Calgary Stampede 2015

The Calgary Stampede kicked off early this morning with one parade after another. According to Jennifer Booth, Pubic Relations Manager for the 10-day event, people are out bright and early to catch what could be described as the warm-up parade, to the big one that starts it all off at 9 am.

This is the annual opportunity to celebrate life in Alberta in all it’s variety. From the heritage of the cowboy and the farm, the party takes place in the shadows of the gleaming glass towers built by the oil boom.

The Agrium Western Event Centre opened last year and it celebrates the agricultural heritage with education for the present and future of the province in its mandate. From live baby animals, to horses of every breed and purpose, the Agrium has a hands-on approach to education.

The richest outdoor rodeo!

Parade Marshal Kaillie Humphries, the two-time Olympic bobsled champion, says the rodeo is her favourite part of the ‘Stampede. Also referred to as, The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. this rodeo is the richest outdoor event of its kind, providing over two million dollars in prize money over six events.

The politicians were out in what was described as ‘Cowboy Hat campaigning’. The election campaign is not yet officially on, but Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose home riding is in Calgary, was out shaking hands, as was Tom Mulcair of the official opposition New Democratic Party, and Justin Trudeau of the Liberal party.

And Calgary’s own Mayor, Naheed Nenshi is a draw in his own right, dishing out pancakes devotedly, to the visitors that come from as far away as England and Australia. He made his entry on horseback during the parade this morning. The events, including concerts and entertainment from country music to Cirque Eloize performances is giving Calgarians a reason to shake off the hard winter of tumbling oil prices, and share their bounty with the world.