By:  Estrella Delos Reyes

Once again, it was time to grab some coins and change for the C-Train ride, bring the cowboy hats and the whole family to a day at the grounds. It was definitely going to be a  whole day of fun and laughter at the Stampede. The Family Day at the event is one big Sunday for most Calgarians.  Just how effective was it?   I have been visiting the Stampede for the last 20 or so years of my life here in Canada. If not the Family Sunday, it definitely will be the Kid’s Day on a Wednesday.  Once I was asked,  Is it worth it? To wake yourself and your kids up that morning and line up with the seemingly endless influx of people just to get in for free? What about that breakfast? Line-up is so humongous that little kids start getting cranky, and the variety of sounds everywhere just won’t bother you?  I say, ah ah ah….now watch it.

Family Day at the Stampede grounds had been a tradition. And we do not break traditions. It is so hard to break traditions. My first Stampede visit was the first Sunday of the 10-day event. I was pregnant back then. Yes, I lined with the people around me. The sea of humans are just so inviting that you wanted to reach the end of the trail. Of course the sea waves and moves. As it had always been, the grounds opens to the public and closes a little after 9 AM.  I pushed myself in forgetting I was about 8 weeks pregnant. There is the crowd, the music, the laughter, and the fun. It’s all part of the game. The breakfast, the shows, and the rides, well, who would say no?!  This is an all-in-one entertainment. Food galore, festive moods from every corner of your eyes, exciting games and rides, what more can I ask for?  For that day, my time was well worth it.

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This year’s Family Day still had the old and of course new highlights which included  the Stampede Talent Search in the Corral at 6:30 p.m.  The Acrobatic Ice Show at the Stampede Corral starts at 7:30 p.m. featuring Canada’s elite skating superstars and cirque-style acrobats for this high energy show. Performers included world renowned Elvis Stojko, Olympic Gold Medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir and Calgary’s own Olympian Vaughn Chipeur.  The Rangeland Derby and Grandstand Show with the fireworks finale started at  8:00 p.m. in the Stampede Grandstand. And finally, freestyle motocross revved up at the Mid-way Circus, right across from the Dream Home around 8:30 p.m.

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Was it worth it then? I say, definitely yes! Calgary brings in this solid fun and entertainment – even just for

10 days during the summer months. But it doesn’t end there. Our life goes on and moves on. Let us keep

the spirit of Family Day the whole year round, each and every day of our lives will we?