The Calgary Exhibition and Stampede has lassoed a return engagement to Hong Kong after a hugely successful debut in last year’s renowned Chinese New Year parade.
Officials with the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth will return to Hong Kong next month along with a delegation of tourism and trade dignitaries to promote Alberta at the parade, which is viewed by 300,000 spectators and 1.2 billion TV viewers.
Last year’s parade entry, which included entertainers and a western-themed float, captured the Best of Parade award for international entries.
“The response to our presence in 2001 was truly overwhelming,” said Stampede special projects manager Michelle Dubois.
This year, in honour of the 2002 Chinese New Year theme of ‘Year of the Horse’, the float has been redesigned to include two animated bucking horses.
Taking part will be the reigning Stampede queen and princesses, native dancers, an RCMP officer, country music singers, Stampede mascot Harry the Horse and 20 cowboys and cowgirls.
The Alberta delegation of 34 people includes Premier Ralph Klein and Calgary’s mayor Dave Bronconnier.
Special events will include pancake breakfasts featuring Stampede-style entertainment.
Chinese New Year runs Feb. 10-14.
