The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off in Calgary

    CALGARY, July 3 /CNW/ - Cheered on by 300,000 people lining the streets
of downtown Calgary and with the roar of military jets overhead, Calgary
Stampede Parade Marshal Mike Holmes, Canada's most trusted contractor, cut the
official ribbon this morning to kick off the 2009 edition of The Greatest
Outdoor Show on Earth.
    The Calgary Stampede, one of the world's most recognized tourism icons,
expects to once again attract 1.2 million visitors from around the world for
the 10-day festival.
    "We know from advance sales that we'll have visitors from every province
in Canada, every state in the United States and more than 25 countries around
the globe," says Dr. David Chalack, Calgary Stampede president and chairman of
the board. "For a century people have loved to come for The Greatest Outdoor
Show on Earth - in 2009 we are ready to host the world."
    "Virtually every aspect of the Calgary Stampede has been improved this
year," says Chalack. "When we sat down to create this year's Stampede, we knew
we had to offer more new programs, more star power and more value than ever,
and we've really delivered. Our visitors will be blown away in 2009."
    This year's festival features a rodeo of champions, a new format for the
chuckwagon races, a reinvented Grandstand Show, more musical performances, one
of the world's most unique agriculture showcases, and more new family
programming. And of course, there are daily Stampede breakfasts and
entertainment right across the city, as Calgarians put on their cowboy hats
for 10 days of fun.
    Mike Holmes was joined in leading the Stampede Parade by eight Honorary
Parade Marshals, members of Team Canada competing in the 2009 WorldSkills in
September: Daniel Reid, Devon DeBoer, Craig Spady, Steven Dingwall, Tiffany
Vandermey, Daniel Green, Matthew Chadder and Brad Chyz.
    The Stampede Parade featured 170 floats, approximately 50 marching bands,
hundreds of horses and dozens of unique entries such as Lord Strathcona
Mounted Troop, Priefert Percherons, and Le Carnival de Quebec.
    On Saturday, all Canadians can watch the Stampede Parade on CBC
Television. Check your local listings for times.

    The Calgary Stampede is a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community
organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. The
Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta
through its world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western
events and several youth and agriculture programs. All revenue is reinvested
into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities. For more about the Stampede,
visit www.calgarystampede.com.

For further information: Doug Fraser, Media Relations Manager, T (403)
261-0242, C (403) 585-3376, F (403) 261-0190, E dfraser@calgarystampede.com