Huge crowds packed into Cowtown's downtown Friday as an expected crowd of 350,000 spectators-turned-cowpokes basked in some early morning sun, ready to saddle up for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
For the first time since the spectacle began in 1912, a stirring display of pyrotechnics signaled the parade's start, ushering legions of horses, marching bands and floats into the core.
Dana and Mark Bergen of Chetwynd, B.C. brought their kids, Casey, 4, and Carter, 2, for their very first parade and were startled when the colourful fireworks popped right next to them, sending streams of light and smoke in the air.
"This is their first parade -- I haven't been to this since I was their age," said Dana.
"The fireworks were very cool."
The lengthy procession of mobile entertainment began the 4.5-km route just before 9 a.m., earning cheers and applause from the crowds that lined 6 Ave. S.E.
Savvy parade enthusiasts staked out their street-side turf at dawn, parking their Wranglers on blankets, lawn chairs and in some cases plain concrete in hopes of securing the choice vantage points.
Some 3,000 people and 750 horses were among the 267 entries that provided something for everybody.
The anticipation near the parade's start build thanks to several full throttle fly-bys from the Canadian Snowbirds while mascot Harry the Horse worked the crowd.
Heather Lee from Coaldale, Alta roused her kids out of bed at 5 a.m. from a relative's home to secure a prime spot near the parade's start.
Huddled under blankets, the family could barely wait for the show to start.
"I want to see the horsies," said 11-year-old Abigail Lee while her 7-year-old brother Jonah, at his first Stampede Parade, had no idea what was tops on his list.
Parade marshalls Cord and Jet McCoy, the Oklahoma cowboy brothers who placed second in the most recent edition of the reality hit The Amazing Race, received a warm reception with one in the crowd excitedly shouting, "We love you."
The approximately two-hour parade marks the official kick-off of Calgary's biggest party, the 10-day Stampede, which this year wraps up on July 18.
shawn.logan@sunmedia.ca
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