Calgary Stampede, July 10: Crowded concert raises safety questions Unexpected finds at BMO Centre Market
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Chuckwagon historian and commentator Billy Melville said although the sport has been around for more than a century, the objective has always remained the same.
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'Even though it's gone through a number of changes, there are three underlying principles that have guided the chuckwagon races since Day 1,' said Melville, who loves talking about the sport his grandfather, Orville Strandquist, excelled in at as both a driver and an outrider for seven decades up until the 1990s.
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'A chuckwagon race does three things. Number one is that it tests the skill of the driver; number two is that it tests the skill of the outriders; and number three, it demonstrates the speed of the team. It's really no more complicated than that.'
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While the Calgary Stampede is not likely to lose its boastful moniker 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,' organizers of the 10-day spectacle have been taking great effort in recent years to add to its branding to emphasize there is more than a rodeo happening at Stampede Park.
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It is also being sold as 'The Greatest Music Festival in the West,' a testament to the eclectic music programming that takes over four venues on the Stampede grounds.
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Where else can you watch fireworks 10 days in a row? Calgary has the special privilege of a spectacular nighttime show starting at around 11 p.m. from July 4 to 13 while the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth takes over the city.
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Want to know where you can best see the fireworks? Here are the four best spots to take in the Stampede fireworks from around the city.
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Stampede Park
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While not free, this option gets you the best possible view. The fireworks shoot off right after the Grandstand show ends and you can get the best close-up view while on the Midway or right outside the rodeo grounds.
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Scotsman's Hill
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This spot has the best free vantage point. It is right across the river from the Stampede grounds in the community of Ramsey.
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Scotsman's Hill a very popular spot for fireworks viewing so show up early to find a spot to park and sit. Getting dropped off by a generous family member or a ride-share or taxi is a great option.
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A little farther north from Scotsman's Hill is Tom Campbell's Hill Natural Park. Near the Calgary Zoo, this spot still is close enough to give a great view of the fireworks.
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There is a parking lot on the north side of the park and is an 11-minute walk from the Calgary Zoo CTrain parking lot.
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Max Bell Centre
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