Thousands turn out for Calgary Stampede parade
Posted Jul 4, 2025 11:48 am.
Last Updated Jul 4, 2025 7:33 pm.
The cowboy hats were on and the lawn chairs were out for the 113th Calgary Stampede Parade Friday morning.
Country superstar Shania Twain led the procession through downtown Calgary, where thousands gathered to mark the official start of the Stampede.
And we are off! #CalgaryStampede pic.twitter.com/vL4pPcH8Zj
— Logan Stein (@L0ganStein) July 4, 2025
Ahead of the event, Twain remarked how special an opportunity it is to lead the iconic parade.
“I’m so happy to be here in Calgary. I am honoured,” she said. “It’s a privilege to be the parade marshal, it’s been a dream of mine for a very long time
“Coming in I saw everybody already setting up their chairs and they’ve got their snacks, and they’re ready to go,” Twain added. “They’re ready to wait it out and watch this beautiful parade go by.”
Some spectators made their way downtown as early as 9 p.m. Thursday, setting up lawn chairs — and even couches — just to take in the action.
Corey Colluney and his family arrived on 9 Avenue SW right around that time, staying in a trailer in a nearby parking lot overnight to get prime seating.
“We actually brought our camper van and I slept until about 3 a.m. and came back out,” he said.
Kate and Ainsley told 660 NewsRadio they arrived shortly before 5 a.m.
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“If you don’t get a good spot then you’re in the back and little kids can’t really see. If you get here early enough then at least little kids will be able to see and they’ll be able to experience everything,” Kate said.
Despite the early morning, they say it’s worth it.
“I love it here,” said Ainsley.
Last year’s parade drew nearly 350,000 people, and a large crowd turned out again this year, although the final count has yet to be revealed.
I’m so happy to be here in Calgary. I am honoured, it’s a privilege to be the parade marshal, it’s been a dream of mine for a very long time
