‘I think we’ll just spend some time inside, outside, taking some breaks from the pure sun and keep hydrated’
The sun continued to beat down on the Stampede grounds Tuesday, forcing many visitors to seek shade, shelter or solace in cold drinks.
Inside the Nutrien Western Event Centre, Carl Klywak and Stella Chan, both from Calgary, were among dozens of people lined up Tuesday afternoon waiting to fill water bottles at a fountain station before heading back into the sun.
“I was born and raised here and I can’t remember growing up it being this hot. It almost seems like every year it’s getting hotter and hotter,” said Chan.
“Normally, every year we would dress up but this year we’re like, ‘no, I’m forgoing the Stampede boots, the cowboy hat. This year we even brought our chilly pads,” she said of the cooled, wet wraps on their necks.
Klywak said he expected to be back a few more times to fill up, and find one of the misting stations triggered when temperatures reach 28 C.
“I think we’ll just spend some time inside, outside, taking some breaks from the pure sun and keep hydrated,” he said of their plan to beat the heat.
Cool treats, heading indoors popular among visitors
Lineups at water stations, ice cream vendors and lemonade stands were common throughout the grounds. Many others sought relief indoors.
Steps from a wine bar inside the BMO Centre, Marlene Toneguzzi was with her husband, wearing a hat and a pink shawl while fanning herself. Her face glistened as she told a reporter she had come prepared.
“(I knew) it was going to be one of the hottest days for Stampede,” Toneguzzi said.
She roamed the Stampede grounds for an hour until she decided to move indoors after feeling dizzy.
“I was feeling a little heat exhausted,” she said.
Toneguzzi jokingly suggested Stampede could benefit from selling such fans amid the heat wave.
“They could make a killing,” she said.
Bottled water, filling stations available on park
Almost 91,000 people passed through the Stampede gates Monday, bringing the four-day attendance to 629,650.
Stampede officials said bottled water is available to attendees across Stampede Park, thanks to its partnership with Coca-Cola. Permanent water fountains or filling stations are also located inside the BMO Centre and GMC Stadium.
“The health and safety of our guests, volunteers, employees and animals is our top priority,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
Toward the entrance of the BMO Centre, Sylva Nathanson smiled as a cool breeze blew at her.
She had arrived at the festival more than an hour ago. After seeing the stock dog championship, she decided to walk outside only to find herself needing to escape the heat.
“It’s a scorcher,” she said.
Nathanson said the weather has trimmed her plans for Stampede. “We’ll be here for an hour or so, and then head to our air-conditioned home,” she said.
Sitting outside the building were Joan and Ronnie Spear, a couple from Texas, who heard about Stampede while travelling across the Rockies.
When they arrived, they said they were impressed. “It was amazing,” Joan said.
On Tuesday, they explored the livestock exhibitions and saw the stock dog championship.
“We decided to visit again tonight.”
As for the heat, they find the weather pleasant.
“We’re not dying,” Joan said.
“With a breeze, it’s very comfortable,” Ronnie chimed in.
Misters appreciated
Meanwhile, two misting stations near the midway rides were among the most popular attractions in that area for young and old.
“The mister was beautiful, wonderful,” said Jaime Clague after a good soaking. “Best thing we found today, I think.”
His young family came to the grounds equipped with hats, an umbrella and spray bottles. “Just finding as much shade as you can get into,” he said of their heat-beating strategy.
Marion Nixon was equally impressed with the brief mister relief, but said she wants to see more, along with added seats and benches in shaded areas around the grounds.
“Trying to stay cool as we can,” she said. “It’s too bad they don’t have more of them, though, because a lot of them have big, long lineups.”