The first event of the Stampede season is always so much fun. On Thursday, July 7th, over 175 Rotarians and guests were greeted by Ken and Judy Moraes at the Stampede Grandstand Clubhouse for the Annual Sneak A Peak Grandstand Show.
The enthusiasm of the staff at the Stampede and in the Clubhouse was evident everywhere. With everyone seated for cocktails, our new President, Sid Mark gave his inaugural welcome to all. Welcome to all visitors to the Calgary Stampede, the Greatest Show on Earth. He also thanked TransAlta and the Stampede Board.
David Bromwich sang O Canada a cappella and Bob Ermter gave the Invocation gratefully acknowledging the fund raising opportunity we have during Stampede and the enthusiastic support of Rotary members and many friends and family.
Special guest Vanessa Stiffarm was introduced. Vanessa is the 2016 Calgary Stampede Indian Princess. She brought a welcome and invitation to join her for a Bannock Picnic at the new location of the Indian Village east of the Saddledome. She is studying biochemistry and has a lifelong dream to become a Pediatrician.
Barb Young introduced Simon Peer our former exchange student who is back from his law studies in Vienna, to enjoy the Stampede. He had to miss this part of his year in Calgary as he returned to complete his military service in Austria.
Circulated on the tables was a unique silent auction item to benefit the International Committee. Former President Eva Friesen and her husband, Stan Carscallen donated an opportunity to be a "Cowboy for a Day".
Warren Connell, CEO of the Stampede had an enthusiastic message of public support that he had noticed in the weeks leading up to this year's Stampede. He commended the Rotary Club for being ''community builders' and welcomed us to the Thursday program.
David Bromwich auctioned the silent auction item with, as he said, no experience as an auctioneer. The experience was sold after enthusiastic bidding for $800 to Greg Martin from The Rotary Club of Calgary South Club. Greg was Past President and is a member of the Calgary Rotary Foundation Board.
Dinner followed and was a delicious roast beef buffet with mini-donut sundaes for dessert. The service was excellent.
After dinner, we took our seats for the Grand Spectacular Grandstand Show.
Many people considered the Show to be the best they had seen in all the years they had watched.
From the opening shadow puppet history of the Stampede, the show is impressive and entertaining.
The show features an original theme song written by Dave Pierce.
There are large spectacular numbers that are reminiscent of Vegas crossed with the 1930's movie musicals.
Acrobats on high wires and slack wires are breathtaking.
The Young Canadians are as entertaining as ever and the Juniors have a tribute to the midway where they are dressed as cotton candy and mini-donuts.
Dave Pierce's song, "There's a Fire in the Sky" is the finale with a dazzling fireworks display that is truly spectacular.
