Over the past 20 years I have been taking notes about Stampede behavior and its quite interesting; here is my dissertation on the big ten days of The Big Hoedown.

People will line up behind four hundred other people to get entry into a packed tent, however they will bypass a tent with no line-up if it is only half full, strange don’t you think?

People will line up for at least a half hour for a pancake, you could have cooked at home for nearly free, an hour if there is Spolumbo sausage.

Those little donuts are probably the best think on earth, but only if eaten in the first five minutes otta the deep fryer.

You can put anything on a stick including pizza, I am sure they are working on spaghetti.

Beer prices are like gas prices supply and demand.

Somebody slipped up I parked for a reasonable rate down by the grounds 15 bucks for the whole day?

I learned not to leave cotton candy in a car with the windows rolled up, took the dog an hour to clean that seat.

I learned there is not a portable toilet that doesn’t smell different anywhere in the world.

People are funny, they will spend a hundred bucks on winning a stuffed swan, when they could buy it at Toys are Us for 20 bucks, it’s the thrill of the chase.

I realize Carnies don’t have a dental plan.

People still have a hard time saying Wedickville without smirking.

I also found out there are a lot of plastic surgeons in town that do great work.

Stampede is also the time you see the Drunkest of the drunk! Thank- God they have to sign a waiver for the mechanical bull.

Another wonderful thing that I put together is The Calgary Stampede Parade is truly the best in Canada.

I also learned I have only three strong days of Stampeding in me and I am probably considered a lightweight.

All right lets get to the new stuff at Stampede this year, last year it was Mars Bars and this year its deep fried Pop Tarts, Kubie Korn Balls and ten different types of Poutine.

This year we can take pride in vegetables, although they are deep fried tempura style, but it’s a start.

Another big hit is a deep fried pickle chip in buttermilk and spices and yes my favorite deep-fried Wagon Wheels.

Other hits for 2012 include Jack Daniels Fudge, Cotton Candy Cupcakes, Jalapeno Corndogs and Beef Bacon Sandwiches which you can also combo with Bacon Sundae Funnel Cake.

If you are a big dessert fan you can take a big bite out of the new Red Velvet Funnel Cakes or try the new Greek Loukoumathes Honey Puffs and of course the best thing about any fair “The Mini Donuts.

 If you are looking to get away from it all and have a cold one or two, The CJAY Bud Beer gardens right by the Coke Stage and The Cantina at The BMO Centre are both fantastic. If you aren’t onto the wacky Carnival Food I just described The Clubhouse Dining Room. Mavericks and The Range are all great dining rooms with big steaks.

Have a great time whoopin 'er up!

-Ger