Stampede preparations finalized as Calgary’s state of emergency lifted

CALGARY – Two weeks after extensive flooding that turned part of downtown Calgary into a lake, the city has ended a state of emergency just in time for its annual Stampede.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi (nah-HEHD’ NEHN’-shee) attended a pre-Stampede breakfast to proclaim that Calgary’s doors are open to visitors and business.

Dozens of people wearing “Hell or High Water” T-shirts that were introduced after the flood held up “Open” signs as Nenshi encouraged everyone to join in him a big “Yahoo.”

Nenshi said a national advertising campaign is necessary to let the rest of the world know that the city is no longer under water and to encourage tourists to attend the 10-day Stampede.

The mayor said Calgary still has months of work ahead to return the city to where it was before the floods.

He suggest this Stampede will be special because it represents the spirit of Calgarians who have been working together to get things back to normal.