Showcasing friendly western hospitality
The Calgary Stampeders won their first Grey Cup in 1948, but it was an enthusiastic band of Calgary fans that really left an impact on the game.
A trainload of Calgarians invaded Toronto that year and created a festival atmosphere around the football final. They flipped flapjacks on the steps of City Hall, rode horses through the prestigious Royal York Hotel, led impromptu parades and dances and ignited an excitement never before seen at Grey Cup.
This group, who single-handedly changed the Grey Cup festival from a football game into a national celebration, officially became the Calgary Grey Cup Committee. Since that famous train ride, our 65 member volunteer-based group travels to the Grey Cup host city every year promoting the City of Calgary, the Calgary Stampede and western hospitality and culture.
In addition to the volunteer commitment from our members, the Committee is also joined by a western band, our Mascot, Charlie Horse, the Calgary Stampede Queen, her two Princesses, the Indian Princess and two members of city council. The Committee works throughout the year to plan our events which include:
- Media breakfasts and on-air TV and radio appearances
- Two free western-style breakfasts for the public
- A visit and full entertainment show featuring our band and Charlie Horse to a chosen school in the host city
- The largest submission in the Grey Cup Parade
- And, of course, our signature event of riding a horse into a hotel during Grey Cup week
The Calgary Grey Cup Committee is a group of passionate, enthusiastic, team-oriented folks who are proud of what we do and love to share our excitement each and every year to cities across Canada.
