So just a couple of weekends ago, I had the opportunity to take in the famous Calgary Stampede for the first time ever. Now growing up in Brandon, Manitoba the summer fair that rolled around every year was a big thing. As a kid, you looked forward to the end of June, as one - it was the end of school and two - the Brandon fair rolled through.

In Calgary, this is the biggest spectacle of the year. For a week and a half, the whole city dresses up like cowboys. There is so much spirit here for the stampede it is unbelievable. If you didn’t wear at least jeans, you felt a little out of place. Everywhere you looked (especially downtown) a ton of people were decked out in full cowboy gear - and I mean full (although there are some people who should put the 1920’s cowboy outfits away!)

So for my first time at the Calgary Stampede, I absolutely had a blast - but I’ll give most credit to the people I was with for making it a blast. Thanks Shaun, Dee, & Amanda. My first Stampede will definately be a memorable one.

-Cowboy Matty