We love the Stampede, we love pancakes and we definitely love bacon, but a great Stampede breakfast should have a little something extra. These seven breakfasts all offer something a little different from the run-of-the-mill breakfasts and are all worth checking out this year.
A breakfast for the competitive
When: July 3, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Outside Candela Restaurant (1915 4 St. S.W.)
Why you’ll want to go: It’s the most intense pancake competition of the year and it’s taking place for the fifth year in a row. As well as nail-biting competition, the breakfast also features entertainment by The Wine Soaked Preachers and Matt Masters, and games and face painting for the kids who are there.
A breakfast for the adventurous
The Brainasium “Sneak Peek” Breakfast
When: July 3, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre (220 St. George’s Dr. N.E.)
Why you’ll want to go: This is so much more than a Stampede breakfast – it’s also a sneak peek of The Brainasium, the first part of the park’s new outdoor park (more additions will open in 2015). Expect to see Country 105 on location, see incredible displays by Breathe Parkour and try out different science activities in the fun zone. RSVPs for this breakfast are required.
A breakfast for your family
Money Mentors Stampede Breakfast
When: July 5, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: 1200 59 Ave. S.E.
Why you’ll want to go: This is a free breakfast with the usual pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage, catered by Lino’s Catering. Local artist Lori Kole will be performing and Penelope the Clown will be on-site to entertain the youngsters. This breakfast is supporting Inn from the Cold, so try to bring donations such as baby food, new children’s clothes, personal hygiene products or gift cards for family activities.
A breakfast for the charitable
Cuisine and Chateau Stampede Breakfast
When: July 5, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Cuisine et Chateau (227 10 St. N.W.)
Why you’ll want to go: You’ll get pancakes, sausages and bacon, you’ll be entertained by musical group the Backyard Betties and you’ll be supporting a good cause. This breakfast is supporting the “Put the Boots to Hunger” campaign, so bring along a food donation.
A breakfast for those who think bigger is better
When: July 5, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Chinook Centre (6455 Macleod Tr. S.W.)
Why you’ll want to go: This is the biggest Stampede breakfast out there: 24 pancake stations, eight sausage grills and six coffee stations, manned by more than 4,000 local volunteers. This year, the Chinook Centre Panny Party is turning 54 and it’s probably the biggest party of the year – it’s expected to attract 65,000 people. You don’t want to miss out on that.
A breakfast for the health-conscious
Amber Approved Stampede Breakfast
When: July 9, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Hotel Arts (119 12 Ave. S.W.)
Why you’ll want to go: It’s the healthiest Stampede breakfast out there. Nutritionist Amber Romaniuk is partnering with chef Duncan Ly and chef Karine Moulin to prepare a delicious and healthy breakfast in honour of this year’s Stampede. Expect gluten-free, refined sugar-free and dairy-free options as well as the usual Stampede favourites all prepared with a twist, including blueberry buckwheat pancakes and chicken apple sausages. Tickets are $10 and are sure to sell out quickly.
A breakfast for the night owl
Quickdraw Renegade Midnight Stampede Breakfast BBQ
When: July 12, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Quickdraw Animation Society (201, 351 11 Ave. S.W.)
Why you’ll want to go: This isn’t your ordinary Stampede breakfast that takes place in the morning. This is a block party under the stars. Bring your own meat (or meat substitute), watch projections and short animations, and listen to different bands. This is the perfect breakfast for the arts-lover.
For more information on the free Stampede breakfasts this year, visit freestampedepancakes.com.