Calgary Stampede Press Releases

The Calgary Stampede and The Chef Table feeding optimism

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 -0400

The Calgary Stampede has partnered with The Chef Table, to provide surplus food to local shelters in the Calgary community. As a part of the program, surplus food from the Stampede is efficiently and safely delivered for distribution to those who can use it to create nutritious meals in the local community.

The Calgary Stampede team redistributes excess food from meetings, conventions and restaurant service by freezing it throughout the week in hygienic containers provided by The Chef Table. The food is picked up and redistributed to the Calgary Drop-In Centre, one of Canada’s largest shelters, to help provide more than 3,000 meals per day.

The Chef Table provides a sustainable food brokerage service to the hotel, restaurant and hospitality industry by operating all food recovery logistics to ensure efficient, simple and safe deployment to donors.

The goal of The Chef Table is to fight hunger by nourishing less privileged families and to develop culinary autonomy for future generations to break down the cycle of food bank dependency. Chefs, cooks and pastry chefs are encouraged to help in the fight against hunger by: redistribution of food surpluses; preparation of ready-to-eat meals; and transfer of culinary and nutritional knowledge to underprivileged youth.

Michelle Fior - Calgary Stampede fan for life

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 -0400

Michelle Fior realized how much the Calgary Stampede is a part of her life when she looked around at the guests invited to her two-year-old son Rocco’s birthday party. She saw that three quarters of them were people she had met through the Stampede.

Michelle met another important person in her life, her husband Sheldon, at the Stampede as well.

It all started when the family moved to Calgary from Ontario. Her dad Addiano loved marching bands. So off they went to the Stampede Parade where Michelle saw the Calgary Stampede Showband for the first time and knew immediately she wanted to be part of it. As it happened, the only availability was for the clarinet and the rest, as they say, is history – she joined in 1985 and played until 1991 and then “graduated” to the Band of Outriders.

Like music, volunteering runs in the family. Her dad was a longtime Stampede volunteer with the Downtown Attractions committee and as a volunteer driver for the Band of Outriders. Michelle’s volunteer career started in 1999 on the Visiting Bands committee. She has served as chair for Visiting Bands and now is the chair for the Stampede Showband committee.

“Being a volunteer with the Stampede means being a part of something bigger than me and that is a huge part of Calgary. I have loved the opportunity to meet and work with new people,” says Michelle Fior.

Michelle is an extremely energetic person and passionate about all things Stampede. She is also a very giving person, both with her time and also money. As a result, she recently made a donation to the Family Campaign.

“Stampede means so much to me. The 100^th year was spectacular but now I want to be part of the growing and evolving second century Stampede,” says Fior.

Sadly her father died in early 2010, so in addition to her personal gift, Michelle is working with the Stampede Showband and Calgary Stampede Foundation employees to create a legacy gift in his memory. “It’s early days yet but I have in mind a scholarship fund for a member of the Stampede Showband. It just feels right and I know it would be a concept my dad would like,” says Fior.

Over and above her incredible commitment to the Stampede, Michelle teaches at St. Brigid School.

If you would like to donate to the Foundation’s Family Campaign, click here.

A Real Partner

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:00 -0400

When world-famous trick roper Flores LaDue passed away in 1951, legendary pioneer and Calgary Stampede founder Guy Weadick inscribed three words on her tombstone: A Real Partner.

It was the perfect sentiment for his wife, friend and confidant.

More than 60 years later, cowboy poet Doris Daley and Canadian recording artists Eli Barsi and Brett Kissel, took those words and transformed them into a toe-tapping salute to western pride and the 10-day Stampede. A Real Partner, co-written by Daley and Barsi, is a catchy, cowboy tune that captures the defining elements of what a partnership truly means between horse and rider, sponsor and volunteer, business and community, husband and wife.

“I would best describe this song as a traditional story lyric with a modern music edge,” says Barsi. “It is a timeless subject - as long as the Stampede is happening this song is very relevant.”

For Barsi, the chance to write a song about Alberta’s love affair with cowboy culture wasn’t contrived; it was an unsolicited gesture of admiration for what the Stampede stands for - a gathering of goodwill.

“I have attended the Stampede more than 20 times,” Barsi proudly exclaims. “I love the Stampede, always been a big fan of the western lifestyle and I’m proud to promote its heritage.”

Barsi has performed previously at the Stampede during the Family Day Breakfast, the TransAlta Grandstand Show and at Nashville North. Her unique songwriting and vibrant vocal style can be found at various concerts throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan this summer.

A Real Partner can be heard here. But be warned: it will get stuck in your head.

