First Flip breakfast unofficially kicks off Calgary Stampede season
As the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth gets ready to welcome thousands of visitors, Calgary Stampede events are kicking off around the city.
The First Flip, an annual pancake breakfast marking the start of festivities for many, began at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.
"This one is the kick off to the Stampede as far as I'm concerned," said hungry participant Ian Kinney.
"I enjoy it and it's the first breakfast of Stampede. It just gets me going," said Donna Kapalka. "The people, the fun, the excitement – all of it."
- Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
The hungry crowds were also treated to various entertainment throughout the morning.
Even Alberta Premier Danielle Smith agreed – the First Flip breakfast is the place to be to get into the Stampede spirit.
"I know we're all looking forward to tomorrow's Stampede parade but things don't really start until you have the first flip and the first flapjack.
"Nothing says 'Calgary' more than the Calgary Stampede. It is central to Calgary's identity and it connects us to a time before."
Mayor Jyoti Gondek took some time during the breakfast to thank Calgarians for everything they did in the days leading up to the Stampede to make sure water restrictions were eased in time for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
"We have water!" she told the crowd. "We didn't mandate anything. All we did is put out a call and say, 'Could you cut down your water use, Calgary?' and you said, 'Yeah, we can.'"
While flapjack fans got their fill, final preparations are underway at Stampede Park.
Sneak-a-peek will give thousands of people early access to the park Thursday night.
This year, the newly-expanded BMO Centre will be a refuge for those looking to get out of the rain or take a break from the sun.
The Stampede will also follow outdoor water restrictions by using non-potable water for competition grooming and to clean the midway.
Off the grounds, bars, restaurants and music festival tents are also working around the clock to welcome thousands of guests for the next 11 days.
The official kickoff to the Calgary Stampede is the parade on Friday morning.
It starts at 9 a.m. and will wind it’s way down Ninth Avenue before turning at 10 Street and heading back down Sixth Avenue.
A map of the parade route, courtesy the Calgary Stampede. (Supplied)
CTV News Calgary will be broadcasting the parade live on TV and online.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Much of Canada is under an extreme weather alert this weekend: here's what to know
From snow, to high winds, to extreme cold, much of Canada is under a severe weather alert this weekend. Here's what to expect in your region.
Calgary woman stranded in Mexico after husband's death during diving trip
A Calgary woman is struggling to return home after her husband died while diving in Mexico, leaving her stranded and facing financial hardship.
Fugitive U.S. rioter seeks asylum in Whistler amid warnings of more to come
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill and dodging jail time in Whistler may just be the start of an asylum-seeking rush, according to a prominent legal expert.
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
Soldier who died by suicide in Las Vegas told ex-girlfriend of pain and exhaustion after Afghanistan
The highly decorated Special Forces soldier who died by suicide in a Cybertruck explosion on New Year's Day confided to a former girlfriend who had served as an Army nurse that he faced significant pain and exhaustion that she says were key symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
Man arrested after committing five bank robberies in 10 days: Toronto police
A man accused of robbing five Toronto-area banks in a 10-day period has been arrested by Toronto police.
Jimmy Carter's state funeral starts Saturday. Here is what to know
Six days of funeral observances for former President Jimmy Carter begin Saturday in Georgia, where he died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100.
Special national Liberal caucus meeting called for next week after regional chairs meet: sources
A special meeting of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's national Liberal caucus has been called for next Wednesday, sources say.
'Support better care': Advocates argue need for mental health emergency service
The crisis service sees two mental health clinicians respond to well-being checks without police. Calls are received through 211 or 911, and workers are dispatched if there aren't immediate public safety or medical concerns.
Edmonton
-
'Flames were shooting higher than the garage': Block heater cords cause 2 fires in 2 days in Edmonton
Peter Claffey was shocked Thursday morning to find his truck in flames outside his southwest Edmonton home.
-
Homicide investigation underway after woman found dead on Edmonton riverbank
Police have identified a woman who was recently found dead on the shore of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton.
-
Gas leak slows traffic on 111 Avenue Friday night
Drivers were asked to avoid 111 Avenue near 110 Street due to a gas leak on Friday night.
Lethbridge
-
Third person charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
A third person has been charged with first-degree murder after a woman was found dead in a Lethbridge motel room over the weekend.
