A whole day specific to kids at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
July 13 was BMO Kids’ Day at the Calgary Stampede, where all kids aged 12 and under were able to enter the Stampede grounds for free.
The day started with a free pancake breakfast in the GMC Stadium Courtyard from 8 – 9:30 a.m. and a free variety show from 8-10 a.m.
Celebrating its 25 years, families were invited to the World Stock Dog Championship which was at 10 a.m. in the Nutrien Western Event Centre.
However, one of the favourite parts of all for children is the Great FUNtier that’s full of specialty kids’ rides.
“My kids couldn’t go to sleep last night because of how excited they were to be here today,” said Stampede visitor Saddam Babiker.
According to Babiker, bringing his children to Stampede was quite important, especially after the couple years of pandemic lockdown.
The 10-day celebration of cowboy life was cancelled for the first time in its 112-year history in 2020.
Even though it was back last year, it included rapid COVID tests being required to enter some tents, a limit on how many people could be at Stampede Park and physical distancing guidelines.
“It’s good to have this back, and to see the kids having fun,” said Babiker.
Wednesday was Adebola Amao’s kids’ first visit to Stampede ever and she said her and the kids’ excitement was surreal, especially for Kids’ day.
“I would not come to Stampede if it weren’t for Kids’ day. I get to take a day off from work and spend time with the kids,” said Amao.
However, Amao said her only concern was that there wasn’t enough seating spaces available for people to relax on.
“We’ve been here since morning, and it’s fun, but it would’ve been nice to have some spaces with shade,” said Amao.
The Calgary Stampede ends on July 17.