The Calgary Stampede wrangles space cowboy to be 2013 Parade Marshal

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 -0400

The Calgary Stampede is thrilled to announce the 2013 Parade Marshal, Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to command the International Space Station (ISS). For the first time in the Stampede’s history, our invitation went out to our Parade Marshal over Twitter. The conversation culminated with the Calgary Stampede president Bob Thompson issuing a formal invitation on YouTube.
[photo credit: Canadian Space Agency]

"As you circle over Calgary," he said, "take a look out the window...picture the festival and party that will be going on there and think that you will be our honourary Parade Marshal."

A fitting invitation for the man Forbes called “the most social media savvy astronaut to ever leave Earth.” When Commander Hadfield left Earth five months ago, he had 20,000 Twitter followers; he and his son Evan, 28, (also his social media manager) have grown that number to 925,000 and counting. His 81 YouTube videos—on everything from clipping nails to how zero gravity affects the five senses—have generated more than 20 million views. Hadfield tweeted daily photos, dropped a ceremonial puck for the Toronto Maple Leafs, spoke with William Shatner and students all over the world, and ‘filled the sky with music’ with Barenaked Ladies’ Ed Robertson for Music Monday, a cross-Canada sing-a-long.

And just when we thought he couldn’t get any cooler, he released his swan song: the viral “Space Oddity” video that captured the beauty and wonder that Hadfield has reminded us of over the past five months. Hadfield’s creativity, warmth and generosity have reinvigorated the world’s curiosity and excitement about space exploration and our planet.

Raised on a corn farm in southern Ontario, Hadfield dreamed about flying from an early age. He won a glider pilot scholarship at age 15. After Royal Military College, Hadfield served for 25 years in the military. During that time, he was one of four new Canadian astronauts selected from a pool of 5,300 applicants. He has flown more than 70 different types of aircraft, commanded NEEMO 14 on a NASA undersea mission to test space exploration concepts under water, and became the first Canadian to float freely in space. Commander Hadfield has been commemorated on Royal Canadian Mint coins, inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame and recognized with more awards and honours than could be listed here.

In the words of Calgary Stampede president Bob Thompson, Commander Chris Hadfield is “truly a Canadian icon. A Canadian hero.” We couldn’t be more honoured to have him join us for the 2013 Calgary Stampede!

New Stampede Park development connects history to the future

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 -0400

If you’ve been on Stampede Park lately, you’ve probably noticed lots of construction equipment, men in hard hats and the bones of a brand new, very substantial building. That’s the new Agrium Western Event Centre, the first of three major development projects to be built over the next several years.

As the Calgary Stampede continues to evolve as a world-class, year-round gathering place, Guy Weadick’s original goals remain at the heart of our vision. When Weadick founded the Calgary Stampede in 1912, he feared the west was dying. Weadick hoped to portray the west as it truly was, to create learning opportunities for youth and to connect Calgary’s increasingly urban environment to its rural roots.

The Agrium Western Event Centre, set to open before the 10-day Stampede in 2014, is a 150,000 square foot (13,935 square metres) space that will showcase agriculture and serve as a competition venue. The welcome rotunda will offer inquiry-based educational experiences for Calgary middle school students. In the fall of 2014, schools will participate in a program called Journey 2050 where they will study how to grow food and ask the question: how will we feed the world in 2050 with a greater population and distressed and depleted resources?

Next on the docket is Riverfront Park, a 12.2 acre park along the Elbow River which will open in 2016 (to give you perspective, Prince’s Island Park is four acres). Riverfront Park will be the new home of Indian Village and will feature five new public art projects that relate to the history of Calgary, Treaty 7 or the Calgary Stampede. The park will be open year-round to Calgarians and visitors, as well as to other festivals.

And last, but certainly not least, is the brand new Youth Campus. With indoor and outdoor learning spaces and a BMO-sponsored ampitheatre, young people will have the chance to learn about the creative arts in an inspiring, inclusive environment. Youth Campus will also be home to the Calgary Arts Academy, a public charter school who will be partnered with the Stampede in numerous different educational programs.

“It is fitting that as the Stampede enters our second century we are able to deliver excitement and relevance to our community in an authentic way that still reflects our commitment to western heritage and values,” says Warren Connell, park development vice-president.

Did you know? Some interesting facts about Stampede Park:

Back in 1912, aboriginal practices were outlawed. Guy Weadick had strong ties to the First Nations people and received Federal Government approval as part of the Stampede, to be the only place for native people to legally practice and teach their traditions at that time. Today, Indian Village presented by Penn West is the only place where the five tribes of Treaty 7 come together.
The Westin Bakery still has the hay loft and the original section where the horses were stalled when bread was delivered to the inner-city by wagon. This historical building will be incorporated into the new Youth Campus.
The Kinsman Centre was originally ordered from a Sears catalogue!
The cable-stayed suspension-style bridge on Stampede Park is the only one of its kind in Alberta. It was designed to not touch down in the water because that particular spot is one of the most productive and successful spawning areas in the Elbow River. The bridge has been nominated for one international, one local and won two national awards.

