Stampede came early this year for hundreds of media and delegates from around the world.
More than 1,000 members of the international and Canadian press -- as well as foreign dignitaries and local politicians -- attended the 2002 Hoot & Holler, a party organized to welcome the world to Calgary on the eve of the G-8 summit.
Last night's event at Stampede Park, dubbed the "Showdown at the Hoedown" by protesters who tried to crash the party, gave visitors a taste of Calgary.
Those who attended were treated to white hats, rodeo, a miniature Indian Village, a broncin' bull photo booth, marching bands and live country music.
"I'm very impressed, this is a very beautiful city," said Tatsuro Nakae, the Los Angeles bureau chief for Nippon Television.
"This is the first time I've come to Canada and it's a beautiful country."
Nakae particularly enjoyed the natural beauty of Kananaskis Country, which he recently toured.
Apart from the country music and rodeo, party-goers were fed beef on a bun, little doughnuts and loads of beer.
"I tell you something about the beer, I like Traditional," said Kayode Oyefolu, a Nigerian delegate, who was pleased to visit Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise.
"I'm happy to be here ... I'm lucky I'm here, it's a beautiful city."
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