In November 1948, about 250 Calgarians followed their Stampeders to Toronto and introduced easterners to "western hospitality." This hospitality gave way to "that good old fighting spirit" on the field, however, as the Stampeders defeated the Ottawa Rough Riders 12-7 at Varsity Stadium to bring home the Grey Cup. While the team was returning to Calgary by train, City officials began organizing a "Civic Victory Dinner" to honour the "Unbeatable Stampeders."

Held on December 3, 1948 in the Hoe-Down Room of the Palliser Hotel, dinner guests included Mayor Jim Watson and the Minister of Economic Affairs, A.J. Hooke, with Alderman Don Mackay as Master of Ceremonies. Musical accompaniment was provided by Jack Friedenberg's Toronto Flabbergasters. The culinary selections included "Roast Prime Ribs of Western Shorthorn," "Greenhorn Peas" and "Cowboy Cakes" and could be washed down with the "Cool Water" of "Glenmore Stock" and "Western Style Java".

Need it be said that a good time was had by all.