The Calgary Stampede turns 100 in 2012.

They’re kicking things off early with the advertising campaign ‘We’re Greatest Together’. I happened to catch one of the TV ads recently and it definitely caught my attention. Perhaps it’s the fact that it’s only November and the Stampede is already advertising for the coming summer, or maybe it’s because the advertisements I saw really captured what the Stampede has meant to me over the past 8 or 9 years.

Yes, it’s a rowdy 10 days of free breakfasts, partying, mini-donuts and chuckwagons, but there is a history with our city and Calgarians that goes beyond these things. It’s a gathering of our community to play host to the world and above all else, it’s a celebration of our history and heritage.

The campaign has begun with a roll-out specifically in Calgary, but it’s my understanding that these ads will be part of a larger regional and international campaign launching in the coming months.

If you have a moment, take a quick peek at two of the television ads created by Calgary’s own Karo for this marketing campaign, and let us know what you think in the comments: