Saddle up: Calgary Stampede returns

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Good morning !

Our readers enjoyed a wide range of Canada Day festivities — from lively park gatherings to working behind the scenes to make the day special for everyone. If you missed out on the celebrations, don’t worry! Check out this weekend’s lineup of events, featuring a vibrant Mexican festival and, naturally, plenty of Stampede fun.

👀 In today's edition:

• Take care on Calgary’s roads

• A University of Calgary professor is seeing stars

• A new RiverWalk mural is revealed

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WORTH KNOWING

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QUICK POLL

Saddle up: Calgary Stampede returns with mounties, cowboys and vintage tractors

The Calgary Stampede kicks off its 2025 edition on July 4, running through to July 13 with its traditional blend of Western heritage and family entertainment. The fun begins tonight, with a Sneak-A-Peek event offering early access to the festivities.

The Stampede traces its roots back to 1912, when former Wyoming cowboy Guy Weadick launched the event with support from Alberta cattlemen. The festival became an annual tradition in 1923 and has since grown into a Canadian household name that attracts more than one million visitors each year.

This year's must-see events include the return of the iconic RCMP Musical Ride, featuring 20 Mounties in red serge uniforms performing intricate formations on July 4-6 and 8-13. The elite Cowboy Up Challenge runs July 11-13 with defending champion Sophia Lowie of Leduc returning to compete, while the Heavy Horse Show—billed as "the longest-running agricultural competition on Stampede Park"—features one-ton horses competing for $20,000 in prize money from July 3-7. All Western events are included with admission to Stampede Park, with a 10-day SuperPass available for $50 plus fees.

Need to know

🌌 A University of Calgary professor had an asteroid named in his honour, recognizing his decades-long contributions to astronomy and science education.

📣 On Canada Day, the Seton Library invited Albertans to share personal reflections and diverse perspectives on national identity through a special Speakers Corner event.

🏫 Calgary students enrolled in record numbers for summer school classes in 2025, driven by a growing demand for academic upgrades and credit recovery.

💔 A 16-year-old driver was killed in a crash on Stoney Trail S.W., with Calgary police saying that excessive speed was likely a factor in the fatal collision.

🎨 Calgary muralist Alex Kwong revealed a vibrant new art installation along RiverWalk, inspired by local community stories and natural elements.

🚗 Fifteen Calgary drivers suffered flat tires on Stoney Trail due to metal debris scattered along the road after the transmission of a commercial truck fell out.

🚛 A semi-truck rollover on the Deerfoot Trail ramp to Glenmore Trail caused a major traffic disruption as emergency crews responded to the scene.

✉️ An Alberta man was extradited to the United States to face charges related to a fraudulent sweepstakes mail scheme targeting elderly Americans.

🤠 Shop the Honky Tonk Market at the CORE Midway! Until July 4, shop an electric mix of vendors offering everything from stylish boots and authentic leather goods, to captivating jewelry and vintage clothing.*

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Edmonton artist returns to Calgary Stampede with new prairie-inspired collection

Self-taught landscape artist Jody Bruce is returning to the Calgary Stampede Art Show tomorrow with her latest collection, Western Skies, which celebrates Alberta's natural beauty. The Edmonton-born artist creates contemporary landscapes by stripping away modern elements like roads and buildings, focusing instead on Canadian beauty at its finest.

Bruce's new work draws from childhood memories of growing up in Edmonton and visits to her grandparents' farm near Tofield. The collection features yellow canola fields, snow-capped mountains and vast Prairie landscapes, the announcement states.

A previous winner of the Best of Show Flatwork Artist category, Bruce has built a following across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Her collectors have included some high-profile buyers, including Canadian comedian Caroline Rhea, who purchased one of Bruce's original works at a past Stampede show. The Western Skies collection launches on Bruce's website today and will be displayed at the Western Oasis in the BMO Centre from July 4-13.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Otie Bakehouse: This bakery in Calgary's Beltline offers freshly baked croissants, creative sandwiches, and indulgent tarts, all complemented by expertly crafted coffee and a rotating selection of daily pastries

🍴 Scozzafava’s Deli: This Calgary deli on 17th Avenue serves hearty Italian hoagies and classic subs, like the Turkey Pesto and Chicken Parm, using fresh ingredients and bold flavours.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

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Things to do

🎟️ Mexifest: This vibrant three-day festival in downtown Calgary celebrates Mexican culture through live music, traditional dance, authentic cuisine, and family-friendly activities, including wrestling matches featuring luchadores from Mexico.

🎟️ Family Fun Hour: Float with Boats: This family-friendly event in Calgary invites children aged toddler to 11 to explore the world of boats through stories, songs, and hands-on crafts, including creating their own boat to test and take home.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

That’s it!

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And before you go, we’d love to know…

We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!