The Calgary Stampede wins the 2012 Vitality Award

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Calgary Stampede shines in the hearts of Calgarians and the heart of the city.

On May 2, 2013, at the Calgary Downtown Association’s (CDA) Annual General Meeting, the Stampede was generously handed the 2012 Downtown Vitality Award for Arts and Culture.

Stampede president and chairman of the board, Bob Thompson, accepted the Vitality Award in recognition of the “100 Days to Stampede” event which took place on March 29, 2012 at Olympic Plaza. Thousands of Calgarians attended the spirited 100-day kick-off party to get a sneak-peek of the Stampede’s Centennial celebrations, and were treated to live entertainment and Stampede-time goodies. The event was deemed a roaring success by organizers and spectators alike, and helped spawn excitement in the days leading up to the Centennial of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. In fact, with more than 1.4 million guests, 2012 turned out to be a record-breaking year at the 10-day Stampede.

The award show itself, put a grand spotlight on our city-centre and those that make it a great place to work, live and play. The Vitality Awards are given annually to businesses and organizations in recognition of significant achievements in enhancing the vitality of downtown Calgary. These businesses and organizations help to meet the CDA’s mission to champion a vital, prosperous, attractive and livable downtown community for everyone to enjoy.

The CDA felt compelled to recognize the Stampede for continually bringing Calgarians together. It only seemed right that the Centennial celebrations, which touched every part of Calgary, should start in the heart of the city.

Other winning organizations for 2012 included Theatre Calgary, S.A.I.T., Eighth Avenue Place, the Calgary Police Service and Alberta Bike Swap.

The categories change year-to-year depending on what is occurring downtown, however there are eight main categories: Social and Safety, Arts and Culture, Community Integration and Vibrancy, +15 Vitality, Streetscape Improvement/Environmental, Community Partnerships, Urban Design and Business Development. You can view the full list of award winners here.

The Calgary Stampede is honoured to accept this award from the CDA and wishes to thank everyone who voted.

Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal Chris Hadfield– out of this world!

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:00 -0400

Calgary – The Calgary Stampede is launching into its second century and is excited to announce the 2013 Stampede Parade Marshal will be the first Canadian Astronaut to walk in space and the first to command the International Space Station (ISS)–Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield.

The announcement comes on the heels of a twitter exchange between Commander Hadfield and the Calgary Stampede. The conversation culminated in a video invitation from Calgary Stampede president and chairman Bob Thompson. Commander Hadfield accepted the invitation and in doing so has become one of the few people twice honoured with the Parade Marshal role; Hadfield was previously Marshal in the 2001 Calgary Stampede Parade.

“The Calgary Stampede is an iconic event; to be asked to lead the Parade is an incredible honour,” says Hadfield. “Going from zero gravity to horse-back is going to be a huge adjustment, but I’m up for the challenge.” On December 19, 2012, Hadfield launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to the ISS and he will return to Earth on May 13.

“We are thrilled Commander Hadfield will be leading our 2013 Stampede Parade,” says Thompson. “Commander Hadfield is truly a Canadian icon, a Canadian hero. He’s done remarkable work sharing experiences from the International Space Station and creating a community to celebrate and behold our planet. I believe that parade goers will join in on the opportunity to recognize and celebrate this incredible Canadian, especially so soon after he returns to earth.”

Commander Hadfield has shared his space and science experiences with thousands through the use of social media. He has built a substantial global audience including more than 165,000 likes on Facebook and 745,000 followers on Twitter by sharing his photos, stories and videos with the world.

Each year the Calgary Stampede selects a prominent individual to lead the Parade and essentially open the Calgary Stampede. Over the past 100 years, the Calgary Stampede has had a diverse group of Parade Marshals whose announcement is eagerly anticipated every year.

The Calgary Stampede is July 5-14, 2013 and the Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 5. For more information please visit CalgaryStampede.com.

About the Calgary Stampede

As we enter our second century, the Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme “We’re Greatest Together”; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Booth
Publicity Manager
T 403.261.0327
C 403.463.6834
E jbooth@calgarystampede.com

Bacon, bacon and more bacon: 31 new Midway foods at Stampede

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:00:00 -0400

Calgary – This July 5-14, the Calgary Stampede takes its regular Midway food offering and double deep fries it, wraps it in bacon and puts it on a stick. With 31 tasty new treats there is something for everyone no matter how many calories you want to consume.

