Watermark Advertising Design of Calgary, Alta. rode the high horse at the 1996 Ad Rodeo, winning seven gold, five silver and two bronze medals.

The Ad Rodeo recognizes quality advertising created in Alberta. The competition is judged by agency people and clients from across the country.

Much of Watermark’s success was based on a campaign for Mark’s Work Wearhouse, which copped seven awards.

Other winning Watermark ads included work for Prince’s Island Estates, Cantax, Calgary 7 Television and Calgary Copier.

The Best of Show award went to Young & Rubicam, Calgary for its print and tv work on behalf of Alberta Ford & Mercury Dealers.

John Francis, Chairman and ceo of FWJ Communications in Calgary won the Achievement Award for his years of success in advertising and public relations.

Francis has been in the business since 1958, and has won numerous awards at local, national and international levels.

Bruce Walker, competition chair and creative director at Ogilvy & Mather in Calgary, expressed regret that the five Ad Rodeo judges were somewhat underwhelmed by the level of ‘risk and daring’ in many of this year’s entries.

‘As an observer of the process and someone who has worked in this market for nearly 15 years, I couldn’t help but share their disappointment,’ said Bruce in the foreword to this year’s catalogue of winners.

He credited the judges for ‘[rooting] out the truffles.’

The Ad Rodeo took place April 12 in Calgary.