TD Bank Group poll shows 40% plan to shell out up to $500 at greatest outdoor show on earth

CALGARY, July 5, 2011 /CNW/ - If you don't catch a glimpse of the Royals, William and Kate, when they make their debut at this year's Calgary Stampede, you are guaranteed to see Elizabeth II, William Lyon Mackenzie King and Sir Robert Borden who appear on the Canadian 20, 50 and 100 dollar bills.  According to a recent TD poll of Calgarians who plan to attend the 2011 Stampede celebration, 40 per cent will spend between $150 and $500 during the 10-day celebration, while 53 per cent plan to spend up to $150.

The most common Stampede expenses according to respondents who plan to participate, are event tickets (51%) like rodeo, party and concert tickets, followed by refreshments (47%), family events (34%), other miscellaneous expenses (13%) and, lastly, client or corporate hosting (5%).

Traditional Stampede splurging involves corporate functions, client hosting, concerts, the world famous rodeo and grandstand show, hosting guests from out of town and showing the family and kids an all around great time. However, if you don't pay careful attention to the amount you're doling out on mini doughnuts, midway tickets, wobbly pops or event tickets, you might get an unpleasant surprise at the end of the week when you add it all up.

And while Stampeding can lighten your wallet, it is possible to spend wisely without compromising the fun. TD Bank offers tips to make it through the 10 days without losing your hat - or reaching your credit limit.

• Free family fun. There are many opportunities for free family entertainment during the 10 days, starting with the Stampede parade. Pick-up a program from the grounds, check the official Stampede website or watch the local entertainment listings for free shows and entertainment - both on and off the grounds.
• TD will be offering a free photo experience all week at Victoria Park train station. Bring the family down to dress up in old time costumes and receive a commemorative photo keepsake.
• TD is giving away tickets at all its Calgary branches to the TD Cup at Spruce Meadows on Saturday, July 9 while supplies last. Ask for your free tickets and take the whole family for an afternoon of affordable fun.
• Visit www.TDLocal.com/Calgary for more information on these and other TD community events.
• Take the C-Train. Parking and taxis can add up if you go down to the grounds several times during the week. From Thursday, July 7 to Monday, July 18^th the C-train operates 24 hours a day.
  
  
• Free food! Many businesses around the City offer free Stampede breakfasts including the local  Stampede Caravan volunteer committee that has been putting on traditional breakfasts for more than 85 years. Watch local listings, newspapers and community bulletins for others.
  
  
• Coupons, coupons, coupons! Many local businesses and corporations offer free coupons for grounds entry and other freebies when you purchase their products. This is a great way to get several people through the gates without paying admission. Visit the Calgary Stampede's Value Deals website for a complete list.
  
  
• Make an entertainment budget. Decide what you want to spend on your evening out and take that amount in cash - then leave the plastic at home. But make sure you leave an emergency stash in your cowboy boots, for that taxi ride home. OR take the train!
  
  
• Think cowboy thrifty. Many local consignment and thrift stores dust off their gently used cowboy duds around Stampede. Mix retro cowboy clothes with new urban chic for a stylish Stampede ensemble.
  
  
• Pack a lunch. If you're going to spend a day with the family taking in local sights and sounds, pack a healthy meal at home and only splurge on dessert when enjoying those once-a-year midway treats like mini doughnuts or cotton candy.

About the poll
From June 27th to June 28th 2011 an online survey was conducted among 946 randomly selected adult Calgary residents who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Alberta. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About TD Bank Group
The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (TD). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 19 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in key financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Insurance; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse and an investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with approximately 7 million online customers. TD had CDN$630 billion in assets on April 30, 2011. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.