MARCHING.COM: Calgary Stampede to host 2012 World Association of Marching Show Bands Championship

CALGARY, ALBERTA, February 2, 2010 — The Calgary Stampede announced that the Stampede's Visiting Bands committee has been sanctioned to host the 2012 World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) World Championship.

The call is now going out to show bands around the world to attend this prestigious event in 2012 which will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede, dubbed the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

The WAMSB World Championship is considered the largest and most respected international competition of its type, and the annual event travels to different host countries around the world. The 2009 championship was held in Kerkrade, The Netherlands, where the finals event featured ten bands from eight different countries. Calgary anticipates hosting between 30 and 50 marching show bands from around the world during the Calgary Stampede, July 6-15, 2012.

"We're thrilled to host a prestigious event like this during our 100th anniversary," says Roderick Tate, Calgary Stampede entertainment manager. "Not only will the bands participate in the competition, but they'll also take part in other events, including the Stampede Parade, Caravan breakfasts, Rope Square and other functions."

The competition dates for the World Championship in Calgary have been identified:
• July 7, 2012 — Opening Ceremonies (McMahon Stadium)
• July 7, 8, 9, 2012 — Show Band competition (McMahon Stadium)
• July 10, 2012 — Finals & Awards Ceremony (Pengrowth Saddledome)

The Calgary Stampede continues to host its annual marching band competition and previously hosted the World Association of Marching Show Band Championship in 1996 and 2000. The 2010 World Championship is being held in Potsdam, Germany and the 2011 event is taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Calgary Stampede is a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. The Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through its world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities. For more about the Stampede, visit www.calgarystampede.com.

The World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB) is an international band association dedicated to promoting global communication and interaction between marching show bands. The association aims to encourage active participation in marching show bands and to stimulate the staging of world class band events. Membership is open to directors whose bands participate or are interested in partaking in high calibre events around the world. For more information visit www.wamsb.org.

Source material and images courtesy of Calgary Stampede and WAMSB.

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Calgary Stampede selected to host 2012 World Association of Marching Show Bands Championship