There are a million and one reasons the Calgary Stampede, AKA The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, is my absolute favorite festival.
But nearing the top of the list (next to the endless deep fried items available) is the award-winning Grandstand Show!
This year, the Grandstand Show celebrates 50 years of some pretty epic costumes, original music, and high flying acts, along with the world class singing, dancing, and acting talents of the Young Canadians!
Only 5 days into the 10 day show and I’ve already been to the show 3 times with a variety of friends, all who have been as wonderfully impressed as I have.
This year, the list of talent that has been brought in to support the Young Canadians is fresh, unique and wildly entertaining.
A number of new faces include Comediam Drew Lynch from America’s Got Talent and Canadian Illusionist Darcy Oake.
And the ones who have left me in awe each night, Alina Leiva and Yunier Morales and their insane roller skating act!
First of all, I can barely stand on my own two feet, let alone rollerskate on a tiny platform…. Their athletic talents are sometimes else!
But of course the show would be nothing without a great host, and the Young Canadians… Fortunately for this year’s show goers, 2018’s host was also a Young Canadian for 11 years!
Host Rachel Avery is now a Los Angeles based screenwriter, director, and actor; but she got her start on the Grandstand Show stage.
And if that weren’t enough to make her the most perfect host for the 2018 anniversary show, Rachel is also the great granddaughter of the Avery who produced the first Grandstand Show 50 years ago in 1968!
I had the chance to meet Rachel and asked her a few questions I’ve been dying to know, and she also shared with me some of her secret Young Canadian confessions.
She told me that while most of us spectators feel bad about rain during the shows, the Young Canadians LOVE it!
“The rain adds an air of excitement for the performance and us kids love it! Even though the show is incredibly safe and they always put safety first, the rain makes us feel so dangerous!”
I also asked Rachel if she ‘borrowed’ any costume pieces from her 11 years as a YC.
“I may still have the giant blue hair bow from the ‘World of Music’ show where I had a VonTrapp solo!”
Lastly I wanted to know what her favorite costume she ever wore was.
“I will never forget the Red sequin 90’s number I wore with a drop waist and tiered Taffeta!”
Every year the Grandstand Show is an unforgettable memory worth making and it’s a show I’ll never miss!
Very affordable Standing Room tickets are available each night at the box office and Seated Tickets can be found here.
Get ready for a performance you won’t soon forget.
Mr. Fab Canadian
