WATCH: The 2015 Calgary Stampede officially kicked off Friday with the Calgary Stampede Parade. Jenna Freeman has the highlights.
CALGARY – Hundreds of thousands of people packed the streets of downtown Calgary on Friday to watch the 2015 Stampede parade.
Officials estimate some 250,000 people attend the parade every year, which serves as the official kickoff to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Parade watchers were greeted by bright sunshine and fireworks to mark the start of the event.
WATCH: The 2015 Calgary Stampede is officially underway after the annual Calgary Stampede Parade kicked it off Friday morning; here are some of the highlights.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau all took part in the event, along with Premier Rachel Notley.
Two-time Olympic bobsled champion Kaillie Humphries served as parade marshal.
Former Stampede parade marshals include actor William Shatner, astronaut Chris Hadfield, Man in Motion Rick Hansen, actor Christopher Reeve and Mickey Mouse.
VIDEO: Stampede Parade Highlights
The Calgary Flames’ float
Calgary Police Chief Paul Cook
Men in Kilts pick up horse droppings
Calgary Fire Department
Calgary councillors
– With files from The Canadian Press
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