Cochrane resident Stu Bradley received yet another accolade for his boundless volunteerism during the Calgary Stampede's 2023 AGM on March 23, where he was recognized with the Stampede Life Member award for his many years of service to the annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival.
The Stampede Life Member award is the highest honour for volunteer service that the Stampede awards.
According to a press release from the Calgary Stampede, Bradley is a second-generation Stampede volunteer, following in the footsteps of his father Hank by joining the Downtown Square Dance Committee back 1983.
"For 30 years, Stu was a committed and passionate square dance caller in downtown Calgary, preserving and promoting the unique ability to give direction through music to square dancers, entertaining the gathering crowds," the Stampede wrote.
The Stampede's release went on to say that Bradley was also chair of the Farm Equipment Committee, through which he introduced new programs and brought new committee members into the fold. Under his leadership, the Stampede says the committee produced the first Acreage Lifestyle Show, "and took committee activities to four surrounding towns to showcase the evolution of farm equipment in Alberta."
Forty years after first getting involved, Bradley is still an avid Stampede volunteer, and his
Away from the Stampede, Bradley was named Cochrane Senior of the Year at the Cochrane Community Awards in 2016, and he's served on other community boards, volunteered as an auctioneer and master of ceremonies, and initiated many western-themed community events in both Cochrane and Springbank for over 40 years.
He also helped found the Cowboy Trail Tourism Association, served for 12 years as a chairman of the Rocky View Association, and helped found the Wheel Chair Square Dance at the Bethany Care Centre, where his mother stayed.
He's lived in Cochrane since 2003, after previously living in Springbank for over 40 years. Once in town, he quickly became a regular, volunteering at the Kimmett Foundation Tournament of Aces and Pond Hockey tournament, as well as the Big Hills Seniors Lodge, and the Bethany Care Centre.
