Every year, CRIEC hosts a Stampede 101 session for newcomers—a primer on the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. The evening is always a blast—and this year’s June 20 bash at Fort Calgary, held in partnership with Making Changes Association, was especially fun.

Tariq Elnaga, an immigrant from Dubai who works as an engineer by day, shared his personal story of falling in love with ranch and rodeo culture. Rita Egizii educated us on the cultural significance of the Stampede in Calgary. We line danced, made new friends and ended the evening with a celebratory round dance led by Jackie Soppit and her Wandering Spirit Native Awareness group.

If you’re a newcomer to Canada and Calgary, why should you get involved with Stampede? There are many good reasons. Here are 3 key insights from Stampede 101:

• Participating in the Calgary Stampede will help you understand your community. The Stampede isn’t just horses and rodeo. It’s music, culture, food, fashion, fireworks—a “social institution” of the city.
• Stampede is the city’s biggest networking event of the year. It’s a great time to build new connections and get to know other Calgarians.
• It’s just plain fun! There’s a lot to see and do on the Stampede grounds and off—from pancake breakfasts throughout the city to Indian Village and regular concerts.

Oh, and one more thing: you don’t need to do it all. You couldn’t even if you wanted to. Pick and choose to make your own Stampede experience.

Tariq Elnaga gives Stampede tips: “Plan your time wisely!”

Connecting with friends and making new ones

Cheers of elation after a celebratory round dance to end the evening.