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Pull on a Cowboy Hat and Come Down. Get Away.

June 17, 2008

Calgary, AB --- The Calgary Stampede today invited Calgarians and visitors from around the world to feel the magic

of the cowboy hat and Come Down. Get Away. to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, July 4 – 13.

“These 10 incredible days define us as a city and allow each of us to show how much the Stampede means to

our province and to our country,” said George Brookman, Calgary Stampede president and chairman of the

board. “It’s a special spirit that changes the entire city. In neighbourhoods and workplaces across the city, it’s

a chance to demonstrate our friendliness, our love of fun, our enthusiasm for life and our open arms for visitors

– in other words, show off our great western heritage.”

“We are inviting everyone to pull on some boots, put on a cowboy hat and for 10 days step away from everyday

routines,” said Brookman. “Although there’s something fun happening in every corner of the city, Calgarians

are going to again discover that making a trip to Stampede Park offers outstanding value for a great time – it’s

an affordable getaway right in our own backyard.”

To reinforce the historical and continuing importance of the cowboy hat to Calgary, the Stampede announced

that the very first Stampede Queen, Patsy Rodgers, will be this year’s Parade Marshal. In 1946, Rodgers toured

throughout North America promoting the city and the western spirit wearing the now-famous symbol of Calgary,

the white hat.

“The Stampede will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m proud to don my cowboy hat once again to

celebrate its proud history,” says Rogers. In addition to having the very first Stampede Queen as the Parade

Marshal, Rodgers will be joined by nearly 100 former members of Stampede Royalty as Honourary Parade

Marshals.

“The cowboy hat is one of the most powerful and lasting icons of our community,” says Brookman. “The hat

truly reflects our ranching and farming heritage and as the popularity of the Calgary Stampede has grown by

leaps and bounds, the hat has become the icon of Calgary that people recognize around the world.”

Getting away is as simple as pulling on a cowboy hat. This year’s volunteers are planning the largest “Get Your

Head in Hat” program ever, giving away more than 100,000 prizes - $2.65 million in value – to folks “caught”

wearing a cowboy hat.

Alberta families are seeking the greatest possible value for their leisure dollar, so the Calgary Stampede has

introduced several new free and family-friendly areas and programs including the GetAway, the Stampede Oasis,

Family Fun Hours and the new Saddledome Lane.

The 2008 Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby will be an historic chuckwagon event as it will mark the final

time that legendary announcer Joe Carbury will voice his trademark slogan – “And, they’re off.” After a

distinguished 45 years as announcer of the Stampede’s chuckwagon races, Carbury is riding off into a welldeserved

retirement after this year’s Stampede. The 36 Derby drivers will be competing for over $1 million

with the winner of the Dash-for-Cash on the Final Sunday capturing $100,000.

There’s even more prize money up for grabs this year at the Stampede Rodeo. The world’s toughest rodeo

athletes will battle the world’s toughest stock for a share of over $1.83 million, including the ‘richest ride in

rodeo’ on the Final Sunday when the winners of the six major events will tuck $100,000 into their Wranglers.

This year, the Grandstand Show features a spectacular presentation entitled “Dream Catcher”, brought to life

through the performances of an impressive cast of talented guest artists along with The Young Canadians who

celebrate their 40th anniversary. This year’s show also includes a French-Canadian flair as parts of the show will

honour Calgary’s sister-city, Québec City, as they celebrate their 400th anniversary.

Then, on Friday, July 11, the entire Stampede will honour the 400th anniversary of Québec City. Visitors to

Stampede Park will be treated to some of the sights, the sounds and the tastes of Québec City as the Stampede

pays tribute to this historic anniversary. The Park will take on a Québec City flair complete with Québec décor

at the park entrances, strolling French Canadian entertainment and delicious French Canadian foods at various

locations.

The cowboy hat will play a significant role in the celebration of Québec 400. On July 11, the first 40,000 people

through entering Stampede Park wearing cowboy hats will receive a special souvenir to help commemorate the

special anniversary of our sister-city.

Again, the Calgary Stampede has attracted some of the world’s top entertainers including superstars James

Taylor, the Judds, Sugarland and Kid Rock who will all be appearing at the Pengrowth Saddledome. The free

entertainment stages on park will include Natasha Bedingfield, Hedley and Puddle of Mud on the Coca-Cola

Stage and Aaron Lines, Emerson Drive and Mark Chesnutt at Nashville North.

The 2008 Calgary Stampede Midway has also added a new ride, Double Shock, and several new food items

including Deep Fried Oreo’s, Pizza-On-A-Stick and Bubble Tea.

Come Down. Get Away. is not only for visitors to Stampede Park. It also includes the Stampede spirit that can

be found in neighbourhoods and workplaces across Calgary, including the dozens of events – from pancake

breakfasts to downtown attractions – organized by Stampede volunteers every day throughout Calgary.

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