Yahoo! Tips for taking in the Stampede Parade
Posted Jul 7, 2016 7:37 am.
Last Updated Jul 7, 2016 7:39 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s the eve of the Stampede Parade.
Jann Arden and Paul Brandt will marshal the official kickoff to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
The action starts at 9 a.m. Friday and Parade Committee Chair Michael Wetherup says people should come prepared to be out there for a while.
“Some snacks for the kids and for themselves, some water and sunscreen,” he said. “Be prepared for any weather. Although it never rains on our parade, it never hurts to have an umbrella or a rain poncho with you — just so you’re prepared for anything.”
He adds, if you want a good seat; get there early as people start staking out prime seats as early as 3 or 4 a.m.
Wetherup says he’s most excited this year about the tribute entry for Fort McMurray first responders, similar to what the parade did in 2013 after the floods.
“It’s an opportunity for all the folks along the parade route and the Calgary Stampede to say thank-you to the people that take care of us each and every day and especially during an emergency,” he said.
Of course, there will be the usual road closures and traffic disruptions.
All of the road closures start at 7:30 a.m. and run until around 2 p.m. or whenever the parade is over.
That includes 6 Ave from 3 St SE to 10 St SW, 10 St SW from 6 Ave SW to 9 Ave SW, and eastbound 9 Ave from 10 St SW to 3 St SE.
The morning connector from Bow Trail to westbound 5 Ave SW will only be open from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Most parking lots are also closed along the parade route, or have limited access.
CTrains will be operating during the parade, but some buses will be detoured.
