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Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Hitmen trade Alex Garrett

• Upcoming Laura Ramoso: Sit Up Straight Tour

• A deep dive into the life of Guy Weadick

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Words are like people, I think. Put too many of them too close together and they cause trouble.”

― Carolee Dean

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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 year was Calgary officially established as a city?

A) 1875

B) 1884

C) 1893

D) 1902

News

💼Business

Calgary’s first esports arena opens at Bow Valley College.(link)

Calgary lifts water restrictions following repairs to feeder main.(link)

🏒Sports

Calgary Flames announce first round of training-camp cuts.(link)

Hitmen trade Alex Garrett to the Silvertips.(link)

🏦Finance

Alberta’s 'borrow and lease' school construction program reflects lack of long-term planning.(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 Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Friday October 4 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒 Calgary Hitmen vs. Vancouver Giants
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Sunday October 6 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 The Story of Merle Haggard
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Calgary, AB
Friday October 4 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Laura Ramoso: Sit Up Straight Tour
Bella Concert Hall - Mount Royal University Calgary, AB
Saturday October 5 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🦒 Wildlife Park for Kids
CF Market Mall 3625 Shaganappi Trail Northwest Calgary,
Saturday October 5 | 10:30 AM MDT | (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 “Calgary as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” 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 founding of Fort Calgary by the North-West Mounted Police in 1875.

The founding of Fort Calgary in 1875 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Calgary, setting the stage for the city's growth and development. Established by the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), the fort was primarily built to bring law and order to the region and to manage the illegal American whiskey trade. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers made it an ideal spot for controlling the major trade and travel routes used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers.

The establishment of Fort Calgary was a response to the lawlessness that pervaded the Western Canadian frontier. The illegal whiskey trade, particularly from Fort Whoop-Up, had led to increased violence and tension in the region. The arrival of the NWMP, led by Colonel James Macleod, helped to stabilize the area. The fort, named after Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, became a symbol of peace and order. The presence of the NWMP discouraged illegal activities and fostered a safer environment for the burgeoning trade and settlement.

Fort Calgary not only played a crucial role in maintaining law and order but also laid the foundation for the growth of the Calgary community. The establishment of the fort led to increased settlement in the area, as traders, ranchers, and settlers were drawn to the stability it provided. Over time, the fort grew into a central point for commerce and social life in Southern Alberta. The original fort structures have long since been replaced, but the site remains a significant historical and cultural landmark, housing the Fort Calgary Historic Park, which commemorates the fort's central role in Calgary's early development.

Famous Calgarians

Guy Weadick (1885-1953) - Founder of the Calgary Stampede.

Early Life and Introduction to Rodeo (1885-1905)

Guy Weadick was born in 1885 in Rochester, New York. Growing up, Weadick was captivated by stories of the Wild West and cowboys. His early exposure to rodeo shows and circus acts fueled his passion for the cowboy lifestyle and western culture.

Dreams of the West (1906-1911)

In his early 20s, Weadick traveled to the western United States, immersing himself in cowboy life. He worked as a ranch hand and rodeo performer, honing skills that would later be pivotal in his career. This period was crucial in shaping his vision of celebrating the cowboy culture.

Conceiving the Calgary Stampede (1912)

Weadick's vision of a grand celebration of the West culminated in the idea of the Calgary Stampede. He imagined an event that would not only showcase rodeo talent but also celebrate the spirit of the Western frontier. His enthusiasm and persuasive skills led him to garner support for this grand event.

The First Calgary Stampede (1912)

In 1912, Weadick's dream became a reality with the first Calgary Stampede. It was a resounding success, drawing large crowds and featuring rodeo events, exhibitions, and performances that celebrated the Western way of life.

World War I and Struggles (1914-1918)

During World War I, Weadick served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The war years were a challenging time for him, and the Stampede was put on hold. This period was marked by personal and professional struggles.

Reviving the Stampede (1919-1920s)

Post-war, Weadick focused on reviving the Calgary Stampede. Despite financial and logistical challenges, his persistence paid off. The Stampede returned, gradually regaining its popularity and becoming an annual event in Calgary.

The Great Depression (1930s)

The Great Depression posed significant challenges for the Calgary Stampede. Weadick navigated these difficult times with creativity and resilience, ensuring the Stampede's survival despite economic hardships.

World War II and Later Years (1940s)

During World War II, Weadick continued his involvement with the Stampede, although the event faced more challenges due to the war. In his later years, Weadick remained a respected figure in Calgary, known for his contribution to preserving Western heritage.

Legacy in Calgary and Rodeo Culture (1950-1953)

Guy Weadick passed away in 1953. His legacy, however, lives on in the Calgary Stampede, which has grown to become one of the world's largest and most famous rodeo events. Weadick is remembered as the visionary who brought the excitement and culture of the cowboy lifestyle to the forefront.

Posthumous Recognition and Impact (Beyond 1953)

After his passing, Weadick's impact on Calgary and the Western culture continued to be celebrated. He is honored as the founder of the Calgary Stampede, a cultural institution that not only celebrates rodeo sports but also symbolizes Calgary's identity and heritage.

Key Achievements:

• Founder of the Calgary Stampede, one of the world's most renowned rodeo events.

• Instrumental in popularizing and preserving cowboy culture and Western heritage.

• Overcame numerous challenges to establish and sustain the Stampede.

• His vision and determination transformed Calgary's cultural landscape.

• Weadick's legacy continues to influence rodeo sports and Western celebrations globally.

Guy Weadick's life and achievements reflect his deep love for the Western way of life and his commitment to celebrating and preserving this unique culture. His legacy endures in the Calgary Stampede, a testament to his vision and enduring impact on Calgary and the world 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

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