Big Four Member "Alberta's Greatest Citizen"

Congratulations to Senator Patrick Burns for being named Alberta's Greatest Citizen. Senator Burns was a member of the Big Four which also included AE Cross, George Lane and Archie McLean.

The Calgary Stampede recognized Joe Carbury, the recently retired voice of the GMC Rangeland Derby, with a special chairman’s award at the 2008 Western Legacy Awards which took place on Oct. 3, 2008. His famous “And…they’re off!” was heard for the final time in July bringing to an end a distinguished 45-year career with the Stampede.

As well, Western Legacy Awards were presented to the following recipients for their outstanding community accomplishments:

• Youth – Rob Aronson. Aronson’s “Spread the Love” program has been bringing nourishment to the hungry in our community for over five years.
• Innovation - The Cheadle Lions Club. The 2007 Canadian Food Grains Bank project helped address the need for food and improved farm practices around the world.
• Sustained Contribution - Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Hess. Dr. Hess was recognized for her commitment to volunteerism, education, art, history and ranching.

Established in 2005 as a provincial centennial project, the Calgary Stampede Western Legacy Awards honour community members who exemplify western heritage and values.

15 bronze horses to thunder onto Stampede Park

Sept. 16, 2008 - What will become the city’s most photographed icon was unveiled today by the Calgary Stampede. When complete, By the Banks of the Bow will be one of the largest bronze sculptures of its kind in North America at 1,250 sq. ft. The spectacular piece of art will be located in the heart of Stampede Park and capture the story of the horse in Western Canada.

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Calgary Stampede wins Canadian Country Music Award two years in a row

For the second year in a row, the Calgary Stampede has won the Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year award by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA). The award was presented in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Saturday, September 6, in recognition of the Stampede’s inclusion of Canadian country music and artists as a key feature of its world-renowned 10-day event. Read more >> 

Parlez-vous Yahoo? Day breaks Stampede's attendance record

The Calgary Stampede celebrated the diversity of Canada and paid homage to Québec City’s 400th anniversary by presenting a special day at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. On Friday, July 11, Parlez-vous Yahoo? drew a record-breaking 145,192 guests to the Stampede setting a new same-day attendance record.

From the Québec pageantry at the three main Park entrances, to the French Canadian entertainers strolling through the Park, a special tribute to Québec City during the Evening Show, the day was packed with opportunities for visitors to the Stampede to honour and recognize the wonderful sister-city relationship between Calgary and Québec City. Visitors sampled some of the treats of Québec including poutine, maple bacon burgers, maple fudge and beef tourtière.

Since the start of Stampede on Friday, July 4, visitors to the Park have had a small taste of the 400th anniversary celebrations. The evening Grandstand Show has turned the spotlight on the anniversary, highlighting the founding of Québec City. Friday evening’s Grandstand Show featured a special guest appearance by Bonhomme, the ambassador of Québec City’s Winter Carnival.

Poster artwork smashes 2008 record

On Thursday, July 10 the 2009 Calgary Stampede poster’s original artwork broke the individual sales record at the 27th annual Western Art Auction.

Jody Skinner’s painting, July Explosion: Grated Coconut, sold to Grant Bartlett and Dawn McDonald for $105,000. The previous sales record of $64,000 was set last year for Doug Levitt’s painting used to create the 2008 poster.

“We all come to Alberta with a pocket full of dreams,” Bartlett told the crowd of about 400 western art collectors. “We were hoping we would be the lucky ones to take this piece home. We are truly excited to add this piece to our collection.”

“This is a very emotional experience for me,” said Skinner after the gavel fell. “This is a very special commission and I am privileged to have been able to do this for the Stampede.” Proceeds from the sale will be divided equally amongst Skinner, the Western Art Auction committee and the Calgary Stampede Foundation.

Calgary Stampede honours long-time volunteer and friend, Dennis Massey

On Tuesday, June 17, 2008 the Calgary Stampede unveiled a commemorative life-size bronze statute of RCMP Superintendent Dennis Massey to honour his strong belief in and commitment to the community of Calgary. Massey was a dedicated and highly decorated member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and volunteered thousands of hours to community policing and to numerous charities. He spent countless hours at the Stampede throughout the years proudly wearing his red serge, high brown boots and his Stetson.

The statue was commissioned and donated to Stampede Park by his wife Leslie Massey in recognition of the spirit of volunteerism that the Calgary Stampede prides itself upon.

Prestigious business leadership award bestowed on Stampede's top volunteer, George Brookman

George Brookman, president and chairman of the Calgary Stampede's board of directors, has been selected by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business to receive the 2008 Distinguished Business Leader Award. Brookman was selected due to his contributions to the community of Calgary as well as his entrepreneurial spirit and business leadership.

"His commitment to fostering the relationship between management education and management practice is evident through his on-going mentorship, coaching and connection to both the Haskayne School of Business and the faculty of communications and culture at the U of C," said Dr. Leonard Waverman, dean, Haskayne School of Business.

A scholarship established in George Brookman's name will be awarded to a Haskayne student annually. Brookman is only the 15th individual to receive the award since 1993.