-
Businesses see influx of customers working on New Year's resolutions
Marketing research company Sago estimates about 43 per cent of Canadians will make a New Year's resolution.
-
2 charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge motel death
Lethbridge Police have charged two people with first-degree murder, after a body was found in a southside motel room last weekend.
Vancouver
-
Fugitive U.S. rioter seeks asylum in Whistler amid warnings of more to come
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill and dodging jail time in Whistler may just be the start of an asylum-seeking rush, according to a prominent legal expert.
-
Former Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Vancouver to be demolished
A former luxury hotel tower in downtown Vancouver is slated to be demolished.
-
Accused in armed robbery at Vancouver Holt Renfrew has prior convictions
The 66-year-old man accused of holding up a Holt Renfrew in downtown Vancouver this week has prior convictions, including for two other robberies that involved fake guns.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. driver who tried to apprehend suspected impaired driver was impaired: RCMP
Mounties on Vancouver Island say a 50-year-old motorist who tried to apprehend a suspected impaired driver on New Year's Eve, was, in fact, impaired and was issued a 90-day driving prohibition by police.
-
Attending hundreds of serious crash scenes each year takes its toll, B.C. first responders say
Just days into the new year, officials are already pleading with British Columbians to follow the rules of the road.
-
Woman, 63, dead after collision on Vancouver Island
A 63-year-old woman is dead after the car she was driving collided with a truck on southern Vancouver Island.
Saskatoon
-
$20k of equipment stolen from rural Sask. Fire hall. And it's not the only one
Rural firehalls surrounding Saskatoon are having to deal with escalating thefts that could put rescue efforts in jeopardy.
-
Two people charged with murder after suspicious death on Sask. First Nation
A man and a woman have been charged with first degree murder after a 24-year-old man died of injuries on Saulteaux First Nation.
-
Inmate who escaped federal prison in Saskatchewan arrested
After about five months of searching, police have arrested Jareth Gardipy-Taypotat, who escaped from the Willow Cree Healing Lodge, a minimum-security federal institution north of Saskatoon.
Regina
-
Sask. RCMP investigating woman's death on Piapot First Nation
Saskatchewan RCMP says it is investigating the death of a 30-year-old woman on Piapot First Nation as suspicious in nature.
-
SaskAbilites Yorkton enhances relaxation room
SaskAbilities Yorkton has enhanced their relaxation room to help people with disabilities experience a more comfortable and calming environment.
-
CTV Regina's top trending stories of 2024
Whether it was hard news or light-hearted features, the year of 2024 hosted some very compelling stories – with several being widely shared online and reaching new audiences.
Toronto
-
Up to 40 centimetres of snow expected for parts of southern Ontario as snow squall warnings remain in effect
Snow squall warnings in southern Ontario remain in effect Saturday, with as much 40 centimetres of snow expected to fall for parts of the province this weekend.
-
'I gave them a call, they didn't pick up': Canadian furniture store appears to have gone out of business
Canadian furniture company Wazo Furniture, which has locations in Toronto and Montreal, appears to have gone out of business. CTV News Toronto has been hearing from customers who were shocked to find out after paying in advance for orders over the past few months.
-
2 Royal Military College students jumped into action to save a man from a burning car in North York
A black Ford Mustang had lost control while traveling north along Bayview, crashing into cement pillars near the stores loading dock.
Montreal
-
Thirty years on, is Quebec headed for another independence referendum?
On the eve of the 30th anniversary of Quebec's second independence referendum -- the first one was in 1980 -- it seems the tide could be turning again. Legault is deeply unpopular after six years in power, and the Parti Quebecois, with a young, charismatic leader, has been ahead in the polls for more than a year.
-
13-year-old Quebec kart racer has Formula 1 dreams
Quebec racer Alexis Baillargeon, 13, is looking to add to his collection of silverware in 2025, as the teen from L'Épiphanie has Formula 1 in his sights.
-
Man injured in Longueuil home invasion in the presence of a child
A Longueuil resident was injured during a home invasion on Friday night in the presence of a child.
