Stampeding

Beginning at dawn in early July, griddles are hot and volunteers fry pancakes and sausage with coffee for free. it is part of tradition, in Calgary. The streets are lined early with kids young and old. Dressed western in denim, a sight to behold. Marching bands, clowns, floats, native braid, cowboys and horses in the Stampede parade. Canada’s pride, uniformed in red serge, The Musical Ride, does perfectly merge horse and rider in color and sound, visitors the world over, here can be found. Corn dogs, french fries, pizza, candy floss, barkers, lights and midway rides toss screaming daredevils high up into the air not for the faint of heart, so beware. Livestock and craft exhibitions abound, locations all over the park can be found. Watch blacksmiths work iron heated red, forming horseshoes and nails in a hot smoky shed. Escape from the noise to the Indian village and learn about the First Nation’s heritage. Tasting bannock, made on open fire watched by towering teepees, we admire. An outdoor stage with grass, so sweet. Drummers chanting and pounding a beat, while dancers in beaded and feathered dress circle the stage with the art they express. On to the Grandstand and rodeo’s roar, calf roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding, more. The barrel racer, as she leans into the turn, urging her horse for a faster return. The rodeo clown draws laughs from the crowd as the bull knocks over his barrel, so proud of throwing his rider face down in the dirt, The grandstand gasps, ‘Ohhh! That’s gotta hurt’. A horn announces the start of  the race, chuckwagons fly at a furious pace. Around their barrels and into the turns, the inside rail is what each team yearns. Outriders gallop through dust and the dirt kicked up by wagon wheels as they flirt with danger, rounding into home stretch, looking for day-money, that first place will fetch. For night on the town and a few yeehaws!! Cowboys, Ranchman’s and The Outlaws, Line-dance, thumbs in your belt tight or two-step your partner, all through the night. Watching the fireworks to end the day. Time to head home and hit the hay. But don’t think that this Stampede has been done, Heck, there’s nine more days, this was just one! (c)  Jim      May/98This is a fun piece on the Greatest Outdoor show in North America. In July, 'stampeding' means 'partytime'. Written May 1st, 1998 © on Nov 26 2001 03:42 PM PST   adult • humor