Weather or Not: The average June - August temperature in Calgary is 68° F. According to our local contact, "Our temps can really vary in the summer. We can be anywhere from the 60s to the high 80s to low 90s. We also tend to get quick flash thunderstorms where it will rain heavily for 5 minutes and be done for the day, or may happen a few times during the day (so definitely umbrellas).

At the Stampede grounds the daily forecasted temperatures tend to elevate by 5-7 degrees because of the concrete. Whether you plan on visiting the National Parks or the Stampede Grounds, remember to pack a pair of sturdy walking shoes. In Banff, the temperature is fairly close to Calgary, except with wind, however winter coats are not needed. At the top of the gondola you will need a windbreaker or jacket due to wind. Even if you're traveling to the Icefields, heavy winter jackets are not needed, but it can be very windy there. During that time typical temps at the Icefields are in the 50s-60s and because the wind blows off the ice the temperature air is lower, therefore a windbreaker or light jacket is recommended."

Need a Bigger Mailbox? A reminder to contact the USPS about having mail held (www.USPO.gov). Same for any newspaper you might have delivered!

To be Hospitable: The MUSIC TOURS UNLIMITED HOSPITALITY DESK will be available with posted hours in the looby of the hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel on July 7th, tables will be set up in the hotel lobby designated by last name. You will receive your room keys from the hotel staff and then proceed to a MTU table for your registration packet. The packet will contain the final itinerary, excursion details, shuttle departure times, breakfast locations, etc. the desk will be open from 12-6:00 p.m. on arrival day. Check in is 3:00 p.m.; however, because we are utilizing the majority of the hotel's rooms, some rooms may be ready earlier. If your keys or rooms are not available upon your arrival, a room has been arranged for luggage storage. In addition, the Silver Ballroom will

be set up as a hospitality room for you to wait if your room is not ready.

If you are "Parade Only" and have not purchased the Land Only or Land/Air package, you will also need to stop by the hotel on July 7^th for your registration packet. If you have not yet paid your $29.00, it will be collected then.

The "other" Hospitality Suite will likely be open daily. Hours will be posted on a "White Board" outside the suite for inclusion in your social schedule. Complimentary soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and the infamous "Rounderrittas" will be available. Please, drink responsibly...and remember altitudes impact when mixed with any alcohol.

We're still looking for Hospitality Suite Sponsors. A $100 donation earns suite sponsor designation and spontaneous applause. Pay in US Dollars for a slight discount!

I'm at the Airport...now what? Airport Transportation is being provided by the Stampede's Visiting Bands Committee on Thursday, July 7, 2011, for all band members and Tag-a-Longs. Upon arrival in Calgary, claim your luggage and then look for a representative from the Band Committee and/or MTU that will direct you to the school busses and the equipment truck transferring to/from the Host Hotel. These shuttles will run between noon and 5:00 p.m. If you made your own flight arrangements that arrive after the last shuttle (approx. 5:00 p.m.) or you are arriving on a day other than July 7th, you will need to use the hotel's complimentary shuttle.

For the Hotel Shuttle...once you have collected your luggage, call the hotel at 403-291-2003 and the driver will be notified you are ready for pick up. Proceed to Bay 11 where the Exec. Royal Inn Shuttle picks up. If you don't have a cell phone there is a phone at Bay 10 where you can reach the hotel (it's a phone with direct lines to various hotels). Do not call the hotel until you have claimed your luggage, as the drivers cannot sit and wait in the pick up area. The hotel does not prearrange or reserve shuttles to meet guests due to flight, custom, weather, & baggage delays.

Rays in Calgary? The NHL they're not but on the back of the program the Rays provide at each game is a feature called Rays Nation.  Fans take their picture in Rays gear as they travel around the world (Canada qualifies we think...) and the program publishes many of them.  BRING a RAYs shirt and/or hat to Calgary if you care to (Customs will likely think its your name) then AFTER our field show rehearsal...we'll take a group RAY's Pic with instruments and maybe our Stampede flag! A lot of Rounders are also Rays fans and have Rays gear. Let's have fun with it!

Need some Loonies?  You may want to exchange some currency before you travel. ATM's in Canada are often a good choice but is not a universal choice depending on your bank card type. Pick up some "Loonies"!

By The Way, the Tampa airport is out of Canadian money (reported Thursday) however, they will order enough for us and be there early enough to accommodate the early flight and the later flight if we give them an idea of how much everyone needs (volume-wise). Call or text message Melissa and she will pass it on. Do So by 2PM Friday (yep, short notice!)  Melissa Mince: 727-488-1988.

Sorry, you card has been declined: Call your credit card company and alert them that you will be traveling to Canada so they don't reject charges while you are there (It happens). Also, Check coverage with your health insurance company and ask them to make recommendations if necessary.

What, a $43.00 phone call?  Check your cell phone plans.  Calls and texts may be very expensive! Tell your carrier you will be in Canada for a week and see what they recommend!

Bags don't fly free: Remember...bags can typically be no more than fifty pounds each (50 LBS)...and all the airlines charge for bags. Continental Airlines charges on their website are $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second.