July 2005 saw a dream come true for about 30 x-KAO people who decide to come to Calgary and find out what the real Stampede is all about. Many of you will remember the attempts of the Canadians working in Usinsk to introduce the Stampede custom to the Russians. It must have had some positive impact, based on the enthusiasm of the foreign guests who came for a visit.
Here is a short summary of the agenda for the visit, and of course links to a few of the thousands of photos that were taken during the 11 days in Canada. July 6: Most of the group arrived in Calgary, on a direct flight from Frankfurt. Photo link. July 7: Stampede BBQ at Bearspaw Community Center. Mr. Leskin could not be there, but sent his greetings. Link to image. White cowboy hats were given to all the visitors. The Russians gave out commemorative ball caps to the Canadians. Check out the photos. More than 100 people attended. July 8: Stampede Parade in the morning. Photo link. Stampede Rodeo in the afternoon. Photo link. July 9: A real Stampede Breakfast was had in Cochrane. And best of all, it was FREE. All the pancakes you could eat. Photo link. In the afternoon, Olga Izyurova was interviewed by the Calgary Sun newspaper, with the article appearing the next morning. Link to article. Saturday evening was spent at the Stampede Grandstand watching the Chuckwagon races and evening show. Between chuckwagon races the KAO Russian guests were introduced by the announcer to the entire audience and then featured on the Jumbo-tron for all to see. Just prior to the Grandstand show the entire group was given a photo-op with the Stampede Queen and her two Princesses. Have a look at all the smiles. Photo Link. July 10: Bus tour to Drumheller and area. Photo Link. In the evening John Kroshus hosted the group at his house for a BBQ. July 11: The group boarded the bus and headed west to see the mountains. The first day saw a visit of Canmore, Banff and then on to Sicimous. July 12: Morning tour on the Sushwap Lake, with a stop at Dave Harris’ cabin. Then BBQ buffalo burgers for lunch on the boat. Afternoon drive to Kelowna, a winery tour, then a BBQ supper followed by a late evening swim, for some. July 13: An early morning swim, for some, then off to Victoria, with several short stops along the way. It was a beautiful sunny day for the 1.5 hour ferry crossing to the island. July 14: The morning was spent whale-watching, and with great success. An afternoon tour of Buchart Gardens. The evening was spent at a garden party hosted by Jim Guthrie at his brother’s home. Photo Link. July 15: Travel back across the ferry to Vancouver. Visit the aquarium and Stanley Park July 16: More touring around Vancouver. July 17: Pack bags, head to the airport, for an afternoon direct flight from Vancouver to Frankfurt.
That is only a short summary of the trip, just to provide a link to some of the photos. We expect that others will write more about trip, as well. Those stories will be added to the website as they are received.
A special thanks to all of our visitors who came to visit us. It was great seeing you all again. Also, a special thanks to the many, many volunteers who helped here in Canada to put all the details together, and hosted our guests in your homes. It takes a team effort.
We are looking at ways to more easily add the many, many photos to the website, so you can see them all. Keep watching for more about this.
Dennis K
See all photos in the album
or “Click here” to see or download full size group photo (shown above).