Calgary Stampede 2009

During stampede time, organizations and businesses give back to the community by hosting free breakfasts throughout the city. You can literally go for a traditional breakfast every morning of those 10 days - which is absolutely incredible.

Though you might have to stand in line for while, this is a great way to get to know other people in your community and if you are from out of town, its a magnificent way to get to know the locals from Calgary. So... whatever you do, commit yourself to going to at least one free breakfast this year. The Calgary Stampede is totally worth it, even if its just for the free breakfasts.

When visiting the actual stampede itself, bring at least $50 worth of pocket money with you (if you are going by yourself that is). First, there is the admission fee, and then there are costs for rides, shows, food and whatever else.

Just keep in mind that... be it the rides, food, draws, shows, or performances, there is something for everyone - young and old. So make the best of it!

It being a true "once in a lifetime experience" has people coming back every year from all across Canada, as well as from around the world to come and experience a whole lot of fun, tradition & culture again.

The directors and coordinators of the Calgary Stampede 2009 have promised to make this year the best year yet and when looking at some of the things they have planned, there is no doubt in anyones mind as to whether or this is true.

If you have never visited the stampede yet, make this your year - I promise you will not regret it!

Showing up in a suit and tie would completely ruin the Calgary Stampede 2009 experience, and unless you want to stand out like a sore thumb, don't show up in your Halloween costume either, and make sure you leave you heroic tights at home as well. ;-)

To really get in to the Calgary Stampede 2009 spirit, here is what you need to bring with you:
- Bring your cowboy hat. Even if it is just a cheap one, bring it with you and actually wear it. It doesn't seem to matter that else you wear, as long as you wear a cowboy hat, you are considered a cowboy.
- Put on some jeans. If you are anything like me, you can't stand jeans. To make the most of your time at the Calgary Stampede 2009, don't just act as a cowboy, but do your part and dress like one too. Wear the Wranglers or Calvin Kleins or whatever close to it you got!
- Next thing on the list is the belt buckle. Unlike cellphones, the bigger the buckle the cooler the cowboy. In this case, size really does matter.
- Once you got the buckle, you can't escape the shirt. Don't get anything too fancy, just something you like & that is comfortable to wear in warmer weather.
- Last but definitely not least: dust off, polish and shine your cowboy boots. You are judged by how you trod. If its a solid footstep, no one has doubts whether or not you are indeed a cowboy at heart. Spurs I wouldn't really recommend (personally) but hey, if you got them handy, by all means!

Though cowgirls have a greater variety of cloths to choose from, there are only a few things they should wear for the Calgary Stampede 2009. Here they are:

- The hat. Its not the hat that makes a cowgirl, but its definitely the hat that gets her noticed as one. Did I mention it gets pretty hot sometimes temperature wise at the stampede ground? So... the hat is a must for sure!
- Jeans. Though a lot of cowgirls like to wear their shorts or skirts (skirts are nice btw) but nothing is as practical and comfortable as a good pair of jeans. Whether your hanging on a ride somewhere or just watching the chuck wagon race, jeans are a must.
- Once you got the jeans, don't forget the buckle. You could never come close to the size of that of a cowboy belt buckle, but hey, you could always try.
- Cow-Girl-Boots. Again, a nice comfortable touch to the old western tradition and experience. I wouldn't recommend anything with too high of a heel, as your feet will get sore at the end of the day.
- Want to really look your part? Nothing is more authentic than a cowgirl wearing a western shirt. This too is an absolute treasured western wear and is liked by many for its comfort & sharp look.