Quick Warning

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To all those from across the country in town for the Grey Cup… Welcome!

But please excuse me for a moment while I send out a quick warning to football fans in our town.

Grey Cup 2002 will be without question the biggest highlight of the year and I can hardly wait. After all, with all the hard work put in by this year’s committee how can you not be looking forward to the annual extravaganza? How can the big event NOT be a success? EASY.

I’ll never forget the feeling in Calgary in 93 when the Stamps lost to the Eskimos in the Western Final… the enthusiasm of Stampede City went completely into the flusher. Gonzo. Even with some great events planned they never really recovered enough to “get into it”. Grey Cup tickets became easy to get, and trying to persuade Stamps fans that the party would still be great was a difficult task. I can understand how tough the Western Final loss was to their psyche, but I’ve always known their city to throw a great party. They just never recovered.

Here’s hoping that our City doesn’t fall into the same trap if the Eskimos should lose in the Western Final on the 17^th. We can’t afford to… it’s a civic pride thing. This city always puts on a great show and the fans always suck it up when the going gets tough.

With the Spirit of Edmonton folks holding their usual Open House at the Crowne Plaza, with Shania Twain booked as the Half-Time show, with the Eskimo Alumni welcoming the country at their Igloo party palace downtown, the fun filled Grey Cup parade and all the rest… how can we possibly go wrong?? Trust me. Don’t put all your party plans on hold if the Green and Gold don’t make it. Get out there and enjoy the weekend regardless.

I’m pulling for the West… but I also love having fun with those Eastern folks!

Here’s hoping we show the rest of Canada how to celebrate and hold a great Grey Cup.