For ten days every July, Calgary proudly hosts the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. The Calgary Stampede is a world renowned event that attracts over a million visitors each year. One of the best parts of the Stampede experience is the Calgary Stampede Parade. This year Parade Day is July 3, 2015.
The parade has been a part of the Stampede tradition since 1912 and it marks the official opening of the festivities. The very first parade attracted approximately 75,000 people, which was more than the total population of Calgary at that time. This popular, family friendly event has grown and attendance has reached over 425,000 enthusiastic spectators. Entrants travel from across the world to participate. There are marching bands, livestock, horse and rider teams, floats, dancing troupes, and clowns.
One of the most exciting parts of the parade happens about a month prior to the event. Each year, parade organizers select a marshal to lead the floats and entertainers down the parade route. The parade marshal is selected based on current events that have been meaningful to the City of Calgary, Alberta, or Canada. Marshals are also selected based on their embodiment of the values of the Calgary Stampede. Past parade marshals have included athletes, movie stars, television personalities, politicians, royalty, military personnel, and rodeo champions. For 2015, Olympic gold medalist Kaillie Humphries will serve as parade marshal.
On Parade Day, the City of Calgary closes off the downtown streets that make up the parade route and the streets remain closed for the duration of the event. Spectators typically take the C-Train into the downtown core and stake out a good viewing spot as early as 6:30am! To help keep spectators entertained and awake, beginning at 7:30am the parade committee sends out a team of entertainers called the Parade Prelude. This group consists of bands, dancers, equestrians, clowns, and mascots.
The parade officially launches at 8:55am and lasts around two hours. The parade follows a 4.5 kilometer route through the downtown core. There are approximately 170 different entrants each year. For many Calgary and Alberta families, attending the parade together is a long standing tradition. Some Calgary based companies allow their employees to take the morning off so they can enjoy the event. People who are working downtown during the parade often get some of the best views from their offices and the +15 Skywalk, a network of pedestrian walkways that are above street level. For people who are unable to attend the parade, they can watch it on TV or follow along via social media.
There is plenty of information about the parade available online. These sites offer tips for finding a prime spot to watch the event, parade etiquette, information on entries, and more!
http://parade.calgarystampede.com/
http://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede/attractions/parade
https://www.facebook.com/CSParade
The Calgary Stampede is a time honoured tradition rooted in cowboy culture and history. Every year is exciting and unique regardless if it is your first time attending or your tenth time. There is no better way to kick off the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth!
