IN PHOTOS: Over 300K turn up for the 2024 Calgary Stampede Parade
Owen Crow Shoe waves to the crowd as part of the 2024 Calgary Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).
The 112th Calgary Stampede Parade kicked off Friday with around 350,000 lining the streets, officials say.
There were around 100 participants at the parade, over 700 horses, and a couple dozen floats. There were also 11 bands and 9 mounted colour parties.
Dozens of residents and visitors from abroad dove downtown in the early morning hours to secure a spot in the city’s downtown streets to see the festivities, with many showing up at around 5 a.m. for the best view.
Owen Crow Shoe was this year’s Stampede Parade Marshal. He most recently starred alongside Kevin Costner in Horizon: An American Saga. Additionally, Costner was the parade marshal in 2022.
“I grew up at the Calgary Stampede,” Crow Shoe said before the parade day. “I am proud to say my family has been part of this event since 1985 and I am honoured to continue that tradition leading the Parade and opening The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
“I’m fortunate to have made so many memories and life-long friendships at the Calgary Stampede and I look forward to making so many more along the Parade route this year.”
Of the many bands at the parade, the Calgary Stampede Showband and Showriders brought the tunes, and Stampede’s official mascot Harry the Horse was up ahead of Crow Shoe.
The multicultural nature of Calgary was highlighted at this year’s event, with some participants stemming from Calgary’s Filipino, Chinese, and Nigerian communities, to name a few.
Martial arts were also on hand, with the Tai Chi and Martial Arts College bringing flair down the street.
Watch: Calgary Stampede Parade more diverse than ever
Many politicians participated in the parade, with the likes of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievere, and Mayor Jyoti Gondek taking part.
Here are some photos and highlights from the event.
2024 Stampede Parade in photos
Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess Margaret Holloway, of the Stoney Nakoda, waves to many in attendance at the Calgary Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).Harry the Horse kicks off the 2024 Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. Thousands of people were along 9 Avenue and 7 Avenue, with it starting on 1 Street SE near Calgary Central Library at 9 a.m. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).Owen Crow Shoe, right, marches down 9 Avenue past the Palliser Hotel as part of the 2024 Calgary Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, right, waves his hat to the crowd while his wife Anaida waves her hand to the crowd as part of the 2024 Stampede Parade festivities in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, centre, shakes hands before the Stampede Parade kicks off in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek smiles while on horseback as she trots down 9 Avenue in the 2024 Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).Steve McDonough, Immediate Past President of the Calgary Stampede, holds Mayor Jyoti Gondek’s hand as his horse moves about at the 2024 Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).A woman dances as part of the Calgary Nigerian Association in the Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).
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Ismaili Muslims: Canada Strength in Diversity, a float at the 2024 Stampede Parade, makes its way down 9 Avenue in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. It won the best creative/innovative parade category. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).A woman in a gold and red dress walks down 7 Avenue for the 2024 Stampede Parade kicks off in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. Fiesta Filipino: F2X Legacy won the “Best Parade Spirit” award. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).
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The RCMP Marching Band move through downtown Calgary for the 2024 Stampede Parade on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).A Canadian soldier receives high-fives from children at the side of the Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews).Lord Strathcona’s Mounted Troops march in the 2024 Calgary Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary while one looks to the crowd on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Alejandro Melgar).
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Several dozen people look on, snap photos, or capture video at the 2024 Stampede Parade in downtown Calgary on Friday, July 5, 2024. Thousands of people were in attendance and were along 9 Avenue and 7 Avenue. (Alejandro Melgar, CityNews image).
