It is incredible how time has passed by so quickly since my last blog entry in late June 2008. My list has been very full and sometimes overflowing like a water fountain that time has evaporated, so to speak. I know this will be a long blog, however, I want to catch everyone up with what I have been doing.
In early July we have the most awesome celebration called the "Calgary Stampede." How many of you know of any city that gets together with people that come to visit from all over the world for one big community party? Yup!! The other neat thing is that the entire city celebrates every day for 10 days straight. There are free pancake breakfasts for everyone at different locations throughout my great city. They serve up yummy pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans...(each breakfast has something a bit different) coffee and juice.
While you wait in very long lines (not to worry the lines go by quickly and you are entertained the entire time), people from various stores, radio stations, newspapers etc. will be handing you a lot of great free gifts each day. I was lucky that I was wearing my real cowgirl hat because anyone who wore theirs got even more prizes (the paper cowboy hats don't count, sorry!) 
There are many events going on throughout the city however, the main shows are right on the Stampede grounds where they have a ton of places serving up great food and drinks. Some of my favourites were the poutine, fresh squeezed lemonade and their famous mini-donuts. 
They have many shows to keep you entertained such as the rodeo, chuckwagon races, singers, dancers and much, much more. Also, you can visit the different exhibits throughout the park, and watch the late show full of fantastic entertainment and the evening fireworks. You have to see it to believe it!!
Next year the Calgary Stampede takes place from July 3 to 12, 2009. You can find more information on their website at cs.calgarystampede.com.
Love,
Madison