Stampede builds excitement past, present and future

Thank you to Guy Weadick, the founder of the Calgary Stampede in 1912, together with A.E. Cross, Patrick Burns, George Lane, and Archibald K. Mclean (also known as the Big Four), for starting the Calgary Stampede and bringing the entire Calgary family together every year for the past 100 years.

My husband’s family has been Stampede enthusiasts since coming to Calgary from England (Elizabeth) and Germany (John), get- ting married and raising four wonderful children, twin girls (Hilary and Heather) and two boys (Phil and Ian, who is my husband). The entire family would dress up for the event, attend the parade, pancake breakfasts and the Calgary Stampede grounds, where all the exciting sights and sounds would entertain for hours.

The highlight for the kids was, of course, getting to go on the rides and indulging in all the tasty treats. In 1963, my husband, then only three years old, found the family all attending the Calgary Stampede Parade. They were excited to see the Larry, Curly and Moe of the Three Stooges along with everyone else at the parade that day.

I have put together a few photos which show some of the sights and family experiences of the Calgary Stampede spirit.

This is just a small sample of one family’s experience with the Calgary Stampede.

Congratulations on reaching the milestone of 100 years. Here’s to the next 100 to come.

Photos, courtesy, Lyndell Foltinek When he was a boy, Ian Foltinek visited the Indian Village. It’s still a family favourite.

The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Stampede in 2011 inspired the ladies of the Foltinek family, from left, Heather Franklin (nee Foltinek), Lyndell Foltinek (nee Larson), Hilary Burak (nee Foltinek) to sport Stampede-style fascinators.