World’s largest outdoor rodeo
The Calgary Stampede is the largest outdoor rodeo in the world! It was first held in 1912 as a celebration of rural heritage and ranching in the West. Over the years, this world-renowned festival has grown into a 10-day event with rodeos, fairs, art exhibits, shows and of course, great food.
Held in July each year, this national historic event is organized by a not-for-profit community organization and is one of Canada’s largest festivals. The Calgary Stampede is much more than a celebration with rides, music and bucking broncos. It is a gathering place that hosts, educates and entertains thousands of Canadians and tourists from around the world.
Not everyone can attend the Calgary Stampede in person but you can bring the Stampede to you! So, don your denim, cowboy boots and western-style clothes and create some excitement for your residents this year by hosting your very own Calgary Stampede celebration. Turn your lounge or dining room into a wild west saloon bar decorated with cactus, wagon wheels, hay bales and country music. Kick off Stampede week with western-inspired menu ideas from Maple Leaf that will remind your residents of the Wild West.
Rodeo Round-Up Menu
Pulled Chicken & Sweet Corn Chowder, featuring Maple Leaf Pulled Chicken
Beans n’ Franks, featuring Maple Leaf Roller Grill Natural Wiener (7” 5/lb)
Baked Chili Dog, featuring Maple Leaf Roller Grill Natural Wiener (7” 5/lb)
Texas Rib Sandwich with Fennel Apple Slaw, featuring Maple Leaf BBQ Beef Ribette
Open Faced Southwestern Chicken Burger, featuring Maple Leaf Crispy Chicken Breast Burger
Cowboy Shaved Steak & Peppers, featuring maple Leaf Shaved Steak
Pulled Pork & Cornbread Skillet Casserole, featuring Maple Leaf Pulled Pork
Buttermilk Biscuit Ham Pot Pie, featuring Maple Leaf Boneless Toupie Ham
Rodeo Activities
Bring the Calgary Stampede to your home and get your residents into the spirit of the Canada’s largest celebration with these ideas:
Parade: Don’t forget about the parade! Every stampede celebration has to have it’s very own parade. Get not only your residents involved, but invite their loved ones and of course your staff members to participate.
Horse Shoe Toss: Set up a traditional horseshoe game using decorated horseshoes or even cardboard cutouts. To get your seniors into playing this game, have them decorate the horseshoes.
Best Dressed Cowboy & Cowgirl: Encourage your residents to dress up in their best Western attire and vote on the most creative outfit. Have a small, fun prize for your winner.
Card Night: Playing cards was a popular past time in the Wild West. Faro was the most common card game played, followed by poker, twenty-one and roulette. Host a card game night (or afternoon) for your residents to enjoy.
Square Dancing: Host your very own Hoedown and get your residents clapping along to a dosey doe, two step or a promenade.
