Last Updated on November 26, 2022 by Netropolitan Museum

Figure Skating Pins Profile: 1977 Canadian Championships

Eleven years before there was a call to “Come Together in Calgary” for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, the 1977 Canadian Figure Skating Championships brought a different kind of stampede—the best skaters in the land—to Calgary to compete for national titles. And what would any event held in Calgary be that didn’t include something rodeo or cowboy related? The city is home to the famous rodeo Stampede, after all. The 1977 Canadians didn’t disappoint with the figure skating pins made to commemorate the event.

The clever illustration seen on the main event logo pin depicts a stylized skater tracing a figure that approximates the shape of a (fanciful) cowboy hat. At the apex of the hat is a neatly turned loop, harkening the compulsory figure of the same name. The skater, in dark blue, stands off well against the light blue background while the outline of the hat is in silver, the color of the base metal. Around the circumference of the pin, also in silver, are the association name and event, location, and year: “The Canadian Figure Skating Association Championships, Calgary, Alberta, 1977.” This is one of only a few pins known to feature the name of the national governing body. The enamel-filled pin measures approximately 7/8″ in diameter (2.2 cm). The pin shown in the gallery was acquired from Canadian figure skater Gary Beacom, who was junior champion that year.

The clever illustration seen on the main event logo pin depicts a stylized skater tracing a figure that approximates the shape of a (fanciful) cowboy hat.

Next up in the gallery is the larger version of the logo pin, identical to its counterpart except in size. This pin would have been made in a limited quantity and given only to officials, competitors, and selected others at the event. From the collection of four-time Canadian champion Lynn Nightingale, the large 1977 Canadians pin shown measures approximately 1-1/2″ in diameter (3.8 cm).

Enjoy this week’s figure skating pins blog: A Different Kind of Stampede. 1977.

Figure Skating Pins Gallery: 1977 Canadian Championships

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