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| - New to Calgary, this is actually our second time at Stampede ever. We have yet to make it in to see a Rodeo (not pining to do so but everyone else seems to love them) and we refuse to go into Cowboys tent as that just looks like a yahoo-mess with people over-indulging in pretty much everything. We love to walk around these things, take in the one man bands walking around, check out the buildings, animals, temp. casino set-up and the FOOD STANDS. One can find everything edible on a stick these days here. Watching people trying to bite into the Turkey Legs are a hoot too. We are childless so no rides for us. My hubby is a self admitted wimp and while I have been on many a roller coaster in my younger days, I have no need any longer to trust my life to some rubber band, crazy glue bound, creaking piece of machinery. Watching people zip line through the air above the Fair as I call it was kind of cool. Many of the workers in their little stalls on the pre-opening day looked kinda tired and frazzled at the same time knowing that they have 10 more days of this nightmare working 16 hours per day. Many were from Ontario, the ones we met and spoke to.
The Fair is expensive. We played a couple of games and they average about $4-$5 a game per person. That is a lot for a 25 cents stuffed snake that will end up in a garbage bag in your basement with all the other ones. Crown and Anchor has even gone up to a $2 bet minimum! Remember guys when it was 25 cents to place a bet on Spades? Food, $$$, small corndogs $5, candy apple $4.75, popcorn $4. I have a friend in town who brought her husband and 3 little girls to Stampede. They are going to take it in almost daily and they are all geared up in new cowboy wear. I cannot imagine the cost AND staying in a downtown hotel for 2 weeks on their very modest salaries! YIKES!
We are not much for crowds so it was nice to go on the Sneak Peek Day (Jul 5) with free passes someone gave us to see the grounds. They were set up pretty much like last year. We tried just about every junk food there was, just a bite or 2 each, but we drew the line at the deep fried cheesecake. We do not follow the Fair agenda, do not see the shows, we just like to walk around and around and people watch - and again, EAT!
The traffic is bonkers so if you can avoid driving downtown to get there - do so. Even if you have to take a cab - let someone else deal with the madness.
Overall, the Fair brings back childhood memories, sights, sounds, smells and we may go back one more time before it ends. We do not dress like people/the cowboys we are not but hey - I bought a hat and good thing I did as the rain pelted down last night pretty hard sending everyone for cover and shutting down the Fair. The Fireworks at 11pm were a nice touch as a Fair opener.
I think the main thing is if everyone could just control their alcohol intake, the place would be a little happier and safer place to be. Drunks are just so annoying.
See ya there maybe but not anywhere near the beer gardens - like Cowboys, not our thing but I guess the money has to be made somewhere. Beer - just a simple Budweiser can = $6.75 plus tip. Reeeeediculous. Robbery.
The Fair though is very clean, there are always people sweeping and picking up garbage. It is mind blowing how many volunteers are working the Fair and we are very grateful for them making our experience a better one.
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