Day 11 - Chuck Wagon Races in Calgary

The morning broke in glorious sunshine, not a chance of rain in the forecast.  The air was dry with just a hint of a cool crispness to it.   This was going to be a beautiful day!  

Again today everyone was on their own schedule.  Some headed off to shop in downtown Calgary.  Others made their way back over to the Stampede Park.

Shhhh....a super secret luggage sale!  Jill and Pam stimulate the Canadian economy.

The crowd begins to swell at the Stampede Park.

So much to look at.

Stu, the leather shop owner, and Mike

Stu and Mike hit one of the many shops set up in the Stampede Park grounds.

Trick riding exhibition, this is an eleven year old!

A competitor from the World Championship Blacksmith Competition.

Originally the competition began with 16 countries being represented.  The competition was narrowed down to a final five Farriers.  This young man represented Scotland.  He had the unfortunate draw of a mildly unruly horse to shoe.  Each competitor had to clean, trim, and fit two hind shoes for each horse.  The catch, those shoes had to be crafted from two pieces of flat, stock steel.  David's horse pranced around a bit, backed over him twice before settling down.  Being terribly behind at each phase of the judging he was pronounced the winner just before the Chuck Wagon Races.

These two probably do belong in Calgary Stampede jail, for some transgression that might, 

or already has, occurred!

Clydesdale Team

Mike and Pam have great seats for the races and evening show.

Joe and Pam, ready for the evening's activities.

The Chuck Wagon races began with the same pageantry as the rodeo did.

One of the teams coming to the staging area.

Teams entering the staging area for the start of the race.

And their off!

Those Chuck Wagon races were something else.  The wagons were pulled by teams of Thoroughbreds.  Each wagon team was followed by two Out riders.  The start of each race was chaotic.  People (Out riders) were on the ground holding the teams back right before the starting horn sounded.  Then wagons and teams raced around the starting barrels, dirt and mud flew everywhere!  The Out Riders vaulted themselves onto their Thoroughbreds with a single jump, bouncing on the ground just once.

Following the Chuck Wagon races, the arena was quickly converted into a gigantic stage.  Stage Crews along with the biggest John Deere tractor that we've ever seen aided in the transformation.

The show begins!

Canada's version of KISS

The show ended with a tribute to the people of Calgary that were affected by the terrible flooding.  Not only were many people's homes flooded (at one point 10,000 people were evacuated from their homes, but the Stampede Park was flooded too.  In fact, the Saddledome was still closed due to the flooding.  The water inside this building was up to the eighth row.   Locker rooms, food concession areas, washrooms, mechanical rooms and the arena still need further restoration from the mucky waters.

The Young Canadians, aerial performers, ballet dancers, opera singer, violinist, singers, were outstanding!

Today was still another amazing day at the Stampede.