Stampede Time
As the academic year winds slowly to a close, and the memories of SAIT Day, Faculty Showcase and the SAFA Social Function become obscure, we ready ourselves for one more event. The Calgary Stampede, the Stampede kicks off its annual parade on July 3 rd. A proud tradition here in Alberta which has its roots back to 1912 when it was originally the Frontier Day Celebration and Championship. 1922 the Stampede joined the Exhibition which held one event a year – The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede began in July and ran for two weeks. This was also the beginning of the ‘Free’ Stampede Breakfast. Many a seasoned Calgarian can testify to the variety of Stampede Breakfasts offered all over the city. This year’s Parade Marshal is Olympic Bobsleigh Gold Medalist Kaillie Humphries. SAIT for many years have encouraged all of their employees to support and attend the Stampede, SAIT classes are suspended for the morning of the Parade to give all employees the opportunity to attend the spectacle.
The Exhibition in itself is ‘Nirvana’ for all of us junk and sugar aficionados of the fast food revolution. The Exhibition is not a place for the under-indulgers, one cannot image a stroll through the mid-way without indulging in those sugar coated mini doughnuts, a deep fried corn dog, Pizza on a stick, deep fried cheesecake and new this year – Peanut Butter Kebob, Lobster Corn dog and the decadent Bourbon Street Peppercorn Steak Poutine…OMG. And if you have the stomach for it the Cockroach Pizza…think I’ll pass. The Horse and Bull riding championships are a huge crowd pleaser and no Stampede would be complete without the famous Chuck Wagon Races. If the sporting events are not your forte then the evening concerts with big star attractions such as Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean may appeal to your country and western taste. Not discounting the Stampede Talent Search and Stampede Show Bands, and the always entertaining Stampede Show Dogs. If the Mid-Way is the place for you to let off a little steam then you won’t be disappointed with Crazy Mouse, The Outlaw, the ear piercing Polar Express and the new …heart stopping Mach 3.
The Stampede is a fun filled time for all families and friends, a bit costly on the pocket book but then for most of us it is only once a year. Who doesn’t want to chance their luck with buying a ticket to win a new car, motor home or even the fabulous show home? For most of us the Stamped is a luxury that we allow ourselves to afford however, there is unfortunately that group within our society that do not have that available luxury. This is becoming quite evident on the home front of our Institution. I am taken aback at the number of our students that are struggling desperately to purchase even the basic food items. My hat goes off to SAITSA, The Student Association for their tireless efforts to campaign for food donations for these unfortunate students. The reason for these students to find themselves in desperate need is not for me to judge…a discussion for another day. SAITSA have food banks available all year round for donations, the resource Centre is MC 107, Stan Grad for further information.
So as we adorn the Stetson Cowboy hats and Lammles Caiman Boots, then squeeze into those once flattering Wranglers, let’s be mindful of those individuals that can only enjoy the Stampede from afar. “YAHOO”
James McWilliams
SAFA President