Blogging From The Rear – Party Particulars

The Flame at the 2010 Grey Cup Festival kickoff party at Edmonton’s City Hall (Postmedia News)

In the immortal words of Prince; “if you didn’t come to party, don’t bother knockin’ on my door.”  Right now, Edmonton’s door is wide open for the party of epic proportions.  Edmonton is of course home to the Hot to Huddle Grey Cup Festival and the 98th Grey Cup.  Joining the party is real easy.  Here are the partculars.  All you have to bring is a love for this great land and a passion for the great game of Canadian football.  One or the other will suffice.  But both will help you become intoxicated by the spirit of the Grey Cup.  I know.   I’ve enjoyed a Grey Cup or two.  People from coast to coast to coast will be happily sharing stories about why we’re proud to be Canadian, and why we elect to freeze our tails off in support of this league.  The Grey Cup is more than just a sporting event don’t you know, it’s an important part of our cultural fabric.  So if opportunity knocks, get in on the action.  The Spirit of Edmonton is the perfect place to start the celebration.  It takes off Thursday at the Westin Hotel and it’s free.  If you can’t enjoy yourself at this venue, you’re likely from Calgary.  (Kidding.)  Even Calgarians get swept up by the Spirit of Edmonton.  Check it out.  Thursday through Sunday at the Westin.  The bar opens at 4:00 pm.  Huddle Town is more family oriented.  It’s situated at Churchill Square.  There’s interactive displays, and various other interesting activities under the Huddle Dome.  It’s open from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm Thursday through Saturday.  It’s also free.  The CFL Hall of Fame has moved into City Hall for the festival.  Again, it’s free, and will feature an impressive line-up of CFL displays and memorabilia.  Then, with all the money you’ve saved by visiting those free venues, you can spend it at the Shaw Conference Centre.  That’s where Riderville will be rockin’.  Tickets are 20 dollars and Riderville runs from Thursday until Saturday.  There are also the Molson Canadian Cabarets at the Shaw Conference Centre.  Yes cabarets, plural.  Three different halls will house three different party environments, with three different types of entertainment.  Doors open at 8:00 pm.  And If you manage to make it up by noon on Saturday, try catching the Grey Cup Parade.  The parade will wind its way around downtown Edmonton.  But if you’re still a bit sluggish, no worries, you can always watch the parade on Global.  (Note the plugs for Shaw and Global.)  So, there are just a few ideas to get you into the Grey Cup spirit and ready for Sunday’s big game.  Hopefully they help.  Have fun!  By the way, and just in case, some members of the Global Sports Team say; a beer and clamato juice for breakfast is a nice way to start your hangover day.  See ya’.