How this iconic midway vendor prepares for the Calgary Stampede
While its origins may lie in the rodeo, throughout the years, it’s become hard to separate the Calgary Stampede and its midway from its food traditions.
From Stampede breakfasts to wacky treats, it’s an exciting time for foodies and Stampede enthusiasts alike.
One of the most instantly recognizable is Family Squeezed Lemonade. The family-run spot has been a cornerstone on the midway for over a decade, consistently bringing an impressive array of drinks to thirsty Stampede goers.
Jennifer Andrews, president of Family Squeezed Lemonade, told Dished that it truly is an operation where family is first, with everyone on board since it launched 13 years ago.
“We developed the recipes and created them together. We had all of the uncles and aunts and grandpa and grandma and everybody in on it, tasting them, deciding what was perfect. Our original recipes stand today,” she explains.
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“A lot of our heart and soul has gone into it, and it’s part of us.”
Soon into the journey, Family Squeezed made its Calgary Stampede debut, and it’s remained a classic to this day. According to Andrews, the energy is what brings them back year after year.
“People are alive, they’re having fun, they’re with the people they love, they’re doing the stuff they love, creating memories.”
Getting Stampede Ready
Traditional fare such as mini donuts and corndogs still form a huge part of the Stampede dining experience, but there’s also been a huge push towards unique items and wild flavour combinations. Must we mention the cheeseburger soft serve of years past?
While many see the incredible amount of effort that goes into running a midway truck throughout the 10 days of the Stampede,Ā work for Family Squeezed begins way before.
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According to Andrews, prep work kicks off a year in advance, with the team already having an idea of what special features they want to bring to life mapped out before the previous year’s Stampede is finished. The whole year after is spent developing and tweaking recipes, which is a huge part of the fun, Andrews says.
“It’s kind of like your kids on Christmas morning, thinking ‘What am I going to do to blow their minds?’ So that’s what we’re always trying to do for Calgary.”
As for the wildest sip to date? Andrews says it has to be theĀ Mini Donut Lemonade, which debuted a few years ago, featuring a cinnamon sugar creamy base with the lemonade, and was served with a mini donut on top.
Of course, Family Squeezed is bringing a host of delicious new drinks to the midway this year, including a Raspberry Mojito Lemonade and lemonade combined with Monster Energy drinks.
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But for those who are looking for a real thirst-quencher, there will also be the Big Buckin’ Lemonade, a colossal bucket filled with six litres of lemonade, naturally topped off with a cowboy hat and a bandana.
“The Calgary Stampede has been a really great icon for other festivals to be able to say, ‘Let’s push the boundaries, let’s make it interesting, fun, different,’ and I’m happy to say that we were at the beginning of that wave,” Andrews says.
“It has changed a lot because everybody has to bring their A game now, and that’s fun.”
Family Squeezed Lemonade will be available at the Calgary Stampede midway, its truck, which pops up throughout the summer, and at its permanent home at LICS at 3410 3rd Ave. NW.
Family Squeezed Lemonade
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