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Spruce Meadows: It's called the North American, but the world is here

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It’s called the North American, but it’s really all about the world.

Top show jumpers from 16 nations are at Spruce Meadows this week for the tournament, part of the renowned facility’s Summer Series.

The North American is a CSI 5* event, which means it is at the highest level in terms of prize money — $1,535,600 to be exact — and in jump heights. Like the National in June and the Masters in September, the North American attracts world-calibre riders looking to add to their winnings this year. Viewers of the Rio Olympics will recognize names such as World No. 1 Kent Farrington, Canadian Eric Lamaze and Beezie Madden of the U.S. on the leaderboard this week.

The North American features two long-running, celebrated events. The first, the Queen Elizabeth ll Cup, sponsored by ATCO, is on July 8. The Queen herself came in 1990 for the inaugural event.

Then, on July 9, the Sun Life Derby is always popular with spectators.

“It’s an extended course that features natural obstacles like open water, the Devil’s Dyke, the five-metre bank . . . It takes a special kind of horse to ride it. They have to be brave and have lots of stamina and agility to master it,” said Caroline Grant, media co-ordinator for Spruce Meadows.

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During breaks in the action this week, visitors to the grounds can take in a wide range of shops in Spruce Meadows Marketplace. Equine-related goods are available in Vendor Village and booths in both the upper and lower plazas, but there’s also clothing, household goods, jewelry, art, gifts and even rustic barn wood furniture.

Spruce Meadows always includes local entertainment in their events and this tournament is no exception. During the five days of competition, performers include the Mounted Troop of Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), the Calgary Stetson Show Band, Calgary Round Up Band, Sam Steele’s Scouts, Fort Calgary Wheel and Runner, The Calgary Fiddlers and Rick Climans Jazz Group. 

Rush seating Wednesday through Sunday in the east and west grandstand is only $5 for teens and adults. Seniors and children 12 and under are free. If you want a guaranteed seat, reserve a spot in the grandstand on the weekend for $35. An all-access suite runs $150 per seat.

Parking is free, but those choosing to leave the car behind can take the complimentary Red Arrow shuttle. On Friday night (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and both Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), a bus picks up passengers from the northeast corner of the Somerset/Bridlewood LRT Station parking lot. Look for the tent shelter with Spruce Meadows on it (across the street behind Lowes).

Once this tournament wraps, Spruce is hoping to keep the party going with family-friendly, outdoor films. Movies at the Meadows runs every Wednesday night from July 19 through Aug. 23 starting at dusk. Bring a chair, a blanket and family to enjoy a movie under the stars on a large outdoor screen in the Meadows on the Green. Popcorn, movie treats and meals are available to purchase on the lower Plaza.

Movies are $20/car at the gate or $15/car if purchased in advance online. Princess Bride is showing July 19, followed by cult classic Indiana Jones on July 26.


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