Fried chicken feet were a big hit with many people at Calgary Stampede, with other people not so much. It really depended on who you spoke to. (Rod Charles/Vacay.ca)
Story by Rod Charles
Vacay.ca Deputy Editor
CALGARY, ALBERTA — Close your eyes and imagine dozens of fried chicken feet on a stick piled up on a hotplate. That was the sight that greeted my eyes during a food tour at Calgary Stampede last year.
Before you even ask the answer is yes, I gave the fried chicken feet a try. Not bad … I wouldn’t say it was my favourite dish at Stampede but I have no regrets.
The rodeo and midway aside one of the best reasons to check out Stampede every year is to see new and exciting culinary creations.
“When developing the new food list each year, we have one guiding principle; each new food should be an experience,” says James Radke, Midway Operations Manager at the Calgary Stampede. “If a new food offering evokes excitement, delight, nostalgia or thrill, that’s when we know we’ve done our job.”
Well it goes without saying that our friends at Calgary Stampede have done their job. Whenever I have the privilege of visiting Stampede I tend to go for the usual suspects such as hot dogs, funnel cakes, candy apples and pancakes. There are also a few signature items that are a must when visiting Calgary like the beef brisket, baby back ribs and pulled pork.
But beyond the tried and true there are usually a few unique and edgy choices that will raise your eyebrows and test your mettle.
We can’t list all the food items in this list but here are a few of the more interesting treats that I think you should try at Calgary Stampede in 2018. I give you my word that the first two items on this list that are really going to bug you.
Dates: July 6-15, 2018
Website: https://www.calgarystampede.com
Main Desk Phone: 403-261-0101 / 1-800-661-1767
Ticket Phone: 403-269-9822 / 1-800-661-1767
Address: 1410 Olympic Way SE
Visit Calgary Website: https://www.visitcalgary.com
Travel Alberta Website: https://www.travelalberta.com/ca
