Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ

It’s become an annual tradition on the University of Calgary's main campus: smiles, laughter and line dancing to the sounds of a country band, trick roping, hay bales, and an excellent barbecue attended by the campus community to celebrate the kickoff of the Calgary Stampede.

In some ways, each year is a little similar to the last, and in other ways, it’s new and different each time.

For similarities: The lines formed early and moved quickly for the thousands who lined up to enjoy a meal of barbecued beef on a bun and a side of beans and coleslaw; vegan and gluten-free alternatives were available at the waste-free event. The band was great and the line dancers got people up and moving, and the warm and sunny afternoon provided the backdrop for Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ to celebrate its connection to Calgary and the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. 

What was new this year: President Ed McCauley presided over his first Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ Stampede Barbecue, and he happily took his turn on the food line, helping to serve up lunch to students, faculty, staff and community members. Almost $300 was raised for United Way of Calgary and Area while the Students' Union Food Bank raised almost $500 and collected 289 food item donations.

Watch the video below to catch some of the sights and sounds of this year’s celebrations.