Mind the (Generation) Gap
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The Chilean-American actor became an honorary Calgarian when The Last of Us chose Alberta as its location. Pascal loved Calgary so much, and vice versa, that 12,000 signed a (failed) petition to have him become the Stampede’s parade marshal.
Sorry, Pedro, this year’s marshal is astronaut Jeremy Hansen. In 2025 he’ll be the first Canuck to fly to the moon but first he’ll lead the parade – previous marshals include Walt Disney and King Charles.
Keep those star-filled eyes peeled for celebs enjoying the low-key, high-cool factor at hotspots Pigeonhole and Model Milk, patronized by Pascal, Michael Caine, Elijah Wood and Leo DiCaprio.
The beloved former mayor of Calgary and “Purple Revolution” leader has surprised us all by adding orange to the mix; in March, Nenshi threw his cowboy hat into the running for leadership of Alberta’s NDP.
The 10-day rodeo sees 30 marching bands, 750 horses and 4,000 humans make the 4.5-kilometre trot through downtown. Nenshi often attends “First Flip,” the Stampede’s kick-off pancake breakfast.
An equally good time? How about the stroke of midnight at Calgary institution The Ship & Anchor, whose “Whoop Up” party dishes out free pancakes to soak up their fancy cocktails and cool craft beers.
Cross your fingers for another season of Jann, where Arden plays a not-so-fictional version of herself, with famous buddies like Bryan Adams and Michael Bublé starring in her Christmas special and guest roles from Rick Mercer and Sarah McLachlan.
Always, to the Saddledome stage, for a medley of chart-toppers from metal rockers Mötley Crüe to love-’em-or-hate-’em Nickelback to country darling Miranda Lambert.
Two-step over to the Alberta Boot Company for some cowboy kicks, then to Smithbilt for a white hat; top off your look Arden-style with a smart blazer from Smythe’s new boutique. Pick up Pascal’s fave YYC-themed socks from Friday Sock Co.
The Alberta-born Cree and Métis actress, who recently nabbed a SAG nod for Killers of the Flower Moon, has an outlaw’s spirit that rivals any cowpoke — in 2011, she was arrested at the White House protesting TransCanada XL Keystone Pipeline.
Recent years have seen big efforts to incorporate First Nations culture into the festivities. A two-day powwow attracts the best Indigenous singers, dancers and drummers to compete and win top prizes.
For a genuine horseback experience immerse yourself in the Wild Rose province’s beauty and Indigenous history at Dodging Horse Ranch on the Tsuuts’ina Nation just outside Calgary. Soothe sore muscles in the serene Spa Tipi.
Despite being kicked out of Calgary by the mayor in ’58 for unruly behaviour, the latter half of Cheech & Chong still loves his childhood home with a passion. Calgarians adore the famous stoner right back, awarding the comedian the city’s honorary “White Hat” in 2009.
Should you partake, there’s no better place to get the munchies than the Stampede: The ever innovative snacks include Colossal Onion poutine, Fruit Loop funnel cake, light-up cotton candy Light Sabers … Don’t miss deep-fried bannock.
Expand your mind and soak in some of the best modern art in the West at the (free) Esker Foundation or Contemporary Calgary, which is dramatically housed in the repurposed Centennial Planetarium.
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