2010-11-07

My Town Monday: Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'...

Wow, it has been awhile since I did one of these. This post was inspired by a wonderful photo taken by someone else. I wasn't aware this was going on on Saturday or I might have tried to go there myself and take a photo or two. None of which would compare to this:

Cattle and AGA

Darren Kirby kindly allowed me to post his photo and a link to his Flickr page. I think y'all should check out the rest of his fabulous photos.

This was the cattle drive through down town Edmonton. I just love the juxtaposition of the cattle and the ranchers on their horses, against the new and ultra modern Art Gallery of Alberta.

This marks the start of the Farmfair Agricultural Showcase here in the city, which is held in conjunction with the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Yep, we's cowboys here and we remember that before there was oil, there were ranches and farms. Of course, if we keep building the way we are going, there will be no place for the cows or the crops, but, such is progress?

So, from the 5th to the 14th of November, if you visit Edmonton, you'd better bring your boots and hats, or you will just blend in with the rest of the city slickers.

For more My Town Monday posts from all 'round the world, click here.

Have a good day all.

18 comments:

Reb said...

Crap, so I forgot to schedule it and now it's a day early ;(

Anonymous said...

that picture is awesome. Modernity meets Marlboro country/old west.
~Lisa

Scott Oglesby said...

Wow, that is one of the coolest photos I’ve seen in… that may be the coolest photo I’ve ever seen.

The contrast between the cattle and the ultra modern architecture in the background is breathtaking. Love love love it!

solarity said...

Stony wants those cows. Not that he's looking at the picture, but he wants cows all the time. All those legs to dodge among, and heels to nip. If I ever get him a cow, it will be only one--not much fun to herd.
At least I now live where I can hear my neighbors' cows.

Mary Anne in Kentucky, kind of wishing her house looked as dramatic as the art museum.

Leah J. Utas said...

That is a damn fine photo. With the AGA it looks otherworldly.

the Bag Lady said...

What a cool photo!! I saw something on TV about the cattle drive happening, and wondered how that would work out.... we don't dare drive cattle down the highway anymore because it impedes traffic, and people are just so darned impatient nowadays! Edmontonians must be more patient than oil-field workers!

Hilary said...

What a great photo. I'd love to witness an event like this. It's a great blend of past and present.

Reb said...

Lisa, that is why I had to blog about it, the photo is wonderful!

Scott and the people of Edm thought the design for the museum was too radical :) Darren is very talented.

Mary Anne, it is such a cool exterior (haven't been in yet) and with the cows in front it is just a great photo.

Leah, it does, doesn't it. Darren is a great photographer.

Sis, down town is dead on the weekends, so a great place to block off streets for a parade.

Hilary, you will just have to schedule us in for this time next year ;) Darren is very talented.

messymimi said...

Sweetie has the hat, boots, and jacket. We will have to plan a vacation there to coincide with your rodeo and see this in person someday.

Reb said...

Messymimi, I am sure Sweetie would fit right in! It really is a sight to see.

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

What an incredible event this must be to witness in person, because that is an award winning photo! I'm glad your friend let you post it and share it with us.

I have always thought of "Alta" as a land of ranches and farms and rodeos. Does that make me old-fashioned? ;)

Reb said...

Karen, I am going to try very hard to attend next year! Yes, Darren is very talented. I think of Alta that way too - until that is I drive past refinery row, or a gas field ;)

Barrie said...

Reb, how wonderful to read a MTM post by you!! I will show this photo to my child #3 when he gets home from school. One of the words on his vocab test today is....incongruous! :)

BSOB said...

wow - that is the coolest! What a great travel idea/destination. I'm gonna check out that link

Travis Erwin said...

This reminds me of Fort Worth. They do something very similar each year.

Anonymous said...

Thanks very much for the plug and kind words Rebecca. Also thanks to the other commenters, so nice, my head will get big :)

-Darren

Knight said...

Fantastic Photo! Wow. Such an intersting event too. We just did the same thing here yesterday only we call it the New York Marathon!

Reb said...

Thanks Barrie! I am sure that child #3 will have a much better understanding of the word once he sees this ;)

Ben, yes, it is. We have a great city to visit, I hope you make it here one day.

Travis, I'm not surprised. It is a surprising thing to see cows in the city.

Darren, you deserve every accolade. Thanks for letting me post the photo.

Knight - lol! I think we had a few (thousand) less cattle here ;)