At this weekend’s Edmonton Eskimos game, I was joined by someone who’d never been to a live football game before. As I was describing what kind of atmosphere to expect at the stadium, I was struck by the number of activities that occur at an Eskimos game. Even if the football game isn’t your thing, there is sure to be something for you to watch.
The crazy antics of the Eskimos’ mascots Punter and Nanook are always entertaining, especially when they are body slamming stuffed animals that represent the other teams’ mascots into the turf. There’s nothing like seeing a stuffed gopher or horse get jumped on. Take that!
Speaking of jumps, you’ll be surprised at the gymnastic and acrobatic skill of the Eskimos Cheer Team, considered to be one of the best squads in North America. It’s not unusual to see one of the guys balance one of the girls on one hand or a couple of guys throw a girl so high in the air she can do multiple flips and twists on the way down. I can’t help but watch in amazement.
The mascots and the Cheer Team encourage the crowd to get involved in special cheers and everyone sings the Eskimos fight song between the third and fourth quarters. There’s also wacky competitions hosted by sponsors, the cheesy sounds of the Pep Band and the mini footballs that get launched into the crowd when the Eskimos score.
Add all of these off-field activities to the action of the football game and you have a winning combination.
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Park It
July 17 is Canada Parks Day and that got me thinking about Alberta’s many parks. Alberta has hundreds of parks and wilderness areas representing diverse landscapes and offering a variety of activities for people to enjoy.
The jaw-dropping scenery in Alberta’s wild spaces is a big attraction. Mountains, foothills, forests, grasslands, and strange rock formations – Alberta has it all. Even sand dunes! On the eastern side of the province is the Wainwright Dunes and in the northeast corner is the Athabasca Dunes Ecological Reserve which is part of the largest active sand dune system in Alberta.
Alberta’s lakes, reservoirs and rivers provide prime water sport opportunities. Wabumun Lake, Cold Lake and Waterton Reservoir are known for sailing and the province’s waterways provide a variety of boating, canoeing and kayaking routes. Many of Alberta’s lakes and rivers have outstanding fishing. Bow Valley Provincial Park has world-renowned trout fishing and the Oldman River and Kootenay Plains Provincial Recreation Areas contain over 30 species of fish. Alberta’s many lakes also mean many beaches. Two of the best are the beach at Sylvan Lake and Devonshire Beach on Lesser Slave Lake where they hold the annual Alberta Open Sandsculpture Championships.
Parks all over the province offer an endless variety of hiking trails. From meandering rivers and prairie that seems to go on forever, to forests that blanket much of the province, to mountain views and waterfalls, Alberta’s trails pass through all kinds of terrain and offer activity levels ranging from easy to more challenging.
Alberta’s parks are also home to an abundance of wildlife. Northern Alberta is known for amazing bird watching opportunities. Of the approximately 330 bird species in Alberta, 224 have been seen in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, the threatened Trumpeter Swan can be found in Saskatoon Island Provincial Park and tiny songbirds migrate through the area around Lesser Slave Lake. Parks in the mountains, foothills, and prairies offer the chance to spy larger animals like bears, moose and cougars.
History can also be explored in Alberta’s parks. Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park contains hundreds of Aboriginal pictographs (paintings) and petroglyphs (carvings) and Dinosaur Provincial Park allows visitors to hike to world-famous dinosaur bonebeds and even participate in an authentic fossil dig.
When you want to escape to nature, where do you go? What are your favourite Alberta parks and wilderness areas? What is your favourite activity to do in Alberta’s parks? Let me know by making a comment at the bottom of the post.
The jaw-dropping scenery in Alberta’s wild spaces is a big attraction. Mountains, foothills, forests, grasslands, and strange rock formations – Alberta has it all. Even sand dunes! On the eastern side of the province is the Wainwright Dunes and in the northeast corner is the Athabasca Dunes Ecological Reserve which is part of the largest active sand dune system in Alberta.
Alberta’s lakes, reservoirs and rivers provide prime water sport opportunities. Wabumun Lake, Cold Lake and Waterton Reservoir are known for sailing and the province’s waterways provide a variety of boating, canoeing and kayaking routes. Many of Alberta’s lakes and rivers have outstanding fishing. Bow Valley Provincial Park has world-renowned trout fishing and the Oldman River and Kootenay Plains Provincial Recreation Areas contain over 30 species of fish. Alberta’s many lakes also mean many beaches. Two of the best are the beach at Sylvan Lake and Devonshire Beach on Lesser Slave Lake where they hold the annual Alberta Open Sandsculpture Championships.
Parks all over the province offer an endless variety of hiking trails. From meandering rivers and prairie that seems to go on forever, to forests that blanket much of the province, to mountain views and waterfalls, Alberta’s trails pass through all kinds of terrain and offer activity levels ranging from easy to more challenging.
