Tradition started in 1948 when fanatic Stampeder fans invaded Toronto with lots of enthusiasm they plan to continue this year on their 64th consecutive trip to the Grey Cup
By Brad Greenslade –
During the Grey Cup Festivities in 1948 a group of fanatic Calgary Stampeder fans devised a scheme to ride a horse into the lobby of The Royal York Hotel in Toronto. This event launched the Calgary Grey Cup Committee, and we are going back to Toronto for the 100th Grey Cup to do it all over again, marking the Committee’s 64th consecutive trip to Grey Cup.
The committee has over 90 volunteer members and a varying contingent of 50 to 75 fund their own way to Grey Cup every year. We are a diverse and committed bunch who love CFL Football, The City of Calgary and all that is Western hospitality. But riding a horse into the lobby of a hotel in the host city is not all we do. With the goal of spreading the spirit of Calgary and building excitement for the 100th Grey Cup Game, we will be hosting a series of events:
· Two free public breakfasts in Nathan Phillips Square, each capable of feeding 5000 plus people featuring Western pancake flippin’, live entertainment including our very own High Steppin Daddy, line dancing and free giveaways (Fri. Nov. 23 and Sat. Nov. 24)
· A full entertainment show featuring our live band and performers for up to 500 elementary school children, this year at St. Michaels Elementary School (Fri. Nov. 23)
· A by invite only VIP event with live entertainment
· And, of course, our traditional invasion of the prestigious Royal York Hotel on horseback (Nov. 22nd at 10:00am).
*On hand during all of these events will be the Stampede Queen, Princesses and Indian Princess.
We are bringing horses, cowboy hats, YAHOO’s, a live band, clowns, smiles and good ole’ Western hospitality to the city of Toronto for The 100th Grey Cup!
Look out Toronto, Calgary is coming to town!