The Calgary Stampede unveiled the 2017 Stampede poster on Thursday Oct 27 and it has a local connection.

Nanton artist Shannon Lawlor painted the piece.

"I was commissioned to do this painting, " she says. "They've changed the protocol for the process and this is maybe the second time they've commissioned an artist to do a certain piece to represent the Stampede poster."

It features heavy horse pulling a wagon, the Canadian flag for the country's 150th birthday, the OH Ranch which has been gifted to the Stampede, buffalo heads to represent the native culture and hundreds of brands around the outside.

"One event that really hasn't been embraced is the horse pull that's at the Stampede every year and it's not just about the horse pull but the theme of the Stampede is 'We're Greatest Together' those horses, they're also greatest together as is our community and the country and the province that those horses helped build. They actually represent the past and the present and the future if you think about the integral part they play in our history."

Lawlor has had her artwork at the Western Arts Show for the past eight years and says the Stampede is near and dear to her heart.

The poster will be unveiled to the public in November.