By HANNA DEEVES
Hand-turned birch bowl by Ken Hawtin of Ardrossan AB. Available at Galleria Inglewood. Photo Courtesy Galleria Inglewood
If you are looking for a little more than T-Shirts and tiny bottles of maple syrup to bring back home after visiting our beautiful city, try checking out these spots. Even locals are sure to find something to show off their Calgarian spirit. (more…)
photo by Erin Legere, Where Calgary
To all those affected by flooding in Calgary and southern Alberta, Where Calgary extends sincere condolences and our best wishes in the coming days and weeks. Where will post updated information on volunteer efforts, re-openings and access issues as the week progresses. Enmax has restored power to all affected areas.
While parts of downtown are open, the city urges limited driving and travel to the downtown core. Several roads and bridges have been damaged and there is much scattered debris. Click here for a list of closed roads and bridges. As cleanup continues, some portions of the inner city are operating normally. Click here for closures, detours and restrictions.
We encourage locals and travellers to help out where they can and to be cautious of travel in Southern Alberta while the relief efforts are proceeding, as many venues, services, and attractions have been closed.
TRAVEL IN CALGARY AND AREA
If you’re travelling to Alberta, be sure to check Environment Alberta for weather updates and advisories, as well as AMA Road Reports for Alberta for road closures and reports. Visit the City of Calgary for the most up-to-date information of venue and road closures. (more…)
The early career years of country music king George Strait
BY LAURA PELLERINE
See George Strait at the Saddledome on July 11. For tickets call Ticketmaster, 403-777-0000.
When it comes to the archetypal cowboy, George Strait fits the stereotype down to a tee. He grew up on a Texas ranch, knows how to rope a steer, wears his Wranglers starched, and is rarely seen without his Resistol hat. He’s got the love of a good woman (he’s been with wife Norma for almost 40 years), is a hard worker (he’s had 57 number one hits) and is musically influenced by “the greats”: Merle Haggard and George Jones.
To the outside world, he is known for being shy—a reputation that longtime friends and crewmates, Tommy Foote and Mike Daily say is not without merit.
Tommy Foote is Strait’s road manager. Back in the “old days” he was the drummer for Ace in the Hole—the band that has been Strait’s touring band since before his manager Erv Woolsey got him signed onto MCA Records. Mike Daily is another original Ace in the Hole band member, he plays the steel guitar.
Both Foote and Daily get nostalgic when talking about their early years. “We were young, doing what we loved to do. It was the best time of my life,” Foote says. When Foote, Daily, Ron Cabal, and Terry Hale were college students, they were in a band called Stoney Ridge.
“We had four band members, but no singer. We auditioned a few people, but none of them worked quite right,” Daily says. “We had a bulletin board in the student centre at the college where we posted signs saying ‘Looking for a singer,’ George saw it and auditioned.”
Western looks that you can wear to any event this Stampede
Model: Robyn
It’s not always easy deciding how “western” to dress during the Calgary Stampede. To help you out, we’ve enlisted city stylist Alli Cullen, who gave us tips on how to look stylish, western, and event appropriate.
Photography: Anne Wright Photography
Hair, Make-up and Styling: MakeMe by Alli
Location: Mason’s Ranch
THE NIGHTLIFE SCENE
Alli’s tips: “Just remember, your Stampede bar attire is sure to get roughed up, so keep in mind not to wear your best western pieces. A flirty floral or denim dress is sure to attract a couple of cowboys and a straw cowboy hat is a definite must!”
Robyn: Dress, $125, by MM Couture. Necklace, $375, by Shereen de Rousseau. Find both at Crabapple Clothing Company. Ankle boot, $249, Arnold Churgin Shoes
Models: Ryden and Dana
THE RODEO
Alli’s tips: “Dress the part! This is the time to wear your Wranglers, so wear them tight and proud! Also, for you rodeo gals, a little bit of glitz will add glamour to your rodeo wear (think rhinestones and big belt buckles). You will definitely fit in with the barrel riders!
Ryden: Cowboy hat, $249, Grant by Stetson. Shirt, $64.98, Rough Stock by Panhandle Slim. Jeans, $39.98, by Wrangler. Belt, $49.98. All available at Riley & McCormick. Motorcycle boots, $270, Alberta Boot Company.
Dana: Shirt, $64.98, Tough Enough to Wear Pink by Wrangler. Jeans, $55, Q-Baby by Wrangler. Concho belt, $215, by Wrangler. Cowboy hat, $49.90, by Bailey Western. All available at Riley & McCormick. Crazy Horse cowboy boots, $270, Alberta Boot Company.
Models: Brittany and Adrian from I Model Management
THE CORPORATE EVENT
Alli’s tips: “A white airy dress with country lace detailing is a perfect backdrop for chunky turquoise or coral jewellery! If you’re feeling a bit sassy, throw on a pair of red cowboy boots to add a bit of intrigue.
Gentlemen, now is the time to show off that booty in either a pair of high fashion denim or with a good old pair of Wranglers. Lastly, a worn-in, plaid, western shirt is a great choice, it will leave a rustic cowboy impression! Keep it loose—top two, if not three buttons undone.
Brittany: Algonquin white dress, $490, by Tibi. Belt, $132, by Brave Leather. Earrings, $65, by Bejewel. Bracelet, $125, by Bejewel. Necklace, $320, by Bejewel. All available at Crabapple Clothing Company. Cowboy boots, $249, Arnold Churgin Shoes.
Adrian: Dress shirt, $150, by Armani. Jeans, $250, by Diesel. Find both at Henry. Cowboy hat, $199, by Stetson, Riley & McCormick. Full quill ostrich cowboy boots, $1,000, Alberta Boot Company.
Model: Robyn
WHERE TO SHOP:
Stylish western wear:
Arnold Churgin Shoes
Crabapple Clothing Company
Henry
Junk Star Vintage
Primitive
Traditional western wear:
Alberta Boot Company
Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack
Riley & McCormick
Smithbilt Hats
Stallion Boot & Jean Company
Stampede Boot
Robyn: Plaid tank, $121, by Free People, Crabapple Clothing Company. Straw cowboy hat, $39.90, Riley & McCormick.