New Food Options Announced for the 2026 Calgary Stampede Midway
Introduction
The Calgary Stampede has revealed the food and drink list for its 2026 midway event, which will take place from July 3 to 12.
Main Body
The 2026 menu includes about 65 to 70 different items, divided into themes such as 'International Delights,' 'Wild and Wacky,' and 'Traditional Twists.' This year's selection focuses on culinary experimentation by combining unusual ingredients and textures. For example, the 'Crunchy Critter Corn' contains dried mealworms, while the 'Ramen Donuts' use a noodle-based crust. Additionally, the menu features creative hybrid meals, including 'Area 51' and 'UFO' themed burgers, as well as deep-fried options like birria taco bombs and crab Rangoon wonton nachos. Beverages and desserts have also been expanded to include special items like 'Coke Caesars' and 'Dubai pistachio coconut ice cream.' Furthermore, the organizers have introduced gluten-free deep-fried Oreos to accommodate different dietary needs. Midway Manager Ashley Warner emphasized that these dishes are the result of several months of development by vendors. She asserted that the goal is to improve the guest experience by providing unique and imaginative food. While the menu focuses on novelty, it is important to note that some extreme ingredients from previous years, such as mopane worms, are not included this time.
Conclusion
From July 3 to 12, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of both experimental and traditional foods at the event.
Learning
🚀 The B2 Leap: Moving Beyond Simple Verbs
At the A2 level, you likely use verbs like say, think, or make. To hit B2, you need Precise Reporting Verbs. These change the "flavor" of your sentence and tell the reader exactly how the speaker feels.
🔍 Spotting the Shift
Look at these two phrases from the text:
- *"Ashley Warner emphasized that these dishes are the result..."
- *"She asserted that the goal is to improve..."
If we used A2 English, we would just say: "She said that..."
Why is this a B2 move?
- Emphasized This means she wants you to pay special attention. It's a "loud" verb.
- Asserted This means she is speaking with confidence and authority. It's a "strong" verb.
🛠️ Your New Toolkit
Instead of always using SAY, try these based on the article's logic:
| If you want to show... | Use this B2 Verb | Example from Context |
|---|---|---|
| Importance | Emphasize | The manager emphasized the hard work of vendors. |
| Certainty | Assert | The team asserted that the menu is better. |
| Discovery | Reveal | The event revealed the 2026 food list. |
💡 Pro-Tip: The "That" Bridge
Notice that these verbs are often followed by the word "that".
- Structure:
[Person] + [Precise Verb] + that + [Full Idea] - Example: "The organizers revealed that they have gluten-free options."
Using this structure makes your writing sound professional, academic, and fluent.