President's Barbecue kicks off Stampede 2019 in the sunshine

It’s become an annual tradition on the University of Calgary's main campus: smiles, laughter and line dancing to the sounds of a country band, trick roping, hay bales, and an excellent barbecue attended by the campus community to celebrate the kickoff of the Calgary Stampede.

In some ways, each year is a little similar to the last, and in other ways, it’s new and different each time.

For similarities: The lines formed early and moved quickly for the thousands who lined up to enjoy a meal of barbecued beef on a bun and a side of beans and coleslaw; vegan and gluten-free alternatives were available at the waste-free event. The band was great and the line dancers got people up and moving, and the warm and sunny afternoon provided the backdrop for UCalgary to celebrate its connection to Calgary and the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. 

What was new this year: President Ed McCauley presided over his first UCalgary Stampede Barbecue, and he happily took his turn on the food line, helping to serve up lunch to students, faculty, staff and community members. Almost $300 was raised for United Way of Calgary and Area while the Students' Union Food Bank raised almost $500 and collected 289 food item donations.

Watch the video below to catch some of the sights and sounds of this year’s celebrations.