It was an exciting and fun-filled Canada Day in and around McMahon Stadium leading up to the Calgary Stampeders’ 2011 season-opener against the Toronto Argonauts.

The festivities started with the official Canada Day Kickoff Pre-Game Bash at the Foothills baseball stadium. Starting at 4 p.m., the bash — which was accessible to any fan showing his July 1 game ticket — featured musical entertainment, a special performance by the Stampeder Outriders and an appearance by Stampeders players and alumni.

BBQ food and beverages were also available for purchase for anyone looking to fuel up for the evening ahead.

Meanwhile, over in the east parking lot at McMahon, there were some great activities for the kids including balloons, bouncy castles and a football toss.

Of course, with Mother Nature cooperating, the tradition of tailgating was very much in evidence with fans soaking up the sun and the great smell of sausages and burgers on the grill filling their nostrils (followed up by the sausages and burgers filling their stomachs!)

“We were very pleased to see so many fans at all of these pre-game activities including the Kickoff Bash,” said Stampeders president/COO Lyle Bauer. “These events were a great success thanks to the enthusiasm of Stamps supporters and we thank them for spending Canada Day with us.

“Due to the popularity and success of the Pre-Game Bash, the Club will be investigating future opportunities in the interests of providing our fans a great pre-game.”

>> See video of the Canada Day pre-game activities

The festivities continued inside with the game itself, which had a patriotic touch thanks to the distribution of free Canadian flags.

From a Stampeders fan’s standpoint, the biggest disappointment was the result on the scoreboard — a heart-breaking 23-21 loss as a result of a last-minute Toronto field goal.

As a reminder to anyone who missed the message earlier in the week, the Stampeders this year were not permitted to continue the tradition of post-game fireworks.

“The Calgary Football Club would like to apologize for those who were disappointed that there were no fireworks following the conclusion of the July 1 game at McMahon Stadium,” said Bauer.

“It is with regret that we were unable to provide the fireworks entertainment for our fans, particularly given the Canada Day celebrations. Unfortunately, the club was advised by the City of Calgary that due to the installation of the new track at the Foothills track and field complex, we would not be able to use fireworks as has been the traditional practice. The Stampeders will continue to work with the City to find a solution to this issue for future years.”