After several trips south of the border to Mexico and Central America, Wally Byam decided it was time to go north of the border to Canada. The summer of 1954 saw the Airstream Wally Byam Western Canadian Caravan embark on a quest north.
The Calgary Stampede was on the schedule for Caravanners. This world renowned event is one of many “treats” for the group. The Calgary Stampede is a ten-day event branded as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth." It traces its roots all the way back to the late 1800s.
Everybody loves a parade, and Wally was no exception. As a child in Baker City, Oregon, he looked forward to their Fourth of July parades. Wally, born July 4, felt the parades were a special event celebrating his own birthday. As he grew older, he learned that the Fourth was a celebration of American Independence.
This love of parades promoted Wally to have a few Caravanners enter their Airstream rigs into the Calgary Stampede parade. The first vehicle pictured belongs to Don Waters, Wally’s advance scout for the tour. Behind Don’s rig is #1, Wally and Stella’s Airstream.
If you look really closely to the left, you'll see Wally walking alongside the Airstreams in his western wear and beret.
There is nothing like a parade, and there's nothing like Wally Byam and an Airstream.
