"We take tourists for a ride around the city," said Irvine.
The wagon operator remarked on the diverse origins of the visitors attending the morning sessions.
"This morning we had people from Brazil, Ukraine, Venezuela, New Zealand, Australia," said Irvine.
He further detailed that the festival encompasses numerous vital activities tightly linked to the livestock community.
"There’s a steer show, there’s the Cowboy Up Challenge. There’s so many things that are part of the ranching and the livestock community," said Irvine.
Expressing his deep connection to the annual exhibition, Irvine highlighted what motivates his ongoing participation.
"I just love the Stampede. I really do," said Irvine.
The celebration, established in 1912 by American-born showman Guy Weadick, maintains its historic partnerships at the Elbow River Camp on the Stampede grounds.
Shawn Runner of the TsuuT’ina First Nation, whose great-grandfather Chief Big Billy was among the original participants invited by Weadick, highlighted the cultural importance of the venue.
"I’m a legacy teepee holder.
My great-grandfather, Chief Big Billy, was one of the first individuals that were a part of Guy Weadick’s exhibition, Calgary Stampede.
He was invited. And we always try and keep that legacy up," said Runner.
Runner explained that the venue serves as a critical platform for Treaty 7 First Nations to educate international audiences about their history and resilience.
>>> 2026 Range Rover Sport PHEV Review: Jack of All Trades, Master of None
"This is a highlight for all First Nations because we get that opportunity to show the world exactly where First Nations people come from, their survivals, their ability to adapt," said Runner.
