7 essential items to bring to the 2019 Calgary Stampede

Jun 25 2019, 1:18 am

With the Calgary Stampede right around the corner, it’s about time to start thinking about your big day at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

The days are long, the sun is hot, and while there are plenty of things to enjoy on the Stampede Grounds this year, there are just as many ways for things to go sour if you don’t arrive prepared.

Below is a list of things you should bring with you to help make the most out of your visit to Calgary Stampede 2019.

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Water Bottle

water bottling fees

Water bottles/Shutterstock

This might be one of the most valuable things you bring with you to Stampede. Calgary summers are all over the place when it comes to weather, and they can get hot.

Last year’s Stampede saw temperatures as high as 30°C. On days like that, you’ll want something to drink and you won’t want to wait in line or have to pay for quality H2O.

Stampede Boots

stampede

Cowboy boots/Shutterstock

Alright, they don’t have to be cowboy boots, but they are appropriate for the occasion.

In all seriousness, if you’ve ever been to a Stampede before, you know there’s a lot of walking around involved. Don’t wear anything on your feet you wouldn’t want to walk in for hours.

Something to keep in mind when choosing your footwear: Live animals and their associated mess are part of the show. As such, there is an unlikely but not impossible chance that you could step in something you would rather not. Sandals are not recommended.

Cowboy hat

stampede

Cowboy hats/Shutterstock

Everyone’s a cowboy/cowgirl at the Stampede.

If you wear your western hat, you’ll fit in with the crowd, and help protect your skin from the burning sun.

Don’t currently own a cowboy hat? There are opportunities aplenty to pick one up while you’re there. If you come with your significant other, why not make buying each other a hat part of your date?

Snacks

stampede

Everyday Tables / Instagram

A day at Calgary Stampede can go on for hours. You’ll probably buy a lunch or some crazy carnival-style food, but there will probably come a point when you’re a little peckish and don’t want to spend any more cash on a deep-fried something-or-other.

Bringing a snack can help your blood sugar and your wallet. Just make sure if you’re snacks are salty you also bring water, but that was item number one so we’re sure you’ve still got that in mind.

Umbrella

umbrella rain

Niyom Napalai/Shutterstock

You know how summers in Calgary can get really hot, really fast? They can also get really rainy, completely out of nowhere.

Sometimes it’s only for an hour or two, and sometimes it keeps up all day and night. Either way, it’s always nicer to have an umbrella to keep yourself dry, especially since some cowboy hats can get ruined by the rain.

Cash

Quebec minimum wage

CarpathianPrince/ Shutterstock

As mentioned a few times above, Calgary Stampede has tons of vendors. Food, drinks, art, western wear, crafts, and more can be found from all kinds of stalls.

Many places accept debit and credit cards, but some are strictly cash. You don’t want to wait in line for ten minutes for a bucket of mini doughnuts to find they won’t let you tap or swipe.

Backpack

backpack

Josh Felise/Unsplash

The above list is a lot to carry around in your hands or pockets, especially since you’re going to want a free hand for holding your foot-long corndog.

Bring a messenger bag or backpack to carry all your essentials in, as well as any cool Stampede swag you pick up along the way.

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Lucas TaylorLucas Taylor

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