Calgary Stampede makes a full comeback after a 2 year hiatus

The Calgary Stampede is now just one day from the official start.

Sneak-a-Peek is Thursday night at the Stampede grounds for those eager to check it out.

On Friday, the Stampede Parade will be held, with thousands expected to line the streets of the downtown core.

The parade will feature 25 floats, over 4,000 participants and more than 200 horses.

And a big part of making it all happen are the volunteers as they log in over an estimated 19,000 volunteer hours throughout the year.

It all gets started with the star of neo-western Yellowstone, Kevin Costner, as this year’s parade marshal.

Stampede president, Steve McDonough, talks about what this year means to the city since the pandemic.

“It’s been a tough couple of years for all of us Calgary Stampede included and our community. When I say you can feel the vibe around here, we are looking forward to the excitement, people want to get out and Calgary Stampede is a natural gathering place for our city and community,” said McDonough.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. on 9 Avenue at 3 Street southeast and then finishes up at 6 Avenue and 4 Street in the southeast.

There are several road closures beginning at 6 a.m. and we have it all on our website.

And although the C-Train times are not affected, buses running on the parade route will be rerouted.

McDonough says last year did impact this year’s outdoor show and they wanted it to be bigger and better.

“Everything is back that you know and love but it’s even better. We’ve taken all the learnings from last year and we’ve redesigned the Calgary Stampede for the future it’s ready to go,” said McDonough.

Read More:

• Will Calgary Stampede overcome air travel troubles and COVID resurgence fears?

• Calgary to close downtown roads, parking lots for Stampede parade

• ‘Oohay’ or ‘Yahoo’: The dos and don’ts of the Calgary Stampede

McDonough talks about what this year means to the city since the pandemic.

“Last year it was a scaled-back Stampede we didn’t have chuckwagon racing and some other things. This year we have live music, everything you know and love but it’s even better. It’s been a tough couple of years for all of us,” said McDonough.

After the parade, you’ll want to take advantage of the free entry to the Stampede grounds between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

–With files from Gaby Rios