How "World Famous" is the Stampede actually?

[polak]

Originally Posted by driveway

Except maybe the lack of workplace drinking. That's some bull####.

Two years ago I worked at MEG and had to call in sick for our stampede party because I was so hungover from the night before and I couldn't imagine going in to work and drinking right off the bat. They were doing tequila shots at their desks at 8 am.

[CaptainCrunch]

When I was in the military and got to interact with service people in or for other countries the Stampede always came up.

I even invited a few of them over after I left the Military as a reunion of sort.

But the Calgary Stampede isn't the same as it was lets say even 10 15 years ago. While nothing much happens workwise, its more likely that people avoid it instead of the whole starting to drink at 8 AM at corporate functions.

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

But the Calgary Stampede isn't the same as it was lets say even 10 15 years ago. While nothing much happens workwise, its more likely that people avoid it instead of the whole starting to drink at 8 AM at corporate functions.

It has definitely changed. The corporate functions have become less fun and more.... corporate.... and if you want to go out, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg for the chance to push through crowds. The cash grab that has become the Stampede is getting beyond ridiculous

[VictoryJuice]

Originally Posted by Cappy

It has definitely changed. The corporate functions have become less fun and more.... corporate.... and if you want to go out, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg for the chance to push through crowds. The cash grab that has become the Stampede is getting beyond ridiculous

I'm only 21 so I don't know to much about corporate events, though I have heard that BullShooters breakfast is worth checking out?

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by VictoryJuice

I'm only 21 so I don't know to much about corporate events, though I have heard that BullShooters breakfast is worth checking out?

Yah it was yesterday and I think they do it again today or tomorrow.

Always a good time.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Cappy

It has definitely changed. The corporate functions have become less fun and more.... corporate.... and if you want to go out, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg for the chance to push through crowds. The cash grab that has become the Stampede is getting beyond ridiculous

Yeah, it seems there are fewer bars dedicated to Stampede, more people trying to get into them, and the drinks are stupid expensive. $20 cover and then $8.50 for a can of lukewarm Bud out of a tub? F off.

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by VictoryJuice

I'm only 21 so I don't know to much about corporate events, though I have heard that BullShooters breakfast is worth checking out?

for $250.00, if your company will pay then great!

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by Cappy

for $250.00, if your company will pay then great!

People buy their own tickets?

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by Weitz

People buy their own tickets?

Not for that price. But not everyone can justify a $250.00 expense PLUS additional tickets for clients. Also, sure sucks when you need to act reasonable in front of clients. Brings me back to the whole Corporate vs. expensive argument.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by Cappy

Not for that price. But not everyone can justify a $250.00 expense PLUS additional tickets for clients. Also, sure sucks when you need to act reasonable in front of clients. Brings me back to the whole Corporate vs. expensive argument.

Totally agree. Some of my vendors have offered to a stampede lunch.. While others have tickets to events, drink tickets, etc etc

[Fighting Banana Slug]

As to the original question, I would say that based on my travels that it is pretty much world famous. Not everyone has it on their bucket list, or even really understands it, but it is often the one thing that people mention, along with the Olympics and Banff. I dare say it is more "world famous" than the Flames.

[Locke]

I just met a girl from some unpronounceable place in England's western midlands whose entire family came for the Stampede.

They'd heard about it for years and always wanted to come and they're absolutely loving it.

A lot of Europeans, especially the Brits and Germans have a real fascination with Western 'Cowboy' Culture and the Stampede is front and centre in that regard.

And as DoubleF excellently alluded to earlier, if people make the trek here it isnt just for the Stampede, its an excellent summer holiday to places like Banff, Drumheller, Canmore, etc.

We had relatives from Ontario in for a wedding who had never been here before and despite being insanely busy with a wedding they loved the whole atmosphere.

Dont get me wrong, I'm just as guilty as anyone for taking Calgary for granted, but its actually really refreshing to see our City through fresh eyes.

[Cappy]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

As to the original question, I would say that based on my travels that it is pretty much world famous. Not everyone has it on their bucket list, or even really understands it, but it is often the one thing that people mention, along with the Olympics and Banff. I dare say it is more "world famous" than the Flames.

This kid says otherwise:

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Cappy

This kid says otherwise:

You should ask him if he thinks Kylington is going to make it.

[Hack&Lube]

I always remember the Ewan Macgregor documentary about travelling the world by motorcycle. They stop at the "world famous" Stampede and basically say it's just another cheap carnival and there's nothing too special about it.

My memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it's this?
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=56a_1350397208

[justing]

We have a lot of tourists come through the stores during Stampede and I always like finding out where they're from. People come from across the world during the stampede and it's awesome to hear how much they've enjoyed their trip. Everyone absolutely raves about the experience. Keep in mind, most people have the Stampede as only a small portion of their trip.
It's really refreshing to hear about Calgary and area from excited tourists. Being born and raised here, I'm definitely jaded by the 'everyday' but DoubleF nailed it on the head, we have a lot to offer.
I think if someone came here ONLY for the stampede, it might be a little underwhelming but as long as you do it conjunction with the mountains and you avoid Edmonton , Alberta is a pretty amazing place to visit.

[worth]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

I always remember the Ewan Macgregor documentary about travelling the world by motorcycle. They stop at the "world famous" Stampede and basically say it's just another cheap carnival and there's nothing too special about it.

My memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it's this?
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=56a_1350397208

And also both of them getting hit by cars in Calgary.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Cappy

Want the Stampede to be better? people should stop mocking it (i'm not implying that any of you are) and contribute to making it fun and different. Make it evolve. There is nothing wrong with trying to start a cool event during stampede that brings in a ton of underground or local artists with a folk or country vibe!

At the end of the day though, you have to give the Stampede credit. Calgary is a city of 1 million people, probably in the 500's in terms of population, in this little-big country called Canada, and some people around the world can say, "oh hey, Calgary! Stampede right?"

It's okay to be proud of our achievements but fawning over success can lead to stagnation and underachievement. The Stampede has done well but I get the feeling a lot of proud Calgarians think it can kick-on and do even better. Unfortunately, I've heard the board isn't as ambitious.

[#-3]

https://www.fest300.com/festivals/what/cultural-event

I think it is fair to say the Stampede isn't close to the bottom of this list.

World Famous, I think there are people from all over the world that know of it.
Known by everyone in the world, off course not, Its still a Local Fair, but probably one of a hand full of really big ones.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by Addick

It's okay to be proud of our achievements but fawning over success can lead to stagnation and underachievement. The Stampede has done well but I get the feeling a lot of proud Calgarians think it can kick-on and do even better. Unfortunately, I've heard the board isn't as ambitious.

Yeah they certainly seem to have a "If it's not broken don't fix it" mentality when it comes to improving and adding to the Stampede