Alberta’s parks are also home to an abundance of wildlife. Northern Alberta is known for amazing bird watching opportunities. Of the approximately 330 bird species in Alberta, 224 have been seen in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, the threatened Trumpeter Swan can be found in Saskatoon Island Provincial Park and tiny songbirds migrate through the area around Lesser Slave Lake. Parks in the mountains, foothills, and prairies offer the chance to spy larger animals like bears, moose and cougars.
History can also be explored in Alberta’s parks. Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park contains hundreds of Aboriginal pictographs (paintings) and petroglyphs (carvings) and Dinosaur Provincial Park allows visitors to hike to world-famous dinosaur bonebeds and even participate in an authentic fossil dig.
When you want to escape to nature, where do you go? What are your favourite Alberta parks and wilderness areas? What is your favourite activity to do in Alberta’s parks? Let me know by making a comment at the bottom of the post.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
These Routes Were Made for Walkin'
The rain has finally stopped and that’s put me in the mood for walking. If you’re like me, you get bored of following the same old route. Here are some suggestions to spice your walks.
Discover History
Learn about the history of four of Edmonton’s oldest neighborhoods - Strathcona, Downtown, Highlands and Oliver. Historical walking tour brochures provide background on residential and commercial buildings, highlight interesting architectural details and share stories about the people who lived and worked in the area.
Appreciate Art
If you’ve ever wondered about the background of the outdoor art you see around the city, The Places walking tour provides some answers. The walking tour highlights 30 works of public art located primarily in the downtown and university areas.
Explore New Neighborhoods
Six Edmonton neighborhoods have developed walking maps that layout a variety of paths through their communities. The routes lead by parks, restaurants, shops, recreation facilities, schools, community gardens and tourist attractions.
There’s nothing like enjoying Edmonton’s scenery, history and art while getting some exercise at the same time. Enjoy your walks.
Discover History
Learn about the history of four of Edmonton’s oldest neighborhoods - Strathcona, Downtown, Highlands and Oliver. Historical walking tour brochures provide background on residential and commercial buildings, highlight interesting architectural details and share stories about the people who lived and worked in the area.
Appreciate Art
If you’ve ever wondered about the background of the outdoor art you see around the city, The Places walking tour provides some answers. The walking tour highlights 30 works of public art located primarily in the downtown and university areas.
Explore New Neighborhoods
Six Edmonton neighborhoods have developed walking maps that layout a variety of paths through their communities. The routes lead by parks, restaurants, shops, recreation facilities, schools, community gardens and tourist attractions.
There’s nothing like enjoying Edmonton’s scenery, history and art while getting some exercise at the same time. Enjoy your walks.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Off to the Races: Horse Racing in Edmonton
What can you expect when you attend an afternoon of thoroughbred racing at Northlands Park? A little bit of excitement and a lot of atmosphere.
The Races
An afternoon of racing at Northlands Park usually consists of 10 races. You can watch the races from the outdoor grandstand, indoor seating or down by the rails at track level. “Down by the rail you can really appreciate the power and speed of the horses,” says my friend Terry, who enjoys attending the races at Northlands. “You can feel the vibration of the hooves pounding as the horses go past and it adds to the excitement.”
Betting
Betting on the races is an integral part of the action. For people serious about betting, racing forms give background on each horse such as performance record and jockey. Tip sheets prepared by professional handicappers are also available and list their top picks. Alberta’s racing website provides tips on types of bets and how to handicap (pick your horse).
Off Track Action
In between races there’s a lot going on. Spectators can visit the paddock to scope out the horses for the next race, get something to eat from the many restaurants, or watch races broadcast from other racing venues.
Atmosphere
Terry and his wife Megan love the atmosphere. “On a nice day there’s nothing like sitting in the stands, having a beer and hotdog, and enjoying a little excitement,” says Terry.
Whether you like the action or the atmosphere, I bet you’ll have fun checking out the horse races at Edmonton’s Northlands Park.
This weekend was the start of the thoroughbred racing season at Northlands Park in Edmonton. The Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge, Evergreen Park in Grand Prairie and Alberta Downs in Lacombe also host thoroughbred events.
The Races
An afternoon of racing at Northlands Park usually consists of 10 races. You can watch the races from the outdoor grandstand, indoor seating or down by the rails at track level. “Down by the rail you can really appreciate the power and speed of the horses,” says my friend Terry, who enjoys attending the races at Northlands. “You can feel the vibration of the hooves pounding as the horses go past and it adds to the excitement.”
Betting
Betting on the races is an integral part of the action. For people serious about betting, racing forms give background on each horse such as performance record and jockey. Tip sheets prepared by professional handicappers are also available and list their top picks. Alberta’s racing website provides tips on types of bets and how to handicap (pick your horse).
