September 9, 1960. Elvis Presley's It's Now Or Never was number one on the Billboard music chart.

Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren were making men swoon. And current-day dreamboat Hugh Grant was born.

It's also the day CFCN-TV launched in Calgary, the first independent television station in Canada.

Lorain Lounsberry, Curator of Cultural History at the Glenbow museum says the city was much smaller, measuring about 75 square miles compared to almost 300 square miles today. The population was about 235,000.

The station launched with a test pattern followed by a newscast at 7:00 p.m. It marked the start of a daily tradition of delivering news to Southern Alberta.

In 1966, colour programming began and that was the first year CTV Calgary cameras filmed the Stampede Parade in full colour.

Our cameras were also there for Calgary Stampeders games whether they were at McMahon Stadium or on the road.

In 1967, a new children's show created by CFCN's studio manager premiered. The Buckshot Show began a 30-year run which is the longest running Children's show in Canadian history.

For many years, lights were strung on CTV Calgary's transmission tower every winter to form a huge Christmas tree. At that time, the display of lights could be seen from all corners of the city.

Technology changed a lot over the years especially for our weather presenters. They used to rely on grainy satellite maps. Later, Sky Watch cameras, radar, and other advancements meant more accurate forecasts and immediate alerts during severe weather.

In 2001, the original transmission tower was replaced with a shorter, high-tech tower which emits a better signal. In 2009, CTV Calgary started broadcasting in high definition from the tower.

In celebration of CTV Calgary's 50th anniversary, we'll be looking back on the rich history of many of Calgary's signature attractions and organizations with a special news report.

The feature stories will appear every Thursday on the CTV News at 6 until the end of 2010.

CTV Calgary is also inviting Southern Albertans to an open house at the station. It will take place on Saturday, September 25th from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Parking is at the new Saint Michael's Church on 85 Street S.W. Shuttle buses will bring everyone to the station.