More than 10,000 Calgary Stampeders supporters showed up at McMahon Stadium on Saturday for Fanfest, presented by Dodge.

“We’re so happy Mother Nature decided to cooperate and give our fans such a beautiful day for Fanfest,” said Stampeder president Gordon Norrie. “It was great to see everyone today and we thank all our fans for their enthusiasm and support. We’d also like to thank Dodge for partnering with us to put on this event.” 

Fanfest is an annual celebration that serves as the unofficial kickoff for the new Canadian Football League season.

The day got under way with a pancake breakfast in the East parking lot. The crowd then moved inside the stadium with booths, games and activities on the McMahon turf. Fans toured the locker room, met Ralph the Dog and Quick Six the Stampeders touchdown horse, got autographs from the many players in attendance and took part in a question-and-answer session with members of the coaching staff including head coach and general manager John Hufnagel.

Fans also had a chance to witness the official presentation of the Presidents’ Ring award to Stamps fullback Rob Cote, to meet members of the Outriders and to pose for a photo with the Grey Cup. There were interactive games and inflatables for kids of all ages and players from the University of Calgary Dinos and Calgary Colts were on hand at the various stations on the field.

A special promotion this year was the launch of a Stamps-branded line of items of Co-op stores, most notably Cornish Flakes breakfast cereal. Running back Jon Cornish, whose picture is on the product, signed hundreds of cereal boxes for fans.

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