ROUND 1: PARADE GRENADE
STAMPEDE: Every year a huge parade with fancy floats and hundreds of horses kicks off the start of the Calgary Stampede, closing major roads downtown. The excitement will have you shouting “Yahoo!” and best of all is you don’t need to pay to watch the parade!
CNE: The CNE a.k.a. The Ex is host to multiple parades, including the Warriors’ Day Parade and the daily Mardi Gras parade, but neither comes close to matching the Stampede Parade’s size. Plus, you have to pay for admission before you can see the processions.
The Stampede Parade is bigger, better, and free! The Stampede gallops first out of the gate.
SCORE: STAMPEDE – 1
CNE – 0
ROUND 2: TICKET TUSSLE
STAMPEDE: The Stampede Parade may be free, but park admission is not. General admission to the Stampede will run you $13, while children are $7 each. This includes access to hundreds of exhibits and activities, excluding rides and rodeo events.
CNE: Meanwhile, the CNE charges even more for access to the Exhibition grounds: tickets cost $15 for adults and $11 for children.
If you don’t want to break the bank, then the Stampede is a cheaper choice. Calgary scores again!
SCORE: STAMPEDE – 2
CNE – 0
ROUND 3: VISITOR VIOLENCE
STAMPEDE: It may be called the “Stampede”, but does this Calgary fair attract a stampede of visitors? The Stampede has roots as far back as 1886 and attracts upwards of 1.2 million guests annually over ten days.
CNE: The Ex dates even further back to 1878 and welcomes about 1.3 million visitors each year throughout its 18-day run. That makes the CNE the 4th largest fair in North America andthe largest in Canada!
The Ex attracts more people and runs longer. The CNE wins Round 3, but can it keep up?
SCORE: STAMPEDE – 2
CNE – 1
ROUND 4: FOOD FIGHT
STAMPEDE: The Stampede has the usual fare you would find at a fair, including cotton candy or corndogs. You’ll also find unique concessions on the Midway like deep-fried Oreos or hot beef sundaes. But the best part is the free breakfasts and lunches offered by businesses downtown!
CNE: No CNE experience is complete without a trip to the Toronto Star Food Building! From Tiny Tom’s trademark donuts to ice cream waffles, pizza, 99¢ Spaghetti, and international cuisine, the Ex has something for everyone!
The Stampede has scrumptious treats, but next to the nostalgic Food Building, they can’t compete.
SCORE: STAMPEDE – 2
CNE – 2
ROUND 5: ACTIVITY ALTERCATION
STAMPEDE: The chuckwagon races and rodeo set the Stampede apart. Visitors can also learn how to perform farm chores like cow milking, pet a litter of piglets, ride the Midway, gawk at fine arts and crafts, or stroll through the Indian Village!
CNE: The Ex has a Horse Show, Garden Show, interactive activities at KidStreet, mounds of metal rides, and an Air Show on Labour Day weekend. The SuperDogs are a fan favourite, but the Stampede showcases the dogs too.
The Ex’s agricultural roots have mostly given way to the Midway. The Stampede scores for its unique western allure!
SCORE: STAMPEDE – 3
CNE – 2
ROUND UP: “Let’s go to the Ex”…or not. With unique western activities, cheaper admission, and a parade that is bigger than Santa Claus and Rudolph put together, it’s hard not to concede that “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” is the Calgary Stampede. So, pull on some jeans, put on your cowboy boots, and tip your hat to give Calgary the top summer fair salute.
The Calgary Stampede runs from July 3 to 12, 2009 and The Ex runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7, 2009!
Web Links:
www.calgarystampede.com
www.theex.com