Stampede Displays
 The
Calgary Exhibition &
Stampede Historical Committee's mandate is to showcase
the Stampede's western heritage to on-park visitors.
Every facility on the park is steeped in history. Thus, it is our goal
to ensure that
visitors to the
park are surrounded by this history and are able to view
artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, and other materials
from the Stampede’s past.
 Visitors
to the Stampede need not go far to witness past images
and pieces of the Stampede's history. On your way to the
Pengrowth Saddledome to watch the Calgary Flames, the Calgary
Hitmen, the Calgary Roughnecks or a concert, you are able
to view old photographs and Stampede artifacts of by-gone
days in display cases that ring the main concourse. In
the main reception of the Stampede Headquarters there is
a feeling that you have stepped back in
time to witness the first Chuck wagon races
or you are in the infield riding one of the Stampede Ranch's
electrifying bucking stock.
 When
you walk upstairs in headquarters, the first thing you
see are the varied Stampede posters that reflect the changing
landscape and times of Calgary, southern Alberta and the
Stampede itself. Paintings of First Nations leaders and
elders by Canadian artist Nicholas de Grandmaison adorn
the Stampede
headquarters walls. There are bronzes created by
masters like Charlie Beil and Charlie Russell. If you could
touch them, you could sense the passion and commitment
of past Rodeo and Chuck wagon participants who created
the
winning
tradition
of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. For those that
remember the old days of the Stampede Corral, or as some
still call it “the old barn”, built 1949 to 1950, the pictures
on the walls of old cowboys, cowgirls and livestock symbolize
the West's get it done attitude. The images are a reflection
of the past, an emotion, a triumph or a minor setback captured
forever in time and space. When you enter the Stampede
Grandstand, everywhere you look, there are glimpses of
the Stampede’s glorious and famous past. It's on overwhelming
feeling to be standing amongst images of the "Big
4" (George Lane, A.J. McLean, Pat Burns and A.E. Cross).
Men who financed Guy Weadick to the tune of $100,000 and
in
September
1912,
the first Calgary Stampede was held - a roaring success.
 The
images of past First Nations leaders and elders, rodeo
and chuck wagon participants, and livestock are still a
major component
of many of the displays that visitors are treated to on
park. However, one only has to see the beautiful commemorative
pins display, created by one select artist every year who
participates in the Western Showcase, to know that, while
the Stampede embraces and rejoices it's western values
and heritage, it is creating new, varied and valuable
history everyday.
 Thank
you for taking the time to look at the displays around
the park. Just so you know, we change them throughout the
year so keep looking for new ones.
We welcome your thoughts
and questions regarding the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede
Historical Committee's many displays. To contact our
archivist, Ron Getty, please call 403.261.0407
or email Ron at archives@calgarystampede.com.
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