The familiar sounds of music, children cheering and excited audiences — that’s what Calgary’s 9 Avenue at 3 Street S.E. will expect to see come July 8.
That’s where the iconic Calgary Stampede Parade is set to begin this year. The event will officially kick off the 10-day celebration.
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. and last around two hours. In a news release on Wednesday, officials with the Calgary Stampede said audiences can expect to see a lineup of more than 90 entrants this year, including marching bands, floats and mounted colour parties.
“The Calgary Stampede Parade Committee is eager to get back to doing what they love — putting on a full parade,” said Dwayne Spence, chair of the committee.
“We have assembled a terrific lineup with many of the traditional entries Calgarians look forward to seeing, as well as a few new surprises.”
Some other highlights in this year’s parade include a colourful new entry by the consulate of Mexico and another from Calgary’s Ukrainian community, who will be marching in solidarity with Ukrainians amid the ongoing war.
Men playing bagpipes in traditional kilts and some real-life sheriffs will also be taking part in the parade.
The event will see parade marshal Kevin Costner make an appearance.
The 2022 Calgary Stampede Parade will also welcome third-generation rancher John Scott as honorary parade marshal. His company, John Scott Productions, is heavily involved in the local film industry. For more than 50 years, it has showcased southern Alberta on the small and big screens.
The Calgary Stampede’s organizers said they also want to recognize the past two parade marshals. Both were selected as representatives despite the absence of a full parade over the last two years. Katari Right Hand (2021 marshal) and Filipe Masetti Leite (2020) will both be riding in this year’s parade.
Starting at 7:30 a.m. on July 8, 30 acts — made up of more than 1,500 performers — will also be in attendance to help amp the crowd up before the official parade begins.
Following the parade, guests can enjoy free admission to Stampede Park between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Global Calgary is the 2022 broadcast partner of the parade, providing an Alberta-wide broadcast on Global Television beginning at 9 a.m.; as well as the Global TV App, GlobalNews.ca, the Global News Youtube Channel, Global Calgary Facebook Live and Amazon Prime.
Parade coverage will be hosted by Dallas Flexhaug, Blake Lough, Leslie Horton and Jeff McArthur.
Officials with the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth are promising a pre-pandemic event at this year’s Calgary Stampede.
For more information on this year’s event, click here.