The sun continued to beat down on the Stampede grounds Tuesday, forcing many visitors to seek shade, shelter or solace in cold drinks. With Calgary again coping with above 30 C temperatures, an remained in effect for the province, advising Albertans to hydrate, reschedule outdoor activities if possible or take frequent breaks from the heat. The agency expects temperatures to reach 35 C on Wednesday.
Inside the Nutrien Western Event Centre, Carl Klywak and Stella Chan, both from Calgary, were among dozens of people lined up Tuesday afternoon waiting to fill water bottles at a fountain station before heading back into the sun. “I was born and raised here and I can’t remember growing up it being this hot. It almost seems like every year it’s getting hotter and hotter,” said Chan.
“Normally, every year we would dress up but this year we’re like, ‘no, I’m forgoing the Stampede boots, the cowboy hat. This year we even brought our chilly pads,” she said of the cooled, wet wraps on their necks. Klywak said he expected to be back a few more times to fill up, and find one of the misting stations triggered when temperatures reach 28 C.
“I think we’ll just spend some time inside, outside, taking some breaks from the pure sun and keep hydrated,” he said of their plan to beat the heat. Lineups at water stations, ice cream vendors and lemonade stands were common throughout the grounds. Many others sought relief indoors.
Steps from a wine bar inside the BMO Centre, Ma.