Plaza party kicks off 100 day countdown to Stampede 2012
Posted Mar 29, 2012 7:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgarians are invited down to Olympic plaza across from city hall over the noon hour Thursday for a western party.
During the gathering, which will feature live entertainment from country music star Paul Brandt, Stampede organizers will announce this year’s parade marshal.
Stampede spokesman Doug Fraser tells 660News they will also take the wraps off a community celebration initiative, which he promises will blow everybody away.
Making this year’s Stampede even more special is that 2012 marks the 100th anniversary for the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
Thursday night, corporate Calgary will gather at the Archie Boyce Pavilion for the annual Rangeland Derby tarp auction.
The event is viewed as a bit of an economic barometer for the city.
ATB Financial Senior Economist Todd Hirsch says it’s possible a record amount of cash could be raised, because Calgary’s economy continues to heat up, plus of the significance of this year’s Stampede Celebration.
The record total from the annual canvas auction was posted back in 2007, when just over $4-million was brought in.
The tarp on Kelly Sutherland’s wagon is expected to fetch the highest bid tonight, Sutherland – better known as the “King” – has won the Rangeland Derby 12 times over the years.
