Square dancing hit its height of popularity in the post-war years, but in Calgary, it’s still alive and well every July when the likes of Stampede volunteer Paul Hughes grabs a partner to do-si-do right through downtown. A proud member of the Downtown Attractions committee, Hughes dances with visitors from across the country and around the world during Stampede at Fluor Rope Square. An eight-year member of the committee, Hughes has a blast volunteering during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and throughout the year when duty calls.

Hughes was among the 100 Stampede representatives who traveled to Carnival in Québec City to celebrate the city's 400th anniversary this past February. While there, he taught guests to square dance at the Stampede-hosted events and helped introduce "guerilla square dancing" to the city.

"We called it guerilla square dancing because we just started dancing wherever we were, including the Plains of Abraham, the streets of old Quebec and the lobby of the Chateau Frontenac, where the duty manager invited us back the next day to dance again! Being there, joining in the celebration and seeing how much it meant to them – made it an amazing trip.”

About 10 years ago, Hughes, a pharmaceutical representative, worked with the Stampede on a cross-promotion for his company. He met some wonderful people, had a great experience and decided to become a Stampede volunteer.

Hughes has also been busy as a level-two ski instructor in the winter. And year round he visits kids at the Alberta Children’s Hospital with his 12-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, who just received a 10-year service award from the Pet Access League Society.

"It's been a great ride so far and having the opportunity to make a difference in other people's lives by volunteering has been one of the best experiences I could have ever have hoped for."