News Releases

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - July 5, 2013) - The Calgary Stampede and BMO Bank of Montreal will honour 16 outstanding southern Alberta families for their dedication to rural life and their innovative business achievements at the 2013 BMO Farm Family Awards on Monday, July 8 at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park.

The Alberta Agricultural Service Board selects the BMO Farm Family Award recipients based not only on their farming expertise but also on their contribution to the community. The awards recognize farm families, who take an innovative approach to growing their business, demonstrate a commitment to traditional western values and follow sustainable production practices.

About the Calgary Stampede

As we enter our second century, the Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We're Greatest Together; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

About BMO and the Calgary Stampede

BMO Bank of Montreal's ties to the Calgary Stampede are long and remarkable. The relationship between BMO and the Calgary Stampede is the oldest business relationship in Western Canada, dating back to 1884. BMO has been the banker to the Calgary Exhibition since 1899 when lands were christened at Victoria Park. The Agricultural Society had purchased 94 acres of land from the Dominion of Canada and built a race track, cattle sheds and an exhibition building. BMO continued as the banker in 1912 when the first rodeo took place and it became the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.