not a cheap carnival, or amusement park. It's history, entertainment and a celebration all wrapped up into one great package."

For Price, that's something worth travelling across the continent for. And for this Calgarian, it's a message worth getting up at five in the morning for.

[Rusty van Reddick]

I finally made it to the grounds today- had deep-fried mac n' cheese, which was not bad. Not really good, but I can say I tried it.

Insanely diverse crowd today, more than I've ever noticed there. I would say that most people were non-white.

[IntotheWest]

^Mmmmm....Deep-fried Mac and Cheese. Considering what my tastebuds really do prefer (sushi at Tojo's, Organic Beef Tenderloin at River Cafe, a nice bottle of Sonoma-county Zin from a number of vintners), I oddly enough crave Stampede food!

I didn't get to the "Frytown!" on Monday when I went down, but I'll sure get there tomorrow for some deep-fried mac n' cheese. I might even have to try one of those massive turkey drumsticks.

I may draw the line at deep-fried coke...however that works :)

[Coldrsx]

"more than I've ever noticed there. I would say that most people were non-white."

thats due to the scorching temps...whites turned brown or red;p

[IntotheWest]

^No, Furry is right...there is a growing amount of non-whites showing up at the Stampede.

Again, its a large party, and to those that have just immigrated here - or visiting - it's absolutely unique to this part of the world. And unless you want to take a drive to Cheyenne - likely no better atmosphere to experience the western/cowboy culture.

[Rusty van Reddick]

thats due to the scorching temps...whites turned brown or red;p

I played my part there- was red as a lobster when I got home!

[Habanero]

Insanely diverse crowd today, more than I've ever noticed there. I would say that most people were non-white.

There's been a really noticeable change in that regard over the last decade, and it's good to see. When I was downtown after the parade it seemed like a third of all the people there were visible minorities, a sign of changes in Calgary and the Stampede.

Surprisingly out of all the people wearing cowboy hats, about half were visible minorities..no kidding. I was amazed, you'd never have seen that 20 years ago.

[freeweed]

:previous: Calgary just isn't the caucasian enclave it used to be in the 1950s. I'm surprised people are just noticing this, as I find Calgary to be about as ethnically diverse as it comes city-wise.

Sure, Vancouver has far more Chinese - but they're not even a minority anymore. Toronto numbers-wise has more "minorities", but they're all clustered. I've spent days wandering around "multicultural" Toronto and seen 95% white people. Just depends on the areas you're in.

My neighbourhood alone has people from at least 25 different "non-white countries" that I've met personally (so much for white flight and the suburbs in Canada). When I hit the NE part of the city we have an entire shopping mall with Chinese signs everywhere. My workplace, a major O&G, is no more than 50% white, at least on my floor. Chinese, Japanese, about 20 flavours of European, Malay, Phillipino, Indian, Aboriginal, Pakistani, Thai, 5 or 6 African countries...

Maybe I get out more than most people and see more of the city. But Calgary has never struck me as being particularly "white".

[Western Spaghetti]

:previous: Calgary just isn't the caucasian enclave it used to be in the 1950s. I'm surprised people are just noticing this, as I find Calgary to be about as ethnically diverse as it comes city-wise.

Sure, Vancouver has far more Chinese - but they're not even a minority anymore. Toronto numbers-wise has more "minorities", but they're all clustered. I've spent days wandering around "multicultural" Toronto and seen 95% white people. Just depends on the areas you're in.

My neighbourhood alone has people from at least 25 different "non-white countries" that I've met personally (so much for white flight and the suburbs in Canada). When I hit the NE part of the city we have an entire shopping mall with Chinese signs everywhere. My workplace, a major O&G, is no more than 50% white, at least on my floor. Chinese, Japanese, about 20 flavours of European, Malay, Phillipino, Indian, Aboriginal, Pakistani, Thai, 5 or 6 African countries...

Maybe I get out more than most people and see more of the city. But Calgary has never struck me as being particularly "white".

The changes in the style of the Stampede definitely reflects changes to Calgary. Calgary has always had a pretty high percentage of non-whites, but the Stampede used to be more of a thing for 'club whitey'. These days it really is changing into a thing for all Calgarians.

I remember last year taking the LRT home from work, going north and stopping at Victoria station at the Stampede grounds. Half the people who got on were visible minorities and most of them dressed western. I thought it was pretty cool.

[IntotheWest]

^North central Calgary (Hamptons, Edgemont, and the like) are 50% Chinese populations...

Its not as diverse in the south though...but, I believe the third most diverse city in Canada (and that says a lot, really).

[freeweed]

I believe the third most diverse city in Canada (and that says a lot, really).

Especially in light of the general perception of this city, if you ask me.

[Rusty van Reddick]

^North central Calgary (Hamptons, Edgemont, and the like) are 50% Chinese populations...

