EXCERPT:
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With nearly 1,000 horses and close to 50 floats there should be plenty of entertainment for spectators.
One of the most unusual floats this year was built by the local Ismaili community, which regularly partners with a nonprofit organization that can't afford to enter a float of its own. This year, the Ismailis built a giant green model of a 1932 Packard convertible, complete with displays illustrating the history of Calgary Meals on Wheels.
"Meals on Wheels adhere to values of volunteerism, caring, generosity and community spirit which are all core to Islamic tradition. That's how we pick a partner," said Tas Rahim, a spokeswoman for the Ismailis.
About 80 volunteers of all ages have been working since April 1 constructing a car out of sheet metal, iron, papier mache and plastic.
"The Stampede is awesome, the city comes off so well," said volunteer project manager Alnoor Velji. "We as Calgarians can send out a message about what we can do together."
http://www.canada.com/cityguides/featur ... 76&k=67117
PHOTO Gallery:
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Nooraisha Kanji and Jehan Bata, two volunteers for the Ismaili Muslims of Calgary, put finishing touches on a float for today's Stampede Parade.
Photograph by : Mikael Kjellstrom, Calgary Herald
http://www.canada.com/components/photo. ... ary+Herald
Calgary Stampede Parade -2006
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Guest
Calgary: A city of changing fortunes
Calgary Ismaili Stampede Breakfast
excerpt:
For Rahim, a lifelong Calgarian now studying the law, the Stampede has always been something to look forward to.
This year, the 20-something couple are again squeezing in as much fun as they can while they prepare for a new adventure in New York. On this bright morning, it means going to the Ismaili Muslim Stampede Breakfast.
Held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, the event has grown over 10 years into one of the Stampede's biggest, drawing up to 5,000 people with a guest list that includes civic, provincial and federal politicians of all stripes.
A live country band plays for the guests while a legion of volunteers serve up a traditional pancake breakfast that also includes bharazi, made of pigeon peas and coconut. Visitors also get the chance to learn how to line dance.
While some people may blow off the Stampede as a party for rednecks, Rahim sees such a view as unfortunate and outdated.
Growing up in Calgary as the son of immigrants, he says he was never made to feel like an outsider.
And the young husband and wife plan to include the Stampede when they begin their own family one day.
"Stampede is about more than what the stereotype suggests," he says.
"It is really about bringing together different cultures, different groups, within the Calgary community, within the Canadian community, and making them feel part of Calgary."
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/new ... 0c58c1&p=2
excerpt:
For Rahim, a lifelong Calgarian now studying the law, the Stampede has always been something to look forward to.
This year, the 20-something couple are again squeezing in as much fun as they can while they prepare for a new adventure in New York. On this bright morning, it means going to the Ismaili Muslim Stampede Breakfast.
Held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre, the event has grown over 10 years into one of the Stampede's biggest, drawing up to 5,000 people with a guest list that includes civic, provincial and federal politicians of all stripes.
A live country band plays for the guests while a legion of volunteers serve up a traditional pancake breakfast that also includes bharazi, made of pigeon peas and coconut. Visitors also get the chance to learn how to line dance.
While some people may blow off the Stampede as a party for rednecks, Rahim sees such a view as unfortunate and outdated.
Growing up in Calgary as the son of immigrants, he says he was never made to feel like an outsider.
And the young husband and wife plan to include the Stampede when they begin their own family one day.
"Stampede is about more than what the stereotype suggests," he says.
"It is really about bringing together different cultures, different groups, within the Calgary community, within the Canadian community, and making them feel part of Calgary."
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/new ... 0c58c1&p=2