The Calgary Stampede 2017

We're now in Calgary on the next leg of our Canadian adventure - just in time for the Calgary Stampede! Billed as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, if you're a cowboy or cowgirl, I'm guessing! Nearly everyone we've seen walking down the street are wearing cowboy hats and boots! Today was the first day and as luck would have it (and our travel itinerary) it was free entry to the park and shows which was a huge bonus.
Wow, this thing is huge. Once we'd got our bearings we headed to the Dog Bowl to watch the canine stars as I knew the kids would love it. They did. A 30 min show of rescue dogs performing all kinds of tricks with kids laughing with delight. By far their most favourite thing we've done this holiday! We also got to meet and pet the dogs after the show so now the campaign to get a dog has really increased!
We saw stunt motorbikes and quad bikes, watched the mini chuck wagon races - the miniature horses were very cute, rode on a gondola to get views of the entire park, visited the agricultural centre where Dex stuck his hand in the bottom of a fake cow to see if it was pregnant (the rest of us refused!) and I stared in disbelief at the huge amount of fried food stalls. Anyone fancy deep fried Oreo cookies or chocolate dipped bacon?
It was a great experience and the good news is that there is free entry for families on Sunday morning so we shall be returning, no doubt to see the dogs!