For some, hook-ups are just as much a Stampede tradition as pancake breakfasts, but the potential to wrangle true love at Calgary’s biggest party exists said matchmakers.

“The Stampede, wow! What a better venue, a happy venue where everybody’s out there having fun,” said Jane Carstens, founder of Matchmaker for Hire.

“Everybody’s just open to meeting people in general, so then it just opens up opportunities of meeting other singles,” she said.

A chance meeting at Stampede led to an 11-year marriage for Marc and Bobbi Paolini.

“[Love] literally stopped by my table that night,” said Marc Paolini about the fateful evening in 1997.

If you’re looking for a long-term romance on the grounds, be aware of the type of person you’re interacting with said Susan Semeniw of Divine Intervention.
“Some are looking for love, and some are looking for brief flings,” the matchmaker warned.

And don’t be shy.

“Interact with as many people as possible,” she said.

It can be as simple as saying ‘hi’ or ‘isn’t this great,’ said Carstens.

“Just the sheer event of the Stampede itself allows great conversation,” she added.

The biggest tip both real-life cupids stressed is to be open to finding love.

“When you say there’re no single people you close the door,” said Carstens.

“You’ve got to believe it exists and it will happen.”

Find Stampede lovin’

1.) ”You have to be open and exude a fun confident vibe. Smile and be approachable,” Susan Semeniw, Divine Intervention
2.)  “Stay away from threatening questions,” said Jane Carstens, Matchmaker for Hire.
3.)  Look the part; you have to look good when you go out, said Semeniw.