Well, that’s a wrap.  What an awesome 10 days of celebrating 100 years of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!  We couldn’t do it without the hard work and devotion of all of our incredible volunteers and staff.

The number of people that volunteer for the Calgary Stampede is amazing, and so is the diversity of skills that come with them.

I was lucky enough to ask Christopher Loach, Chair of the Communications Sub-Committee for Downtown Attractions, a few questions about his involvement with the Calgary Stampede.

Christopher’s day job dealing with media as the Communications Director at Theatre Calgary made him an excellent fit for this volunteer position.

1)  What year did you become a Stampede volunteer and why did you decide to get involved?

I was fortunate to join the Downtown Attractions Committee (DTA) as a volunteer in 2007.  During Stampede every year I wandered down to Olympic Plaza when it transformed in Fluor Rope Square and took in the festivities.  When I heard the DTA was looking for people with a media relations background for their communications sub-committee, I jumped at the chance and managed to fill the void.

2)  What are one or two of your favorite Stampede memories?

As a native Calgarian, I have never missed a year at the Stampede.  My earliest memories are of the Stampede grounds at night, being pushed in a stroller, looking at all the lights and hearing all the sounds of the midway.  Later in high-school and then University, I worked as an usher in the Grandstand for 7 summers.  I met so many different people from around the world and made life-long friendships with many of the people I worked with.  I’ll never forget those days.

3)  What Stampede experience or event are you looking forward to the most this year?

Our Communications sub-committee works with Stampede Tourism to host local and international media when they come down to Fluor Rope Square. So many of them are visiting Calgary and the Stampede for the first time, and most of them are amazed that we actually do a hat stomp and get away with it.  It’s such an honour and a thrill to see them be truly amazed at all the work that goes into what we do, and then take those observations back and share them around the world.

4)  What’s your favorite midway food?

I’m a bit of a traditionalist, so I’m sticking with mini-doughnuts.  But any good hot dog is a close runner-up.

5)  What’s your best advice for a fun Stampede?

It’s not always about being in the loudest and most crowded tent for a great party.  Sometimes the real treasures, like watching a stock dog competition or visiting the Western Showcase art exhibit can be a rewarding and relaxing experience. Take time to see all the little things you never thought about visiting…you’ll be surprised at how much western pride and history you can take away from them.

If you’re interested in lending your time and skills to the Stampede team, learn more on how to get involved here.