July 2, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Calgary, Alberta _ With the Calgary Stampede just around the corner, events are already kicking off across the city to build excitement for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Among the first is the First Flip, a beloved annual pancake breakfast that many consider the unofficial launch of Stampede season. The festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. Thursday on Stephen Avenue, where attendees can enjoy flapjacks, live music from The Frontiers and Mackenzie Brown, and performances by Green Fools Theatre and the Chinook Line Dancers.
The formal portion of the event begins at 8 a.m., featuring remarks from Premier Danielle Smith, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, and the federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience. After their speeches, the dignitaries will roll up their sleeves and help out at the grill.
Later in the morning, another pancake breakfast will take place at 9 a.m. at the Calgary Dream Centre, with former Calgary mayor and current NDP candidate Naheed Nenshi, along with Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon, pitching in to serve the crowd.
These events are part of the lead-up to Sneak-a-Peek, which offers early access to Stampede Park ahead of the official opening.
The Stampede officially kicks off with the parade on Friday morning, launching 10 days of rodeo, midway fun, music, and Western celebration.
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