Wrap up of Stampede week

Well Folks, you can close yet another chapter in the Calgary Stampede. It was actually my first Stamped in a little over 3 years, and I have to say, it hasn't changed much. except I think I have changed. I remember dying to go to the Stampede and ride the rides until I could ride no more. I would go online and make a list of all the bands I wanted to see on the Coca Cola Stage, and I would eat deep fried food to my hearts content. However, as I've gotten older, I've started to lose my desire to go and try and fight through massive crowds, rowdy drunks, and punk kids trying to act like their the coolest thing. However this year was a bit different, as it was my son's first time to the Stampede. Having a kid to take to the Stampede renews your spirit in the fun of the Stampede. We have to go earlier in the day, so as to make it home for bed time etc. So the crowds aren't that big, and there is a lot of kiddie stuff to do there, that as an adult; hasn't appealed to you since you graduated elementary school. It was a blast to watch my son discover so many new things. He was thrilled to get up close to animals he's never seen in real life before. It was fun to eat new foods, and play in new play places with lots of other kids. And of course, who can pass up the opportunity to meet one of his all time favorite TV characters, Cookie Monster. It truly does bring in a whole new perspective, and it makes the Stampede fun again for a guy who doesn't drink, gamble etc. All the things that the Stampede is known for, for the adult crowd. Now don't get me wrong, there are plenty of good things for adults to do at the Stampede as well. Jody and I went down for a night for a date. We went to the exhibition center and checked out all the latest products people are hocking. We also went to the round up center to see the art exhibits. With Jody being a photographer, that was special for her. We had the opportunity to meet one of the photographers who had their work displayed. He told us about his work, and the lengths he goes to to get his pictures. While not exactly the same niche Jody is interested in, it was very cool to hear. She is hoping to get her work entered in next years exhibition, for anyone who may be interested. We also took in some of the food, and took a Farris wheel ride to cap off the evening before we headed home. But the biggest highlight for us was a singing competition she entered in for one of the local radio stations. She was chosen to be in a group of ten finalists to compete for the grand prize. She got the opportunity to belt out a favorite tune of hers in front of a crowd of a few thousand stampeder's and had a great time. If anyone wants to check it out click on the following youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5_YJhdPkZA&feature=channel and enjoy. The song is Anyway by Martina McBride(hope I spelled that right), and I think she did fantastic.
All in all it was a pretty good time. Now comes the fun of enjoying whats left of summer, as we prepare to move into our new home once it is finished. After that comes settling into our new life here in Calgary and meeting new friends while we enjoy some of those that we already have.