The longest torch run in Olympic history is underway and on Monday afternoon the torch arrived in the city where it was greeted by thousands of Calgarians.
The torch left Lethbridge early Monday morning and passed through several southern Alberta communities.
People lined the relay route early in
The cauldron in the town was lit by Bill Holmes at about 12:45 p.m. and the relay continued on its way to
The torch is in Calgary for three days and wound its way down MacLeod Trail on the way to the cauldron at Olympic Plaza.
The last time the flame was here was for the 1988 Winter Olympics.
The torch entered the city at MacLeod Trail and 109 Ave. S.E. at about 4:10 p.m. and passed by the intersection at Glenmore Trail at about 4:45.
The runners headed to 42 Ave. and made a brief detour before returning back to MacLeod Trail and on to the Stampede grounds.
The final leg of the relay took the torch down 17 Ave S.W. to 14 St. and then onto 9 Ave., where it will eventually end up at Olympic Plaza.
Organizers worked all weekend to prepare Olympic Plaza for Monday night's celebration which got underway at 5:00 p.m.
The free family event featured live entertainment and speeches from past Olympians with a special performance from country superstar Terri Clark.
Thousands gathered to watch Robyn Ainsworth (nee Perry) light the cauldron at Olympic Plaza in commemoration of the 21st Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.
Perry was the final torch bearer in Calgary in 1988 and was the perfect person to ignite the flame 22 years later.
For more information on the Olympic Plaza celebration visit the City of Calgary's Website.
