Man I love these types of threads. Here is my take on some of it.
First with regards to Edmonton and Calgary(I live here). Both cities have nothing to brag about with respect to the mullets, cowboys, etc. As we all know Edm has more people sporting mullets and hockey jerseys than I have ever seen. Calgary on the other hand has the stigma of having people run around in Lammles or western wear, which is equally embarrassing. I guess the difference is that although one will see pure 80's attire in Edmonton on a regular basis, you rarely see(thank god) people in Western attire here, other than Stampede(though i still would never don the clothes).
With regards to nightlife, how about this, both cities have very little when it comes to nightlife and districts. Whyte avenue mind you is a little more enticing than anything here though. I have to agree with Draftwatcher in that you can't compare Chinook or other malls to West Ed, with respect to nightlife, because that old mall does have a few spots at least to go to. We as the city of Calgary still have a ways to go in order to boast having a lively downtown(partly because of city hall and the fact a low percentage of people live in the core, compared to other vibrant cities). Eau Claire is dead, 17th is pretty good(not many clubs though, but we still do have 1st. SW) and Stephen avenue is never busy either, so lets not use that for comparison.
As far as festivals, well you Edmonton people can boast having festivals, but as others have mentioned, half of them most people would care less about. But, I do have to give you credit for your arts and culture compared to Calgary. The Fringe festival is pretty cool though. As far as Calgary, yes the Stampede is a much larger festival, but in reality is nothing to brag about either. Known worldwide yes, but mostly for other people whom enjoy hicklike activities or seniors from around the world touring Canada. The midway is exactly the same as any other Conklin show, so no advantage there.
As far as the redneck thing goes, there are far too many in this province, let alone Calgary or Edmonton alone. So no advantage there. My gosh, look at this whole debate about gay marriages for example, what a waste. People, mind your own business, don't worry about what others do in there chosen life, concentrate on your own. You would think we live in the 40's half the time.
I really enjoy hearing the homerism that people in both cities have with respect to this I am better clash. I live in Calgary, thus like it much better than Edmonton, but in reality have no real opinion or care for which city CLAIMS to be better. I am here in Calgary for one simple reason, career and economics. Would I rather be somewhere else, damn rights I would, somewhere warm and a little more vibrant for my personal tastes, but thats life. Calgary is good for me, for now.
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