Preparations for this year’s Stampede are well underway and several new attractions will be rolled out on the Midway for the annual ten day celebration.
One of the new features of this year’s Midway is the new Bell aqua ranch.
The H2X Extreme Watershow will feature daring tricks and stunts from jet skiers in the hockey rink-sized pool that also has fountains that shoot water over 21 metres into the air.
The watershow is being done for the first time in an outdoor setting and can be found in the middle of Stampede park.
Spectators can take in the show daily at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The Bell aqua ranch is transformed every night for Out of the Blue.
The water display uses mesmerizing lighting and special effects and is synched to the finale of the TransAlta Grandstand Show fireworks.
The Midway has 65 rides this year and the star attraction is the brand new Mach 3.
The ride has been dubbed the “tummy tumbler” by midway operations manager James Radke and features two seats mounted back-to-back on each end of a 37-metre arm that swings a full 360 degrees while in rotation.
“Once Mach 3 begins, you better hold on tight because the arm will rotate up to 13 revolutions per minute, producing an acceleration of 3.5g on the riders,” says Radke.
The Ghost Riders dance group will perform on the Midway and the Saddledome Steps will feature visiting show bands from around the world along with the Stampede Showband.
Southland Transportation’s Buckaroos provides something for the little Stampeders and has entertainment from Treehouse TV’s Thomas and Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Dora the Explorer and Bob the Builder for the kids.
Admission to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is $16 for adults and $8 for children (6 and under are free).
For more information about this year’s celebration visit the Calgary Stampede website.