Deep fried delicacies like double bacon wrapped corndogs, deep fried bubblegum and yes even deep fried butter will have you craving something on a stick; perhaps banana bacon ears, chip dogs, chocolate bacon apples, or even an egg roll – yes on a stick. International culinary cuisine includes India inspired Naaco TNT and cochinita pibil from Mexico along with a Ukrainian favourite with a Stampede flair, double smoked bacon wrapped cheese perogie skewers. Finally, your mouth will be watering for sweet and sassy treats like chocolate dipped jalapenos, chocolate cinnamon bear fudge and B52 fudge which takes Baileys, tops it with Grand Marnier and then smothers it with Kahlua (all in fudge form).

“There is something new for every Stampede foodie, from delightful international flavours like flautas de pollo to downright daring offerings like pickle shooters,” says James Radke, operations manager, Midway Programming. “After nearly doubling our Centennial list of new foods, this year’s spread is not for the faint of heart.”

Also new this year, 18 amazing food trucks will be cruisin’ onto Stampede Park for the inaugural Calgary Stampede Food Truck Rally July 11-13. On each of these three nights, six unique food trucks will roll into the agriculture zone from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. where guests can purchase a nibble from each of these mobile favourites.

Visitors will be a part of the biggest unofficial food party Calgary has to offer – no matter what you try, you will be taken on a dazzling and delicious culinary adventure. For a complete listing and photos of this year’s new food see attached backgrounder or visit calgarystampede.com/blog.

About the Calgary Stampede

As we enter our second century, the Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

Stampede’s new campaign shows Calgarians the results of their contributions

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0400

Whether they’re paying for their parking at Stampede Park, walking through the plus-15 to the Scotiabank Saddledome, wandering past the new Agrium Western Event Centre or switching on the TV, Calgarians will be seeing the results of our new Century Two marketing campaign that began in March.

“With our first hundred years behind us, the Calgary Stampede is looking ahead to the next century with a new marketing campaign that shares our vision of how ‘Together We’re Building Something Great’,” says Jenn Mayuga, Marketing coordinator.

The campaign’s goal is to help visitors understand how the dollars they spend at Stampede Park - including admission, parking, food and beverages - are reinvested into our facilities such as the Agrium Western Event Centre, and youth programs and agricultural opportunities such as The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Stampede Showband and Aggie Days.

“This new campaign really focuses on all of the key touchpoints where we transact with our guests,” says Mayuga. “For example, we’re adding a message across parking bar arms and handing out a postcard with each parking receipt that reminds guests their contributions support the development of Stampede Park as a year-round gathering place for Calgarians.

“We want it to be really clear that the dollars our guests are spending are reinvested to enhance Stampede Park’s venues and programs.”

Message boards placed around the Agrium Western Event Centre currently under construction carry the message, “Together we’re building something great.” Posters in the plus-15 walkway to the BMO Centre from the Saddledome also focus on the new Centre.

A “Century Two” television spot began running on CTV, CBC, Global and CityTV in March. “The message in our TV spot focuses on the future and how community support is helping to build the legacy of the next hundred years,” says Mayuga.

The campaign also reminds Calgarians that the Stampede is more than just our 10-day summer festival – it’s also a place where the community gathers to celebrate, learn, compete and host. Our state-of-the-art facilities are used for tradeshows, conventions, agricultural and western events, as well as youth programming and performances throughout the year.

“It is by reinvesting our profits from the use of our facilities that we are able to continue to build Stampede Park into a world-class, year-round gathering place for our next century,” says Mayuga.

“We couldn’t be successful without the participation and support of Calgarians.”

Delicious quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and orange balsamic dressing

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:30:00 -0400

This tasty, healthy salad was created by Elena Bachez from our Garde Manger department.

Ingredients:

250 ml (1 cup) quinoa
355 ml (1.5 cups) water
1 red, green and yellow pepper, diced
2 carrots, thin slices
1 small red onion, diced
1 zucchini, diced
12 asparagus spears
15 ml (3 tsp) canola oil
Salt and pepper

For the dressing:
45 ml (3 Tbsp) balsamic vinegar
45 ml (3 Tbsp) olive oil
10 ml (2 tsp) honey
10 ml (2 tsp) orange juice
Salt and pepper

1. Soak the quinoa in cold water for five minutes, rinse. Add quinoa to 355 ml (1.5 cups) of cold water, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until water has evaporated, approximately 15 minutes.

2. Remove from pot and cool on a sheet pan or bowl.

3. Preheat oven to broil.

4. In a small bowls, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey and orange juice and set aside.

5. In a large bowl, mix all cut vegetables, oil and salt and pepper together. Place on a baking sheet and roast in your oven for approximately eight minutes (this can also be done on your barbecue).

6. Mix together the warm vegetables, quinoa and dressing.