Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas recalled nervously working a crowd at the Hays Breakfast 10 years ago, handshaking his way into the political establishment to earn a spot on city council. On Sunday, he returned as leader of the city for the revived Legacy Stampede Breakfast.
Return of a Beloved Tradition
“It’s quite emotional to be back,” Farkas told Postmedia. “Because this is really a who’s who of Calgary. It’s not just the old ranching families, it’s also the current-day leaders, the leaders in business, volunteerism, and the not-for-profit sector.”
Considered the most prestigious Stampede breakfast in the city, the invite-only event has featured prominent Calgarians and Rotary Club volunteers, who brought back the seven-decade-long tradition Sunday, seven years after its discontinuation.
Honouring Western Roots
“It tells a story about our western roots and traditions, but also tells the story of the Calgary that we are today,” Farkas added.
Now dubbed the Legacy Breakfast, the event held on to many of its predecessor’s beloved traditions, which was started by former mayor and senator Harry Hays in 1950, and ran for nearly seven decades before the Hays family decided to call it quits.
Community and Political Leaders Attend
The event began with the national anthem, sung by Donna Nagera and the Sound of the Rockies. It was followed by a speech by Farkas, the ceremonial milking of a cow for a mystery concoction that the Hays family labels “Syllabub,” and an address by Premier Danielle Smith.
“I’m so glad that this event has been resurrected, and that we’re going to be able to continue enjoying it for many more decades to come,” Smith said.
The event was attended by several politicians, including Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall and NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley. Military brass were honoured at the breakfast, while first responders and Flames and Stampeders players were also in attendance.
Attendees Express Delight
It was Alan Ulsifer’s first time there. Ulsifer, CEO of FYidoctors, said he felt “privileged” to be invited. “Hadn’t been to Heritage Park for a really long time, and I don’t know why. There are lots of politicians and community leaders, so it’s been fun driving around and talking to people.”
Meanwhile, Paul Chave has lost count of how many times he’s been to the Hays Breakfast. Chave, a Rotary Club volunteer, said it was wonderful to see the breakfast back in a modern iteration. “It’s an event that, I think, really brings the community together. I’m disappointed the prime minister hasn’t shown up, but you know he’s been here in years gone by.”
Hosted by broadcaster Leslie Horton, the event featured live performances by the Calgary Fiddlers and Youth Singers of Calgary, along with a special appearance by the Grey Cup.
