Exactly - just another reason to avoid the actual stampede grounds. The best parts of stampede was never the grounds IMHO.
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I went once around 13 years ago. Don't remember much about it, except the c-train ride down. Some guy started a "meat sandwich" GWAR chant, was hilarious to hear the whole section chanting the song in unison :rofl:
I had to think about this. Long, loong time ago.
When was Medicare implemented?
Once a year during the family day gong show. We just walk around, play some games, eat some shitty food, and check out the BMO. Don't do any shows, rides or drinking. I wouldn't go if I had to pay for admission.
It is funny that I grew up in Calgary and never once went to the Stampede. My parents came over from Germany and didn't like the cowboy thing so we never went. I finally went when I was older after I had moved to Edmonton. Still only been the one time. I get invited every year from vendors but I always go to the Ponoka Stampede instead as I like it better (less people, more intimate experience if that makes sense).
I've been to the Ponoka stampede. That's a great event.
All smaller rodeos are awesome really.
Every 2-3 years I go for a day or two. Went a LOT more when I was 18-21 (-ish).
For me at the end of the day I will only spend a little amount of my own money on stampede. How much stampede events I attend is directly correlated to how many free tickets/drinks/invites I get.
The wife and I go every year to try the food and people watch. Its an excuse to get out and walk around for a bit. That being said we usually go in the early afternoon and leave around or right after supper. This year we had tickets to see Sugarland so we went down early to check things out then went to the concert and left immediately after. We really like the sheep shearing, heavy horse pull, and all of those free shows in the Nutrient Center. Plus walking through the barns is always fun. This year I also got taken to the Rodeo which I thought was awesome. I would love to see the chucks and maybe actually make it to Bull Bustin.
That being said I have ZERO desire to go to any of the tents. Let'er Buck was great but I still left at about 5 when it opened up to the public. Big guns was a complete shit show - what an embarrassment of an event. I don't think Doggie-Do happened this year but I did the Cowtown rodeo which had poor attendance because of the weather but you were right up close and personal with the bulls and bull riders which was a lot of fun.
All in all the crowds suck dick but for the $100 I would spend to check things out and eat shitty food with the wife I enjoy myself.