The Show Is On

   Come "Hell or High Water", the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede's 101st edition opened today, as scheduled, and despite the recent flooding, which I blogged about June 22nd. The phrase "Hell or High Water" was also turned into a marketing scheme, with funds raised in the sale of t-shirts going to flood relief.
   But it's not all roses at the event billed "The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth". Not by a long shot. While a literal army of volunteers helped remove mud and debris, there's still lots to clean up. And several concerts that were set for the Saddledome had to be scrubbed because flood waters in that venue were very high, and the resulting mess could not be cleaned up in time.
   The Stampede is a major economic boon to the city, with over 1 million visitors a year passing through the turn-styles.
   But lets not forget those who have lost everything in the disaster. And not just the folks in Calgary, either, People in High River are slowly being allowed back to their homes. With a warning to expect devastation when they get there. In fact, mental health counsellors have been brought in to help people if they need it.
   And recovery in all communities won't be quick, either. It's months, if not years, before everything is back to 'normal', if it ever can be.
   But, for the next 10 days, people will have a chance to escape, head to the Stampede, watch the rodeo or chuckwagons, take in the midway and spend. So, Yee-Haw it up Cowtown, and have the best Stampede you can!
   'Nuff Said.