Atlantic
-
N.S. community shocked by deaths of father, daughter; suspect was wanted in Toronto shooting
A Nova Scotia community is mourning the loss of two of its members after they were shot and killed in Halifax on New Year's Eve.
-
Saint John man charged with second-degree murder in wife’s Christmas Eve death
A man accused of murdering his wife on Christmas Eve made his first court appearance in Saint John, N.B., Friday morning.
-
Winter storm watch issued in Cape Breton; Weather statements expanded in N.S. and P.E.I.
A major winter storm is expected to hit eastern parts of the Maritimes Sunday into Monday.
Winnipeg
-
'Hopeful that we can make this go': Potential $5.25 million bid made for Lemay Forest
There is a new offer to buy and preserve the Lemay Forest.
-
'An enormous data set': Christmas Bird Count looks at avian health in Winnipeg, North America
When you look out your window this weekend, chances are you will see birds but have you ever wondered how many feathered friends are flying around? The Christmas Bird Count seeks those answers every year.
-
New train detection system on track to alert motorists, first responders about railway traffic
Winnipeg may soon see a new train detection system that lets motorists know when to use alternate routes and avoid railway crossings.
Ottawa
-
Flurries, cold temperatures in the forecast for Ottawa this Saturday
It feels like -20 with the wind chill this Saturday morning in Ottawa.
-
Man, woman seriously injured following multi-vehicle collision on Bank Street
A man and a woman were seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on Bank Street at Lester Road Friday afternoon, according to the Ottawa Paramedic Service.
-
OTTAWA'S LRT
OTTAWA'S LRT All aboard Ottawa's new LRT line: What you need to know about the new north-south Line 2 and Line 4
Ottawa’s new north-south rail line will open to the public on Monday, Jan. 6, connecting downtown Ottawa and Riverside South with a spur to the Ottawa International Airport.
Northern Ontario
-
Suspect charged in northern Ont. road rage incident that went viral
A 37-year-old suspect has been charged in connection with a road rage incident last week in Temiskaming Shores.
-
Northern staff react to Ontario college faculties issuing five-day notice of labour action
College faculty in Ontario gave its five-day notice of starting labour action on Friday, which could include a strike or some other work stoppage at the 24 schools within the province.
-
Sault, Ont., man claims Indigenous moose hunting rights without proof, fined $5,500
A hunter from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been fined for moose hunting without a licence or proper documentation. He claimed Indigenous hunting rights but failed to provide any proof.
Barrie
-
Georgian College faculty 'energized' after union issues strike notice
Faculty at Georgian College are energized as their union has put a possible strike on the table with students set to head back to class next week.
-
Persistent snow squalls bring heavy accumulations to Barrie area
Environment Canada is maintaining its snow squall warning for most of central Ontario on Friday.
-
Warrant issued for allegedly armed and dangerous man wanted for attempted murder
Police in York Region have issued an arrest warrant for one man following a reported shooting at a motel in Queensville.
Kitchener
-
Snow squall warnings for southwestern Ontario
Environment Canada says southwestern Ontario could get between 15 and 60 centimetres of snow by Saturday.
-
Union representing Ontario college faculty issues five-day strike notice
Ontario college students could soon see their winter semester cut short as the union representing faculty at the province’s 24 public colleges could walk off the job as early as Thursday next week.
-
Volunteers get ice rinks ready for skating season
Now that there’s a stretch of sub-zero temperatures in the forecast, volunteers have been busy getting ice rinks ready for skaters.
London
-
Arrested woman admitted to hospital, SIU investigating incident
The Special Investigations Unit is investigating following an incident with the London Police Service.
-
The Forest City will get walloped by snow this weekend
If you’ve tucked your shovel away since the last snowfall, it’s time to haul It back out. Snowfall accumulation could exceed 20 centimeters in London by Sunday morning.
-
Heritage protection might save this 200-year-old oak tree in London
Recognition that certain trees contribute to the heritage of the Blackfriars-Petersville neighbourhood might save the life of a centuries-old oak.
Windsor
-
2.99% tax increase in proposed 2025 Windsor budget
The proposed 2025 City of Windsor budget includes a 2.99 per cent tax increase.
-
-
'It was a privilege to work alongside him': Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex joins worldwide memorial for Jimmy Carter
Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is joining a worldwide memorial for late U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
