2nuksabroad: Canadian Stampede 2013

Well the break is over and 2nuksabroad is back blogging. A quick update on life in Oman as we've gone through a few changes over the past months. 2nuks has become one as my better half Janelle has returned back to Canada to continue her work there as her 1 year contract came to an end. I've done a pretty lackluster job since of keeping the blog updated, but here we go again.

Last year Janelle and I stumbled into the Canadian Stampede committee not knowing what to expect so I was quite keen to volunteer again this year now knowing what a fantastic party it is, definitely the party of the year. The event lived up to expectations again this year with close to 900 people in attendance.Importantly so as it was the 20th anniversary. It was also great to have so many friends turn-up this year for their first time. To sum up the evening I've attached the write-up that was sent to the club newsletter detailing all the Stampede had to offer. To those who didn't make it this year, make sure to mark it on your calendars in 2014.

"It was a warm evening with clear skies, like any other beautiful March night in Muscat. But something was different… there was a scent of hay bales in the air and familiar chords of country music carried along with the ocean breeze; not common for the Ras Al Hamra Recreation Center (RAHRC). As I walked down the familiar RAHRC entrance, I was suddenly greeted by enthusiastic cowboys and cowgirls, all welcoming me in to the 20^th annual Canadian Stampede. These Canadian Stampede “ambassadors” happily briefed me on the evening’s festivities and then sent me along my way with a pile of free loot, including welcome drinks, western bandana / sheriff badge, 20^th Stampede drink cozzie, coupon for free coffee and doughnut (for the next morning) and an enthusiastic “Yee Haw!” As I walked down the steps, into what once was the RAHRC volleyball court, there was an ocean of cowboy hats, hay bales and plaid shirts before me. The DJ, Erin from Hi FM, was playing classic country hits while images of Canada flashed on the large video screen; images beautiful enough to make even the toughest cowboy a little homesick. As a Canadian whose hometown is Calgary, this was a sight I had seen many times before, but not in Oman! Off to my right was a mouthwatering Stampede feast, including classics such as beef on a bun, coleslaw, potato salad, chili and, of course, Nanaimo bars. To my left, was a chuckwagon and bucking bull, ready for me to hop on board and capture the moment forever in photo. Oh what a night!

If this sounds familiar, then you might have attended the 2013 Canadian Stampede! Every year the Canadian Section hosts a Stampede party in the fashion of the Calgary stampede parties thrown during the month of July in Calgary, Canada. The Canadian Stampede party was on March 7, 2013, and, as in previous years, it was a huge success offering a little something for everyone. This year was particularly special because it was the 20^th anniversary event. So the committee pulled out all the stops, including a live band (Urban Gas), line dancing, and more free stuff than ever before. And their efforts were rewarded by the many smiling faces on all the honorary cowboys and cowgirls and a packed dance floor throughout the evening. The grand prize winners, Frank and Joanna Oprinsen, walked away with a free trip to the July 2013 Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Canada. The committee would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a huge success and look forward to doing it all again next year. Until then, we wish you easy trails with clear skies and leave you with a final “Yee Haw”!!!!!!"