July 4, 2018

Professor emeritus Donald Ray shares colourful history as rodeo performer

Ray family's Stampede performance memorabilia now on display in TFDL
Check out Donald Ray, professor emeritus in political science, spinning rope at the President's Stampede Barbecue this Thursday, July 5 in the TFDL Quadrangle from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Check out Donald Ray, professor emeritus in political science, spinning rope at the President's Stam Riley Brandt, University of Calgary

From jaw-dropping knife throwing to elaborate rope spinning, Donald Ray has many colourful stories about his family of vaudevillian performers. Travelling with his parents, Ray’s childhood led him to perform tricks in circuses, theatres and rodeos around the world, including the Calgary Stampede.

The Calgary Stampede and the University of Calgary share a rich history and connection celebrating and preserving Alberta’s western heritage. While Ray has his own connection with the Stampede as a performer, he has also been at the university for 37 years in the Department of Political Science, and is now professor emeritus.

Combining these two interests, you can catch Ray spinning rope at the President’s Stampede Barbecue this Thursday in the TFDL Quadrangle from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After having a bite to eat and enjoying the entertainment, consider visiting Ray’s display of Stampede memorabilia from his family in the TFDL lobby.

A selection of the Ray family's Stampede memorabilia is on display in the Taylor Family Digital Library lobby. The son of vaudevillian performers, political science professor Donald Ray spent his youth performing such tricks in rodeos (including the Calgary Stampede), as well as in circuses, theatres and nightclubs from Canada to South Africa.

A selection of the Ray family's Stampede memorabilia is on display in TFDL.

Riley Brandt, University of Calgary

The stories behind the memorabilia on display

Spinning rope
The rope on display was used to execute complicated tricks in acts performed by Ray’s family. The rope spinning performance required a tremendous amount of intricacy, skill and practice. Ray mentions that real cattle ropers inspired some of the tricks.

Bayonets and axes
Ray recounts his parents’ iconic knife-throwing act, where his blindfolded father would throw five bayonets on his mother’s left and five bayonets on her right. See the bayonets and axes used while imagining the amount of precision needed to accomplish this daring act.

Sequined western wear
The western-inspired flashy costumes that Ray’s mother wore during the act were designed not only for entertainment but also for practicality. Ray says the heavy sequins provided a more solid material to protect his mother against the sharp objects used in their performances. 

This selection of Donald Ray’s Stampede family memorabilia, along with photographs and other items, are on display in the TFDL lobby until July 20.