I can’t think of anything comparable in Toronto, where the whole city embraces a festival so wholeheartedly. In Calgary, the Stampede is present in every child’s cowboy hat, in every restaurant menu, and in every bale of hay decorating the street corners.
We are here visiting the grandparents, and on our first day we decided to wander down 4th street. There was a buzz in the air, music playing, and smell of sweet baked goods permeated the air. It was the Annual 4th Street Pancake Competition, and all the local restaurants had grills set up outside to prepare their delicacies.
The Girl is a pancake fiend and sampled all the gourmet offerings: Red Velvet Pancakes, Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Raspberry Coulis, and Savoury Pancakes with Parmesan and Chives!
Ultimately, her fave was this one, good ol’ fashioned buttermilk pancakes with butter and syrup.
How fun! You’re going to love it, Jen. I’m back in T.O. on Friday – let me know if want to borrow cowboy hats.
It’s been really fun, Erin – I think your kids would have a blast.
It’s really a blast, Nancy! I’ll have to post a pic of me in WEstern wear – a good laugh for everyone 🙂
The mini-donuts were the highlight of my summer – i’m completely serious!
I will be there on Sunday with my kids for the final day! Never been so we’re really excited.
I’d love to check out the Stampede one of these years. It sounds fun.
how wonderful for you to get to the stampede, amreen!These pancakes sound divine.
I’ve lived in Calgary for most of the last 25 years, and it is a great city. Where else can you get free pancakes for breakfast every day for 10 days straight? And a view of the Rockies when you drive home? We’ll go to the grounds for a day, too – craving those mini-donuts 🙂
Thanks Therese! Are you in Calgary? Took the kids to the grounds yesterday and they loved it.
YaHoo! Hope you enjoy Cowtown.