Its not as diverse in the south though...but, I believe the third most diverse city in Canada (and that says a lot, really).

Among CMA's, and I hate to point this out, the ranking is

1. Toronto
2. Vancouver
3. Abbotsford
4. Calgary
5. Edmonton

Yes, Abbotsford, which is something like 23% VM (versus about 20% in Cgy), but as everybody knows, pretty much all of Ab's VM and immigrant population comes from one place.

[IntotheWest]

^Fair enough, Furry...thanks for the correction.

[Rusty van Reddick]

Well, I still say Calgary is #3, if we're talking "major" cities, and most people don't recognize Abbotsford as distinct from Vancouver anyway....

[Stephen Ave]

Among CMA's, and I hate to point this out, the ranking is

1. Toronto
2. Vancouver
3. Abbotsford
4. Calgary
5. Edmonton

Yes, Abbotsford, which is something like 23% VM (versus about 20% in Cgy), but as everybody knows, pretty much all of Ab's VM and immigrant population comes from one place.

When comparing major CMAs ,Calgary is third, but when comparing city populations Montreal is actually third I believe. Still really good numbers for Calgary, especially since we are supposed to be in the land of redneck and bible thumpers.

[Rusty van Reddick]

When comparing major CMAs ,Calgary is third, but when comparing city populations Montreal is actually third I believe. Still really good numbers for Calgary, especially since we are supposed to be in the land of redneck and bible thumpers.

No- if you're just looking at municipalities, then some relatively smaller ones end up on top- Richmond, Markham, Richmond Hill, Surrey, Brampton, etc. The most visible-minority-rich parts of the Montreal CMA are outside the city proper. Among CMAs, Montreal doesn't even have the national average for VM population.

[SteveP]

Is anyone Stampeded out yet? I had two Stampede events to do tomorrow, and I'm probably going to skip them. I've been Stampeding and drinking almost everyday this week, and I've had my fill. It gets tiring after a while, I don't know how these sales types do it.

[93JC]

I've been so busy at work the only Stampeding of any sort has been one, read it ONE measly non-alcoholic pancake breakfast.

:(

Come 3:30-4:00ish tomorrow I'll be leaving the office and getting my drink on at the Oxford 'Stomp'.

[The Kid]

I'm starting to reach the point of having my fill of the Stampede for another year but am gonna go hard this weekend because it's a full year before it fires up again. Starting today around 3:00! I should be totally spent by Sunday. I STILL love the Stampede!!!:cheers:

[Deepstar]

Yeah, I've had my does of Stampede for the year. I've got one more Stampede thing coming up and then I'm good until next year.

Just curious about the events people went to this year. Which ones were the best ones? which ones were duds?

The UBS Warburg due was a good one. Did anyone go to Telus' event?

[You Need A Thneed]

Is anyone Stampeded out yet?

Nope, if I hadn't read the papers, I'd would hardly even know that the stampede was going on - except for seeing a few guys in cowboy hats driving their SMART cars. I haven't been to the grounds, didn't go to the parade. I guess I did go to my church's stampede breakfast. We've been to busy taking care of my two month old, and getting ready to move at the end of the month.

[IntotheWest]

Showdown Sunday - the richest day in Rodeo! That'll be my last day Stampeding! Admittedly though, I don't do the drinking parties (or breakfasts) anymore though, so I can make it through to the end...

Bought my final day rodeo tickets back in February (they sell out quick), so looking forward to it.

[freeweed]

I'm seriously disappointed in one aspect of Stampede this year. There hasn't been a new pile of vomit at Dalhousie as of this morning. C'mon people, most years I see 3 or 4 during the week.

I know people are drinking, and cramming the trains full, so is our collective tolerance just that high this year? :jester:

[SteveP]

Yeah, I've had my does of Stampede for the year. I've got one more Stampede thing coming up and then I'm good until next year.

Just curious about the events people went to this year. Which ones were the best ones? which ones were duds?

The UBS Warburg due was a good one. Did anyone go to Telus' event?

I went to the Cisco breakfast at Joey Tomatos, and it was very good. Who can turn down Eggs Benny, and Orange juice with champagne!

[freeweed]

This city never lets me down. Someone got shmucked by a train today just south of the Erlton station. Needless to say, it caused no end of grief to the Stampede-bound population. Took quite a while to get a train out of there.

Now the bets are on to see if, like most train impact victims, he/she was drunk.

I do still find it odd to not have seen a single Checkstop during the entire week. I guess drinking & driving just isn't a concern in this city.

[Surrealplaces]

A couple of pictures from last night

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/7043/00000yi2.jpg
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/8304/00000ix9.jpg
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/1745/00000qt8.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/158/00000hq3.jpg
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2345/00000gm9.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/5467/00000bo6.jpg