Written by Chelsea Kemp
The Greatest Show on Earth is about to kick off another epic year, with the 105th annual Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, July 7.
For the first time since 1989, First Nations leaders will be serving at the forefront of the parade with the Treaty 7 Chiefs serving as that parade marshals. The parade will feature 116 entries and more than 4,000 people walking, cowboying, playing music, as well as hundreds of horses and 50 motorized vehicles and floats.
See also
- Calgary Stampede parade day changes: route reversal and free admission before 1:30pm
- Calgary Stampede parade to be led by chiefs of Treaty 7 Nations
- 40 insane new foods coming to the Calgary Stampede Midway for 2017
The parade is one of the highlights of the Stampede for many guests and they have mastered the art of getting to their favourite spot on the parade route. BUT a change is coming to the parade this year with the route changing directions.
As an added bonus to kicking off Stampede in Calgary, free admission to the park grounds on Parade Day will be honoured until 1:30pm.
Folks wake up before the crack of dawn to get their favourite spots on the Parade route. To help you navigate the parade, we’ve put together this handy guide.
Parade times
The Calgary Stampede Parade will officially launch the start of the 2017 Calgary Stampede on Friday, July 7 this year.
The parade will run from 8:55 am running to approximately noon and features fancy floats, marching bands, western riders, mascots, and more. The streets in the downtown core will be closed at 7:30 am so parking will not be easy for attendees – we suggest taking the train in.
A parade prelude will start at 7:30 am helping to fire up the Stampede spirit for attendees with live entertainment including clowns, mascots, musical groups, dancers, singers, martial arts experts and more spread along the parade route.
Parade route
The parade spans 4.5 kilometers along the following route:
- Begins at 9th Avenue and 1st Street SE and travels west.
- Turns north at 9th Avenue and 10th Street SW
- Turns east at 6th Avenue and 10th Street SW
- Finishes at 6th Avenue and 3rd Street SE
Parade map
Image: Calgary Stampede
Parade seating
The sidewalks along 6 and 9 Avenues are available to the general public on a first come, first served basis. There’ll be huge crowds so it’s best to arrive early to find a prime viewing spot.
Although the Parade is open to everyone for free, you can reserve a small amount of bleacher seating through the following non-profit organizations:
- Seating U – $28.50 +GST
- The 31st St. Cyprian Scout Group – $39 inc. tax and fees
- Rotary Club of Calgary West – $55 + GST (includes pancake or sausage breakfast)
- Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial – $35 (includes drink and pastry)
For those with mobility issues, the City has reserved accessible viewing zones until 8 am. Space is limited, so get there early – after 8 am, any space still available will be open to the public.
Parade etiquette
- Bums on the curb, feet in the gutter
- Leave room in the roadway for parade vehicles
- Do not cross the route after the Prelude starts
- