Flood of pride
Stampede spirit embodies what’s best about Calgary
Put on your western duds and get ready for a great ride. Today’s parade kicks off the 102nd Calgary Stampede. Even grand parade marshal William Shatner would likely admit this year’s version of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth will be out of this world.
Last year, the Stampede slogan “come hell or high water” became a rallying cry and inspiration for Albertans after flood waters devastated the grounds two weeks before opening day.
Setting an amazing example, the Stampede spent $50 million and removed hundreds of tons of muck to get the show up and running on time. When crowds started arriving on the grounds, it was impossible to tell that anything had been amiss, and that in itself became symbolic of the spirit of Calgary.
One year later, the Stampede has been able to devote all its efforts toward making the 2014 edition the best ever. If there is one thing we’ve learned from the events of last year, when the Stampede says it will deliver, we can count on it.
They’ve pulled out all the stops to make sure this year’s Stampede will be like none you’ve ever attended before.
A new state-of-the-art, $61-million Agrium Western Event Centre will offer exciting opportunities to make city slickers aware of Alberta’s agricultural roots.
Concerts by Shania Twain, Paul Brandt, Reba and Keith Urban are only the start of a spectacular entertainment lineup.
Nashville North, the place to catch country music all day long, has moved to the area formerly occupied by the kid’s amusement rides. An improved children’s midway next to the Agricultural Pavilion will feature a new interactive kids grandstand with rodeo-themed entertainment.
There’s a new, extreme “Remix” ride, a new food and drink venue, the Bell Adrenalin Ranch and a Grandstand Show that pays tribute to the heritage of the chuckwagon races, all topped off nightly by an enhanced fireworks display.
Add in a host of events and attractions on the grounds and around the city and there is more to see and do than most people can pack into 10 days — but that shouldn’t stop you from trying.
By far the greatest thing about the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is the spirit.
Our city has come a long way since Guy Weadick launched the first Stampede back in 1912, offering early Calgarians an opportunity to celebrate the western traditions that had served them so well.
The city has grown up a lot since then, but the glass and steel towers and booming economy haven’t put a damper on the welcoming nature of Calgarians or their commitment to playing as hard as they work.
Stampede is a way of not only helping us stay in touch with our rural roots, but of understanding how our traditions of industriousness and looking out for our neighbours have made our city one of the best places to live in the world.
That’s definitely worth celebrating.
Our city has come a long way since Guy Weadick launched the first Stampede back in 1912, offering early Calgarians an opportunity to celebrate the western traditions that had served them so well.