Steve McDonough's first job, at age 13, was as a bingo caller with Conklin Shows at the Calgary Stampede. And with a father who was also a dedicated Stampede volunteer, Steve has had a lifelong relationship with The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Now, elected to the board of directors in March, the long-time Grandstand Show volunteer says he's ready to serve the organization in a new way. He's never missed a Stampede and his son is already following in his Stampede footsteps as a member of The Young Canadians.

"Way back, I remember my dad being on the Reception committee and hosting Miss Canada and Miss Teen Canada," says McDonough. "As a young boy, it was a thrill to meet them and other celebrities like the Three Stooges and Laugh In star Arte Johnson."

McDonough is an entrepreneur and lawyer. He has served as a policy advisor to the federal government in Ottawa; built and sold an advertising agency; become involved in commercial property investing and built a thriving franchise retail business.

He also dabbles in the aviation industry with a goal of obtaining his pilot's license. McDonough's love of flying machines goes back to his father's career as a pilot in the military and then as a flying mud man supporting oil and gas well rigs. Steve has acted as a liaison with the Grandstand Show and various aviation acts since 1980.

"Years ago my dad used to manage the flying acts at the Stampede," says McDonough. "When he got too busy I would take over as 'Stampede ground control' which was our code name. I'd have a radio set up in the trunk of my car from which I'd cue the aviation acts - I was only 16 but my dad had taught me well."

McDonough is a past chair of the Grandstand Show committee and credited with initiating and re-engaging several sponsorship relationships. He also spearheaded programming and efficiency enhancements such as finding a new way to move the Grandstand video screens into place. He also worked hard to create lines of communication and cooperation among various committees.

Steve says his new duties as a director are introducing him to the agriculture-side of the organization, presenting an opportunity he truly appreciates. "We need to encourage and support our agriculture industry and the Stampede continues to lead in this regard," he says.

McDonough leads a full life and is about to make another dream come true - riding in the Calgary Stampede Parade. "This is a huge thrill for me; I will be smiling from the start of the parade to the very end." After all the excitement of Stampede week, he hopes to head off to his ranch, where he raises hay and grows apples, and practices his horseback riding.

"Being a Stampede volunteer is like attending a family reunion every July," he added. "Everyone looks forward to reconnecting and catching up. The enthusiasm is everywhere I go. You can insert any committee name and find the same passionate, dedicated volunteers making it something special. I just love it!"

Steve is married to Anne Marie and they have two children.