Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 26/11/2015 (1763 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The temperature was -16 C at opening kickoff, but the north wind that tore through Winnipeg Stadium on the afternoon of Nov. 24, 1991 suggested s-s-s-something else.

Man, it was cold. In fact, if there’s any lasting memory of the 79th annual Grey Cup for the 51,985 who braved the frigid conditions to witness the Calgary Stampeders shiver against the Toronto Argonauts, it was this: They survived.

Crews remove snow from the field on Nov. 21, 1999 in preparation of the Grey Cup. I guess global warming isn't so bad after all. Jeff De Booy / Winnipeg Free Press

Let the record show that the Argos prevailed over the Stamps 36-21. But mostly it was a forgettable championship on the field, but for the infamous and oft-replayed video of Toronto’s Raghib (Rocket) Ismail sealing the game with an 87-yard punt return in the fourth quarter — infamous because of the full can of beer that came flying out of the stands, landing at Ismail’s feet as he raced to the end zone.

Meanwhile, Argos quarterback Matt Dunigan — who would play his next CFL game as a member of the Bombers in 1992 — threw two touchdowns despite taking injections to mask the excruciating pain from a cracked collarbone.

Winnipeg’s first-ever Grey Cup was also a star-studded affair, headlined not by players but the three-headed Argonauts ownership group: Los Angeles Kings owner Bruce McNall; his No. 1 employee Wayne Gretzky; and Hollywood superstar John Candy. Candy, especially, owned Winnipeg during Grey Cup week, selling the league with humour and genuine sincerity. He dined on perogies at Alycia’s on McGregor Street.

Toronto Argonauts owner John Candy goes nose-to-nose with Carl Brazley at the Argo media breakfast. Shenanigans, you can rest assured, ensued. November 22, 1991. Ken Gigliotti / Winnipeg Free Press Archives

McNall, who could be quite persuasive (and quite guilty of fraud, we later learned), had convinced the CFL to allow teams to pay a marquee player a princely sum not counted against their salary cap. That led to the Argos pitching and catching Ismail with a then-astounding contract of $18.2 million over four years. So the Rocket’s feats, or feets, that day were only appropriate.

A couple of other well-known faces were on hand, as well. Just prior to kickoff, sitcom star Alan Thicke and comedian and actor Martin Short — both proud Canadians and Candy’s friends — arrived at the stadium, fresh off McNall’s private jet. They were both wearing suit jackets and Short asked a Free Press reporter where he might find the "private suites." The reporter laughed.

Turns out Short and his young son were ushered instead to the temporary bleachers in the south end zone, which were taking the brunt of the bitter north wind. They survived.

In the end, the 1991 Cup turned out to be an unqualified success. And least that’s what everybody decided after they got the feeling back in their extremities.

But the Hollywood flavour of the 1991 Grey Cup was fleeting. After one more season in Toronto, the Rocket took his red glare to the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders. In 1997, McNall was sentenced to six years in jail on fraud charges and, sadly, Candy died of a heart attack in 1994.

Here are a few more memories from 1991's frosty Grey Cup celebrations.

Miss Grey Cup finalists. November 18, 1991. Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press

If we might be so bold: you're rocking that jumpsuit, Miss Stampeder. Miss Lions, we saw that sweater at a themed party... yeah, never mind which theme. Miss Roughriders (the Saskatchewan one, remember when there were two??), we believe those pants are currently for sale at H&M.

Fans take in the Calgary Pep Rally at Polo Park Shopping Centre. November 21, 1991. Marc Gallant / Winnipeg Free Press

We want to invite this gal to our next dinner party. She looks like fun.

Revellers party it up in downtown Winnipeg.Winnipeg Free Press Archives

Do fans still rock the multiple-button look these days? No, we didn't think so.

A Grey Cup party at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. November 20, 1991. Glenn Olson / Winnipeg Free Press

You just KNOW this guy is cuttin' the rug to C&C Music Factory's Make You Sweat.

What, you don't remember that classic 1991 Billboard Top 100 hit? "Sweat! Sweee-aaaat! Let the music take control!"

No? OK, here you go. (Warning: earworm alert.)

Revellers party it up in downtown Winnipeg. Winnipeg Free Press Archives

Look, the old Eaton's building! We've come a long way, baby.

Calgary Stampeders arrive and sign autographs at the Winnipeg Airport. November 19, 1991. Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press

This guy was probably super-proud of that Club Monaco sweatshirt. He begged his mom to buy it for months, but she refused because it was "too expensive for an ordinary sweatshirt just like they have at Zellers."

Or maybe that was my mom.

Calgary Stampeders arrive and sign autographs at the Winnipeg Airport. November 19, 1991. Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press

Collecting their luggage at the conveyor! That's cold, Winnipeg. Cold.

We were in Calgary recently, and can testify that style there has not changed a bit since this photograph was taken.

Fans take in the Calgary Pep Rally at Polo Park Shopping Centre.November 21, 1991. Marc Gallant / Winnipeg Free Press

Look at these cuties, probably all grown up now. If you're out there and find this photograph embarrassing, let us know and we'll remove it! (Just kidding, we'll add your names to the caption so it turns up when potential dates Google you.)

Revellers party it up in downtown Winnipeg. Winnipeg Free Press Archives

Back then everyone wore sunglasses with wings on them. It was totally in fashion.

What's that? It was only me and this guy? FINE.

Grey Cup fans get in the spirit by having a party outside prior to the big game. November 21, 1991. Marc Gallant / Winnipeg Free Press

If a more "Winnipeg" photo exists, we haven't seen it.