Off Track Action
In between races there’s a lot going on. Spectators can visit the paddock to scope out the horses for the next race, get something to eat from the many restaurants, or watch races broadcast from other racing venues.
Atmosphere
Terry and his wife Megan love the atmosphere. “On a nice day there’s nothing like sitting in the stands, having a beer and hotdog, and enjoying a little excitement,” says Terry.
Whether you like the action or the atmosphere, I bet you’ll have fun checking out the horse races at Edmonton’s Northlands Park.
This weekend was the start of the thoroughbred racing season at Northlands Park in Edmonton. The Rocky Mountain Turf Club in Lethbridge, Evergreen Park in Grand Prairie and Alberta Downs in Lacombe also host thoroughbred events.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Oil City Derby Girls Rock...and Roll
Chicks wearing fishnet stockings, roller skates and elbow pads can mean only one thing… roller derby.
Edmonton’s Oil City Derby Girls deliver mix-em-up action with bad-ass attitude. From the minute you hear the pounding music as you walk through the front door you know you’re in for a raucous good time. And when you see the skaters bumping and grinding their way around the track, you can’t help but get drawn in to the action.
Even if you don’t fully understand roller derby rules you’ll still have a good time watching the teams battle it out. And you have to like a sport where competitors are required to show off their “don’t mess with me attitude” through names like Dizz Aster, Bamm Bamm, and Lethal Lyn Jection.
The following video was taken from the “suicide seating” section of the venue. Enjoy!
Edmonton’s Oil City Derby Girls deliver mix-em-up action with bad-ass attitude. From the minute you hear the pounding music as you walk through the front door you know you’re in for a raucous good time. And when you see the skaters bumping and grinding their way around the track, you can’t help but get drawn in to the action.
Even if you don’t fully understand roller derby rules you’ll still have a good time watching the teams battle it out. And you have to like a sport where competitors are required to show off their “don’t mess with me attitude” through names like Dizz Aster, Bamm Bamm, and Lethal Lyn Jection.
The following video was taken from the “suicide seating” section of the venue. Enjoy!
Upcoming Oil City Derby Girls home games are June 12, August 14, September 18, October 16, and November 20.
Other Alberta teams that belong to the Canadian Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association:
- Edmonton's E-Ville Roller Derby
- Calgary Roller Derby Association
- Red Deer Belladonnas
- Medicine Hat's Gas City Rollers
- Wetaskiwin Rez City Rollerz are just getting established.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Ice Golf Baby
Golf on a frozen lake in the middle of winter. Can you say f-f-f-f-fore?
My friend Mike does the wackiest things. Last weekend he participated in an ice golf tournament on Pigeon Lake. When I asked him why he did it he replied, "Cuz it's crazy fun."
Golfers make their way around a course marked out by old Christmas trees and putting greens made of indoor/outdoor carpeting. I'm told you don't have to be an especially skilled golfer because you are only allowed to use two irons and a putter. You're not even required to have an eagle eye to spot the little white golf ball on the snow because coloured balls are used.
The tournament draws around 200 people for golf, dinner and a chance to thumb your nose at Old Man Winter. Are you game?
Check out some of the creative costumes and methods of transporting beverages around the course.
My friend Mike does the wackiest things. Last weekend he participated in an ice golf tournament on Pigeon Lake. When I asked him why he did it he replied, "Cuz it's crazy fun."
Golfers make their way around a course marked out by old Christmas trees and putting greens made of indoor/outdoor carpeting. I'm told you don't have to be an especially skilled golfer because you are only allowed to use two irons and a putter. You're not even required to have an eagle eye to spot the little white golf ball on the snow because coloured balls are used.
The tournament draws around 200 people for golf, dinner and a chance to thumb your nose at Old Man Winter. Are you game?
Check out some of the creative costumes and methods of transporting beverages around the course.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Go for Gold in Calgary
For those of you watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and thinking how cool it would be to try some of the more daring winter sports, I have a tip for you. You can live your Olympic dream at the venues from the 1988 Olympics in Calgary.
Canada Olympic Park, site of the 1988 bobsleigh and luge events, offers the public a chance to experience the course that many Olympic athletes compete and train on.
For an insanely adventurous experience, try the luge. A skilled luge athlete will teach you the finer points of propelling yourself down an icy track and then let you give it a try.
If you prefer someone else to be in the driver’s seat, hop in the bobsleigh. A professional driver will pilot you down the course at speeds of up to 120 km/hr.
Canada Olympic Park, site of the 1988 bobsleigh and luge events, offers the public a chance to experience the course that many Olympic athletes compete and train on.
For an insanely adventurous experience, try the luge. A skilled luge athlete will teach you the finer points of propelling yourself down an icy track and then let you give it a try.
If you prefer someone else to be in the driver’s seat, hop in the bobsleigh. A professional driver will pilot you down the course at speeds of up to 120 km/hr.
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