No longer waterlogged, Calgary kicks off Stampede with orgy fat, sugar and salt The Calgary Stampede began on Thursday, a day before the Stampede grounds themselves are to re-open from the devastating floods. A 101-year-old symbol of the city's roots — and its love for fat, sugar and salt — it also serves this year as a potent manifestation of the city's resilience. The National Posts Jen Gerson recounts the beginning of the Calgary's first post-flood party: 8:00 In the parking lot of the CBC building in Calgary – which was evacuated only two weeks ago — NDP leader Thomas Mulcair and Green Party leader Elizabeth May gather for the Stampede Breakfast to serve pancakes to all comers. Nary a whole wheat pancake nor a vegan sausage alternative is to be found. Me either, actually, I'm still hunting for bacon.
This is beef country. 9:30 I arrive, but Mr. Mulcair is long gone. Rumour has it he was wearing the now-famous black Hell or High Water T-shirt and a cowboy hat. Also, apparently, his non-partisan decoder ring, judging by what he told reporters: I honestly believe the federal government is doing everything that it can right now and we've got to continue doing that. They'll have our full support. There are times when we will talk partisan politics. This isn't one of them.9:40 The Stampede grounds are, like much of the rest of the city, covered in fine floury silt. But they're also bustling with volunteers and workers; the food stands are ready, the buildings have been swept clean and the track is ready for the annual festival of political incorrectness. 9:45 Stampede spokesman Kurt Kadantz tells me that millions of gallons of water were pumped out, then, 30,000 cubic yards of material were removed. Then they had to re-build the track with another 30,000 cubic yards of gravel, clay, soil and other organic materials.
We have some people saying it's the best track we've ever had, he said, adding that the clean up did not use city resources. 9:55 Naheed Nenshi, the new King of Calgary, says the city is ready for a party. Symbolically … us saying we're no longer in an emergency is a really big thing, he said. For people to say, All right, I can take a breath. It's not wrong for me to take a day off and enjoy the Stampede. 10:16 The local state of emergency in Calgary is formally lifted. I reluctantly decide not to take the rest of the day off. 2:00 Stampede president Bob Thompson invites reporters back on to the park grounds to talk to this year's parade marshal – Chris Hadfield, last seen snapping photos and playing Bowie on the International Space Station. 2:01 It appears Cmdr.
Hadfield, who spent much of his time in space in a golf shirt, is required to wear Jordan 11 Concords hat and boots here. He will also be forced to ride a large horse. Says Mr. Thompson: Tomorrow he'll lead a couple of big, good-looking horses and head on down the parade route. 2:02 Cmdr. Hadfield, who officially retired on Wednesday, says this is his first public appearance as an unemployed man. Guess that's why he picked Alberta, not Ontario. 2:07 Cmdr. Hadfield, who said he lived through floods while living in the U.S., declares himself impressed by the efficiency of the city's recovery, and determination to make the Stampede happen.
It's a rallying point. It's a thing that Canadians do. It's a thing that Albertans do, and even though there has been a lot of water and hell along with it, I'm really impressed watching the midway come to life. 2:09 The astronaut shows off his Space Cowboy boots; brown alligator leather with his mission patch inlaid on the Jordan 11 Bred front and a red maple leaf on the back. They were constructed by a custom boot-maker in Texas who also creates footwear for presidents, he said. The alligator skin is set with such precision that it bends and folds in line with his foot. 2:11 He takes one off and demonstrates the effect for the cameras: I'm like Jordan 6 Infrared a six-year-old boy. I think that's pretty cool.
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