Stampede Showdown

When we were in Fredericksburg Texas last fall we met a nice couple who live a couple of hours north of Calgary.  I reached out to let them know we were near and they very graciously drove down and took us out to lunch.  We spent a delightful several hour with Dave and Marilyn.

The evening show included Chuck wagon races, relay races, and a very elaborate Grand Stand Showdown.

There were nine heats for the chuck wagon races with three wagons in each heat.  These competitors will race three more nights to determine a grand champion and tonight was just the beginning.  It is quite interesting to watch.  Each wagon has four horses followed by two outriders - men on horses who help “load” the wagon before they take off racing. The wagons have to circle a barrel and then race around the oval.  Best time was 1 min 11 sec.  That is fast!

Then the Horse relay race where men and women raced bareback around the track, jumped off and onto a different horse. Once more around the track and then onto a third horse.  And the horses didn’t always want to do what the rider wanted.  Very exciting!

Then just as its getting dark they roll a stage and lighting system to the front and an extravaganza of a show begins.  The stage has a rotating circle, fire, water and elevating platforms on either side.  They feature a live band, singers and at least 150 men and women dancing with a total light show enhancing all that they do.  The very end is a huge fireworks display going off while the music and dancing is in full swing.  So much happening all at once!