Calgary Stampede Parade: History, Date, Time, Route Celebration And Everything To Know
Date and Time
- Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
- Time: The Parade Prelude begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the main Parade at 9 a.m.
Route and Spectacle
- The parade marches down 9th Avenue SE, transforming the streets into a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and celebration.
- Colorful Floats: Watch as beautifully crafted floats glide by, each telling a unique story.
- Majestic Horses: Admire the elegance of the horses, ridden by skilled riders in traditional attire.
- High-Energy Marching Bands: Feel the rhythm as marching bands from near and far fill the air with music.
Parade Marshal: Owen Crow Shoe
- This year’s Parade Marshal is Owen Crow Shoe, an actor from the Piikani Nation and Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
- Crow Shoe’s journey began on the set of the Oscar-winning film The Revenant, where he also worked as a stunt rider.
- His roles have taken him across the globe, but on July 5, he returns home to southern Alberta to kick off Stampede 2024.
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
- Plan your commute! There will be road closures and parking restrictions in the downtown core due to the parade and other Stampede events.
Join the Festivities
- Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Calgary Stampede Parade is a must-see.
- It’s not just a parade; it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the spirit of the West.
History
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- The event’s roots trace back to 1886, when the Calgary and District Agricultural Society held its first fair.
- The society aimed to promote the town and encourage farmers and ranchers from eastern Canada to move west.
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- In 1912, American promoter Guy Weadick organized his first rodeo and festival, also known as the Stampede.
- Weadick returned to Calgary in 1919 to organize the Victory Stampede in honor of soldiers returning from World War I.
- His festival became an annual event in 1923 when it merged with the Calgary Industrial Exhibition to create the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.
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- Organized by thousands of volunteers and supported by civic leaders. The Calgary Stampede has grown into one of the world’s richest rodeos and one of Canada’s largest festivals.
- It features one of the world’s largest rodeos, a parade, midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing, and also First Nations exhibitions.
- The event’s significance extends beyond entertainment. It’s a significant tourist attraction for the city and a part of Calgary’s national and international identity.
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- While rodeo and chuckwagon racing events are televised across Canada. They have faced increasing international criticism from animal welfare groups and politicians.
- Despite controversies, the Calgary Stampede remains an integral part of the city’s culture and draws visitors from around the world.
Calgary’s nickname as the “Stampede City” and the local Canadian Football League team. The Stampeders, further emphasize the event’s impact on the city. During Stampede, Calgary takes on a party atmosphere, with cowboy-themed decorations, western wear, and numerous pancake breakfasts and barbecues held across the city.
