Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming ISU World Speed Skating Championship

• The Wildlife Festival

• A deep dive into the life of Riley McCormick

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right.”

-Henry Ford

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What iconic structure in Calgary offers a panoramic view of the city?

A) Peace Bridge

B) Calgary Tower

C) Stephen Avenue Walk

D) Scotiabank Saddledome

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The famous annual event in Calgary is B) The Calgary Stampede.

News

💼 Business

Calgary Economic Development's 2023 Survey Results: Highlighting a dip in business leaders' perception of Calgary's economy, with concerns about inflation and the economic diversification in the city​​. (link)

YYC Hacks 2024 Event: Calgary's largest hackathon, aimed at enhancing the city's accessibility for visitors and newcomers. (link)

Calgary Economic Development's Strategic Initiatives: A focus on storytelling and targeted marketing to attract companies, capital, and talent to Calgary. (link)

Upcoming Economic Reports: The release of important economic indicators and reports such as the Housing Review and Labour Market Review. (link)

🏒 Sports

Sport Calgary's Winter Festival at Olympic Plaza: A diverse array of winter sports showcased, including hockey, ringette, and skiing, paired with family skating in the evenings. (link)

Calgary Sport & Social Club's 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament: Teams like Mighty Pucks and Dirty Danglers competed at Hockey Hub YYC. (link)

Calgary Sport & Social Club's Recreational Sports Matches: Teams across various sports, including basketball and ball hockey, faced off at locations like Bob Niven Centre. (link)

Celebrity Curling Match: A highlight of the Sport Calgary Winter Festival, drawing public interest and participation in curling at Olympic Plaza​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Precision Drilling's Q4 Earnings: Reporting substantial net income, reflecting a strong performance in the energy sector​​. (link)

2024 Economic Outlook: Optimism about Alberta's GDP growth and Calgary's economic resilience despite global challenges, with expectations of continued growth driven by population, commodities, and consumer spending​​. (link)

ATB Financial's Analysis: Acknowledgment of Alberta's and Calgary's ability to navigate inflation effectively. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Calgary Wranglers vs. Manitoba Moose
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Tuesday, Feb. 13th | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 14th | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Sharks
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Thursday, Feb. 15th | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | (More Info)

🏂 2024 The Snow Rodeo FIS Freeski Halfpipe World Cup
WinSport, Calgary
Friday, Feb. 16th | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

⛸️ 2024 ISU World Speed Skating Championship
Olympic Oval, Calgary
Feb. 16th - 18th | 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🥌 2024 Scotties Tournament Of Hearts
WinSport Event Centre, Calgary
Friday, Feb. 16th | 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday, Feb. 17th | 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday, Feb. 18th | 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Calgary Flames vs. Detroit Red Wings
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Saturday, Feb. 17th | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 City and Colour with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Monday, Feb. 12th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 The Strumbellas
The Palace Theatre, 219 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Tuesday, Feb. 13th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Vader
Dickens Pub, 1000 9 Ave SW, Calgary
Sunday, Feb. 18th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Hamlet - Alberta Ballet Welcomes Beijing Dance Theater
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary
Thursday, Feb. 15th | 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, Feb. 17th | 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM | (More Info)

🐦 The Wildlife Festival
Nutrien Western Event Centre, Calgary
Feb. 17th - 18th | 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “A steampunk-themed Calgary with Victorian architecture” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Calgary Historical Events

The incorporation of Calgary as a town (1884)

In 1884, Calgary marked a significant milestone in its journey of growth and development with its incorporation as a town. This pivotal event was a testament to the burgeoning settlement's progress and its evolution from a fledgling outpost to an organized community poised for further expansion. The incorporation symbolized Calgary's emergence as a center of commerce, agriculture, and industry in the region, laying the groundwork for its future as a vibrant urban center.

With the establishment of town status, Calgary initiated a structured framework for governance, enabling the provision of essential services, the implementation of infrastructure projects, and the enactment of local ordinances to guide its development. This new level of organization fostered a sense of community and civic responsibility, encouraging residents to actively participate in shaping the town's future. The establishment of local governance also provided a platform for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the growing community.

The incorporation of Calgary as a town in 1884 was a crucial step in its transformative journey, marking the beginning of an era characterized by rapid growth, urbanization, and economic diversification. This event was not just a change in status but a reflection of the town's resilience, ambition, and the collective vision of its residents, setting the stage for Calgary to become a key player in the region and a city with a distinct identity and rich heritage.

Famous Calgarians

Riley McCormick (1882-1944)

Early Life and Introduction to Rodeo (1882-1900)

Riley McCormick, born in 1882, was raised in a ranching family in Alberta, Canada. His early exposure to ranch life and horseback riding laid the groundwork for his future success in rodeo.

Rise to Fame as a Rodeo Champion (1901-1910)

McCormick quickly made a name for himself in the rodeo circuit. Known for his skill in saddle bronc riding, he became a prominent figure in the sport, captivating audiences with his daring and expertise.

World Saddle Bronc Champion Titles (1911-1920)

McCormick's talent and dedication led to him winning the World Saddle Bronc Championship three times. These victories solidified his reputation as one of the top cowboys in the sport.

Influence on Rodeo and Western Culture (1921-1930)

Beyond his championships, McCormick influenced the development of rodeo as a sport and was a key figure in promoting Western culture and cowboy skills. His legacy extended beyond competition into the cultural realm.

Business Ventures and Community Involvement (1931-1940)

After retiring from rodeo, McCormick ventured into business, using his fame and experience to contribute to his community in Calgary. He remained closely tied to the rodeo world and Western culture.

Legacy and Impact on Rodeo (1941-1944 and Beyond)

Riley McCormick passed away in 1944, but his impact on rodeo and Western culture in Canada endured. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in the sport and a symbol of the cowboy spirit.

Riley McCormick's Key Achievements:

• Three-time World Saddle Bronc Champion.

• Influential figure in the development and promotion of rodeo as a sport.

• Contributed to the preservation and celebration of Western culture and cowboy heritage.

Riley McCormick's journey from a ranching background to becoming a celebrated rodeo champion illustrates his profound impact on the sport. His achievements in the rodeo arena, coupled with his contributions to Western culture and the Calgary community, have left a lasting legacy, cementing his status as an iconic figure in the history of rodeo.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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