Calgary is pinning much of its G-8 summit promotional hopes on a $300,000 western hootenanny for delegates and media.
Yet this planned gala hoedown isn't the only way the city is planning to showcase itself during the June summit in Kananaskis.
Tourism Calgary's Ardith Finnegan says international media will be given lists of ready-made story ideas that will include Calgary connections to their home countries.
"They can say 'Get me the London connection,' and we'll get them the London connection (to Calgary)," Finnegan says.
Visitors will also receive a glossy, magazine-style guide to Calgary, translated into all G-8 languages, highlighting facts and figures, cultural attractions and business opportunities.
"It'll even include how to pronounce Kananaskis," Finnegan laughs. "Trying to pronounce some local names in the native tongue (of G-8 nations) can be tough."
About 5,000 delegates and journalists will be invited to the special "western night," tentatively scheduled for June 25 at Stampede park. The event includes dinner, bands, a mini-rodeo and fireworks.
Finnegan says these are just a few examples of the welcome wagon Calgary will roll out for visitors during the summit, which takes place June 26-27.
"This is the biggest opportunity to date to promote the city," she says. "We can take advantage of it or not. Our opinion is it's an incredible opportunity."
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