2016 Calgary Stampede

Where to begin? I took half the day off to check out Stampede via corporate event. This year was pretty big and the amount of people even on a Monday afternoon is pretty incredible.

Having been to the Stampede before, I kinda knew what I was in for when they brought the riders down on high wires. The intro band wasn't that great, their dancing routine was a little cringe-worthy. All those 1980's hits didn't really resonate well with me. I'd rather forget about 'take on me' from 1980's.

There's tons of garish plus toys on display. All pretty well unwinnable by any stretch of the imagination. I'm sure you could sink several hundred dollars before you'd be able to walk away with anything like you see in the picture below. 

On this particular display was small kids motorbikes on display to "win". I really doubt they have given any bikes out, but you never know. I figure the bikes are worth what, $150 ? Those pocket bikes are really cheap.

Rather than taking time and composing shots I just ran through and shot as many as I could and get the hell out of there. I hate crowds.

Horrifying art.

Maybe my best shot of the day. Plush toys.

The intro to the stampede. I really liked the Indian dancing at the beginning. The stampede jokes were rather old and stale. Many people get hammered drunk on these days. I don't enjoy that. I had 1 beer and I was out.