From singers to steer wrestlers, Cochrane’s spirit will be alive at the Calgary Stampede this year, with a number of talented townspeople taking centre stage for Alberta’s pre-eminent annual event.
From singers to steer wrestlers, Cochrane’s spirit will be alive at the Calgary Stampede this year, with a number of talented townspeople taking centre stage for Alberta’s pre-eminent annual event.
DJ Michelle Spice - a Cochrane photographer who moonlights as a successful spinner during Stampede - will drop the beats at Ranchman's Cookhouse and Dancehall and keep the patio pumping throughout the week with an entertaining mix of country music and her infectious personality.
Spice, who originally hails from the U.K., has participated in all but one Stampede since 2005.
“It's like a family every year, ” she said of the colleagues she reunites with each event.
In addition to spinning tunes, Spice also hosts trivia contests outside the historic hall. Since “it's such an honour ” to be part of the 105-year-old, 10-day Stampede - which draws more than one million annual visitors from around the world - Spice said she wants show tourists and locals alike a time that's top-drawer.
“I love being involved in making memories for so many people, ” said Spice of her jubilant job. “It makes that Stampede experience for our guests feel that much more phenomenal. ”
At 15 years old, 2017 Cochrane Rotary Talent Festival Award of Excellence winner Jennie Harluk could also be considered a veteran of the Stampede circuit, since she's been performing there since 2014.
This year, the Springbank Middle School student's calendar is chock full of concerts - both solo and with her father and fellow musician, Shane.
“I really, really, really like Stampede. It's one of my favourite times, ” said Harluk. “I just like the feel of it - it's so happy and joyous and carvinall-y. ”
Harluk performs tomorrow at the Window on the West stage at BMO Centre and on Sunday as part of the Calgary Stampede Talent Search at the Boyce Theatre.
Saturday night is Harluk's highest-profile event: a 45-minute set during the Black Tie and Blue Jeans fundraiser for the Dreams Take Flight charity at the Hyatt hotel. Two other gigs on Tuesday and Thursday round out her live shows.
“It's awesome, ” she said. “It's just exciting. ”
Cochrane and area cowboys are also ready to ride, with champion steer wrestler Tanner Milan representing the town when he tries his hand at a $100,000 prize in the world's largest outdoor rodeo.
Cremona chuckwagon racer Chad Fike will also make his mark as one of the youngest drivers in the Stampede.
