Keeping the Spirit Alive: 6 Ways You Can Celebrate Stampede This July
There’s a reason they call it Cowtown. Each year, thousands of people descend upon our city from far and wide to take part in the annual Calgary Stampede celebrations, and even though the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to hold our horses on this year’s iteration of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace our inner Clint Eastwood and celebrate Calgary’s Western spirit and culture from afar. So, dust off your boots and crack open a ‘booch, because things are about to get a little bit wild (west, that is).
1. Load Up On Your Favourite Made-In-AB Merch
Let’s be real, we all know that you can’t fully experience Stampede season unless you’re properly dressed, and by properly dressed we mean decked out in cowboy boots and all things flannel. If you’re really feeling the Western vibe, finish the look with an iconic white cowboy hat, an official Calgary Stampede belt buckle, and, of course, a pair of Wrangler jeans (or jean shorts, it’s still summer in Calgary, after all) - all of which you can find at the official Calgary Stampede online store, as well as a ton of other Stampede fashion and CS 2020 swag, courtesy of Lammle’s.
Image: @almostffamous
One of our favourite things about Stampede is the platform it gives local businesses to showcase their goods to the masses. While you won’t be able to find your favourite vendors at physical events like the Makers Market or at pop-ups around the city like you normally would, many of your favourite items are now available online for the first time, so be sure to stock up!
Pro tip: Don’t know where to start? Check out our WTK & Friends Online Shop, featuring 30+ of our favourite Calgary-based brands.
2. Spice Up Your Life With (A) Stampede Spirit
Nothing says Stampede like a good, old-fashioned gin on the rocks. Brewed specifically with Alberta’s western flair in mind, this exclusive barrel-aged gin from Eau Claire Distillery was meant to spur a sense of community, celebrate a love for the wild west, and is the perfect way to get a sip of the Stampede at home this year.
Outside of the Eau Claire Distillery Taproom in Turner Valley, you’ll only be able to find this super limited-edition brew at the company’s booth located at the Calgary Farmer’s Market (which is one of our fave spots in YYC during the summer, so it’s totally worth the trip to get your hands on it. Don’t forget to wear a mask!).
Image: @eauclairecraft
3. Hungry? Feed Your Wild Side At the Free House Corral
If you’re like us, one of the things that will be missed the most this summer is the all incredible Stampede food that has become somewhat of an urban legend here in Calgary. Luckily, Free House has you covered. From July 3-12, the Kensington beer and food hall will be serving up all your favourite staples - from free pancakes every morning to a patio pig roast and even a midway pop-up window, the Free House Corral is a one-stop shop for all the Stampede foodies in your life.
For more a detailed schedule, menu, and pricing, check out Free House’s website here, which has everything you need to know about the restaurant’s Stampede events.
Pro tip: Free House also carries WTK Hard Kombucha Ciders!
Image: @freehouseyyc
4. Get Your Country Music Fix
Country music and the Calgary Stampede go together like peanut butter and jam (literally). While the Coca-Cola stage won’t be bumpin’ with all the biggest names in music this year, that doesn’t mean we can’t jam out to country tunes all summer long. In fact, the wait for a live music event to return to Calgary may not be as long as you think. Local country music star Gord Bamford, in partnership with ATB, has announced the Drive In For Mental Health Tour, which will see the Neon Smoke singer in Calgary on July 18 playing at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino for a unique concert experience. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards supporting mental health initiatives in Alberta and you can get your tickets here.
Image: @thegordbamford
On that note, make sure to follow Wild Tea Kombucha on Spotify for all your summer jam sessions (we even made a playlist just for Stampede, and we think you’ll love it).
5. Light Up The Night With The Bell Fireworks Spectacular
This is going to be epic. On June 30, The Calgary Stampede made a surprise announcement that there will be two separate fireworks displays in honour of the cancelled event, and we can’t think of a better tribute. According to event organizers, the Bell Fireworks Spectacular will be higher and more impressive than any Stampede fireworks show to date, and anyone with a view of the city skyline can catch a glimpse of the action on both July 3rd and July 12th at 11:00pm.
Image: @calgarystampede
6. Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast
Last, but definitely not least, is one of the Stampede’s OG traditions: the classic pancake breakfast. While Stampede organizers have planned a Kid’s Pancake Drive-Thru on Wednesday, July 8, why let the kids have all the fun? We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Stampede season at home than with a DIY pancake breakfast, especially if you are unable or not quite ready to venture out just yet. If you really want to spice it up, pick up a couple bottles of WTK Strawberry Daiquiri for the ultimate, Stampede brunch. We paired our Strawberry Daiquiri Mimosa with pancakes topped with Kombucha-Berry Compote. Torill’s Table delicious (and local to boot) waffle & pancake mix is shop-able on our online store, or in grocery stores around the city. Trust us, this brunch will kick-start your YAHOO!
Strawberry Daiquiri Mimosa
Ingredients:
2 oz Chilled Strawberry Daiquiri Kombucha
4 oz Sparkling Wine (We Recommend Prosecco)
Pour the sparkling wine into a champagne flute.
Top with the kombucha.
Kombucha-Berry Compote
Ingredients:
1 lb of Strawberries (Sliced or Quartered)
1 tsp of Fresh Lime
3 tbsp Strawberry Daiquiri Kombucha
Wash, and slice or quarter the strawberries.
Put the strawberries into a medium sized saucepan, add lime juice and kombucha and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until desired consistency.
Make sure to stir frequently so the berries don’t burn!