IN PHOTOS: Over 300K turn up for the 2024 Calgary Stampede Parade

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.

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

With files from Lauryn Heintz