141 Canadian Candles

Yee-Haw! The biggest birthday party of the year is just around the corner and you are invited along with 33 million of your closest friends. Of course we’re talking about Canada Day, the celebratory kick-off to summer.

Summer seems to bring out the cowgirl (or boy) in all of us proud Calgarians. So, kick off that urban apparel in favor of boots and belt buckles in celebration of Canada’s 141st birthday (and keep the yee-haws going right through to Stampede).

Millarville Races
If you have never been to Millarville, add it to your list of must-visit attractions in the Calgary area. Most famous for their Saturday morning summer market, they also host several fun family events at the adjacent race track that runs b-class horses. Families can get up close and personal with the horses prior to racing and get a heart pounding view of the thoroughbreds at full speed (and yes, there is betting as well). Millarville is a beautiful 20 minute drive through the foothills south-west of the city limits. Admission is $5 at the door and the races commence at high noon. Little ones will enjoy the bouncy tent and grown-ups the scaled down market, also on site on Canada Day.

Airdrie Pro Rodeo
Small town suits small kids especially when it comes to the rodeo circuit, where curious kids can get up close with cowboys, horses and bucking bulls. The Airdrie Pro Rodeo has a good reputation with the rodeo-going crowd as a fun family venue. Canada Day festivities provide a full day of entertainment starting with a parade at 10 am, a Junior Rodeo where contestants eight to thirteen years of age ride sheep, ponies and bucking steers at 1 pm. The professional rodeo starts at 2 pm where authentic cowboys compete in awe inspiring Bare Back Bronco and Bull riding. There are children’s activities onsite and fireworks at dusk. Tickets are $22 for adults and free for six and under.

Fort Calgary
If you’d prefer to stay in town, mosey on down to Fort Calgary. Families share in a full day of pancakes, face painting, pony rides and free concerts. Festivities begin at 9 am. A no cost shuttle bus will take you to Prince’s Island Park and Olympic Plaza for even more Canada Day fun including fireworks at dusk.

Get your hands dirty and reconnect with Calgary’s wild west roots. Join your fellow Canadians in celebration of the biggest birthday of the year the way it used to be.

Millarville Racing and Agriculture Society
www.millarville-ab.com
(403) 931-3485

Airdrie Pro Rodeo
www.airdrieprorodeo.net
(403) 948-0512

Fort Calgary
www.fortcalgary.com
(403) 290-1875
750 - 9th Avenue SE

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