Airdrie resident Lore Perez had an early start to her day at this year’s Calgary Stampede Parade, but the excitement quickly turned into celebration after learning the group she was marching with had earned the parade’s top honour.
Perez participated in the parade as a board member with Soul of Mexico, the organization behind the award-winning float. She also represented the Latin Community Society of Airdrie, carrying the society’s flag and serving as a representative of the city’s growing Latin American community.
“We only wake up at 4 a.m. to catch a flight somewhere warmer,” Perez said with a laugh. “This time, we woke up that early to be there by 6 or 6:30 because the judges were coming.”
Before the parade officially got underway, the group received unexpected news.
“As soon as we were getting ready to head out onto the streets, we were told we had won Best Overall,” she said. “It was such great news and such an honour to be recognized. We wanted to share our culture, and it was amazing to see all the hard work recognized.”
Related Stories:
Sharing a story through culture
The award-winning float featured the monarch butterfly, a symbol Perez said reflects the connection between Canada and Mexico through migration.
Rather than focusing solely on the butterfly itself, the display highlighted the resilience, sacrifices and hope that come with immigrating to a new country.
“I think that’s what made us win the prize,” Perez said. “It was about that connection between Canada and Mexico and the resilience it takes to immigrate, to be accepted and to create a life in a different country.”
Proud to represent Airdrie
Perez said representing Airdrie in one of Alberta’s largest public events was especially meaningful.
After volunteering with cultural organizations in Calgary for several years, she wanted to help create similar opportunities after moving to Airdrie. That passion helped lead to the creation of the Latin Community Society of Airdrie, which promotes Latin culture and community events throughout the city.
“When I moved to Airdrie, I wanted to continue promoting our culture,” Perez said. “It’s a fresh community and a growing city. We wanted to create that vibrant culture here.”
She hopes participating in the parade helps raise awareness of Airdrie’s diverse community while encouraging more people to visit the city’s cultural events.
“It shows people that we are here,” she said. “Airdrie has so much potential, and I hope more Calgarians come to visit our festivals and events just like we visit Calgary.”
Never forgetting her roots
Perez said taking part in the Calgary Stampede Parade is an experience she will always remember.
She said being able to represent both her Mexican heritage and her adopted home of Airdrie made the experience even more meaningful.
“I came from Mexico, and now I’m able to be a voice for the Latin community while also representing Airdrie,” Perez said. “We all came to Canada looking for a better life, and Canada is so rich because of its people.”
While proud to call Canada home, Perez said celebrating and sharing her culture remains important.
“We’re bringing the best of our culture to share with others,” she said. “It’s wonderful to call myself now Canadian while never forgetting my roots.”
Photo/Lore Perez
Listen live to Air 106.1 FM for local news, weather, traffic and community updates throughout the day. Stream us anytime through the DiscoverAirdrie app or online.