The 2021 Calgary Stampede wrapped up last weekend. Whether it’s viewed as a cultural event or a diversionary circus, our Voices past had something to say about it.

Look at all the pretty horses.  Voice writer b.e. hydomako takes a hard look at the parallels between the Stampede and the Roman Empire’s practice of “bread and circuses.”  “These two things—food and violence—work together to create a powerful persuasive force which quells the opportunities to look at the atrocities of the rulers.”  The Empire Never Ended: A Day at the Rodeo, July 24, 2002.

And now, a word from our sponsor.  Former AUSU council President Debbie Jabbour celebrates Edmonton’s many festivals, while deploring the new sponsor-saturation  of Heritage Days.  “The need to raise money also resulted in anomalies such as Second Cup being invited to participate as a sponsor and having the largest, most central tent – the most common comment I heard from people was that they didn’t know Second Cup was a country!”  From My Perspective–Festivals and Commercialization in Edmonton, August 13, 2003.