Also, more importantly, cowboys and ranching. At least back when I was a young'un out in the sticks it was commonplace to see someone wearing a cowboy hat, and rodeos were one of the major events for many small towns. In fact, one of (if not) the largest public events in Alberta is the Calgary Stampede, which is rooted in and still features many rodeo and cowboy type activities.
Also, more importantly, cowboys and ranching. At least back when I was a young'un out in the sticks it was commonplace to see someone wearing a cowboy hat, and rodeos were one of the major events for many small towns. In fact, one of (if not) the largest public events in Alberta is the Calgary Stampede, which is rooted in and still features many rodeo and cowboy type activities.
Oh yeah! I forgot about the ranching culture. That's a great point. I've actually been to the Calgary Stampede (decades ago).