The 2024 Calgary Stampede’s annual release of new Midway treats promises to delight even the most discerning eater.

There’s a host of new and exciting foods this year, but don’t worry, the fair’s fare includes many of your Stampede favourites. There are more than 70 food vendors on the Midway this year, with more than 50 new dishes.

“Each year the Stampede’s Midway is the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts seeking bold, daring and unique flavours that give our festival favourites unforgettable twists,” said Ashley Warner, Midway Manager at the Calgary Stampede.

“The Midway’s food vendors work all year to curate one-of-a-kind culinary creations that are exclusive to the Stampede. Make sure to bring your appetite because there is no shortage of options for every craving.”

Among the new treats this year are the teriyaki donuts, meatball mac and cheese, a watermelon burger, several flavours of mini donuts and poutine, corns treats (ice cream, corndogs, corn fries) and spicy dishes like the Chana, Salsa Fries, and Momos on a Stick.

The Stampede Midway is a great way for food vendors to showcase their products to Calgarians. These dishes can also be a vehicle for sharing some of the many different cultures in the city.

“It’s not just the taste but how we serve it. The presentation is the key, so we’re breaking the stereotypes of the Indian restaurants that are in the city. At the restaurant or the food truck, ours will present different,” said Resham Singh, owner of Mumbai Bites.

While Mumbai Bites looks to change perceptions with their Momos on a Stick, The Dumpling Hero is trying to spread general information and share Chinese culture. Their Lobster Bao is in celebration of five years at the stampede and an ode to their original Lobster Dumpling.

“A lot of people don’t know what baos are when they come up to the truck. So it kind of spreads the Chinese way,” said Halle Pearcey, employee at The Dumpling Hero.

This year, Stampede Insiders got to name one of the new Midway food items, which was Happy Fish’s Stampede exclusive Takoyaki. It’s a blend of meat floss, seaweed strips, pickled ginger, cabbage and large chunks of octopus. There were more than 1300 entries and the name Cowboyaki was the winner.

“Bringing our unique flavours to the Calgary Stampede is a highlight for us, and the community’s enthusiasm in naming one of our exclusive dishes for this year has made this experience even more special,” said Ying Yan Situ, Events & Operations Manager at Happy Fish Catering.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Cowboyaki, blending the best of Japanese street food with a Stampede twist.”

You can still find all of your regular favourites like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and of course, mini donuts on the Midway this year.

The Calgary Stampede goes from July 5 to the 14 this year.