59th Annual Hays Breakfast - One Sillabub Please!
What began as a social gathering for Harry Hays and friends on his dairy farm in 1950, has evolved into a hot ticket event which many Calgarians look forward to as the beginning of the Calgary Stampede. More than 3000 people are expected to “steer" their way down to the 59th Annual Hays Breakfast on Sunday, July 5th at Heritage Park, hosted by Macleod Dixon LLP, the Rob Peters Family and the Heritage Park Foundation.Although there have been many co-hosts over the years including Ron Jenkins, Watson Hook, Roy Jennings, Ed O'Connor, Graham and Larry O'Connor, George Hill, and Bud and Don Watson, the original hosts were Harry Hays and Arthur Crawford-Frost. Their friends included ranchers, farmers, judges, businessmen and politicians. The breakfast was hosted on the Hays' dairy farm, which is now Haysboro until 1969, when Harry Hays sold the remainder of his land and moved to Eagle Ridge. The Dan Hays started co-hosting with his Father, Harry, in 1974 and kept on the tradition after Harry died in 1982. In the late 1990's, the breakfast moved once more to Heritage Park to accommodate the thousands of guests.
"We're proud to support our Chairman, the Dan Hays in co-hosting the 59th annual Hays Breakfast," says Bill Tuer, managing partner of Calgary-based law firm Macleod Dixon LLP. "Our firm is honoured to be part of this longstanding Calgary tradition - one that brings our community together and pays tribute to the spirit of the Calgary Stampede and that of the Hays Family."
Although breakfast is provided, majority of the guests attend for the traditional Sillabub Ceremony. Sillabub, a milk based alcohol concoction, has long been the staple ingredient of the legendary breakfast. After slinging back the drink, guests are honoured with a highly sought after Certificate acknowledging their bravery.
In its 59 year history, the Hays Breakfast has endured the many challenges of Calgary weather and has never been cancelled. Among the guests at this year’s breakfast will be various business and political dignitaries, as well as the Stampede Queens and Princesses and rodeo personalities.
For more information please call (403) 267-8291.