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| - Some of the other reviewers have stated very well the essential elements of any review - to wit - the Stampede doesn't change from year to year, and there really is no excuse for complaining if by now you don't understand what it is all about. It is expensive, crowded, and most certainly not for everyone. Drunkenness may seem rife, and sadly, more and more young girls seem to think that "dress Western" is synonymous with "dress like a prostitute".
There are, however, sufficient activities to appeal to just about anyone, and of course, some things in life you go to just for the atmosphere.
Some activities I don't see mentioned in many reviews are the commercial displays in the Big Four building, which was often one of my favourite things to do, seeing new products and hearing the hawkers go through their spiels.
I don't know if anyone mentioned the annual entrepreneurial spririt of the Victoria Park residents, who charge "humble" fees for parking in their yards and driveways, a grand Stampede tradition that needs to be experienced to be believed.
My last experiences on the Grounds were as part of the Canadian Forces weapons and recruiting displays, which set up every summer for the 10-day run. The CF brings down reps from the three services (navy, army, air force) and often heavy equipment for people to look at and kids to crawl around on.
Like it, love it, or hate it, the Stampede is part of our heritage. I may not walk through the gates, but I love the idea of the Stampede and think our city would be much poorer without it as part of the fabric of our community each year. It is far more than just the sum of its parts.
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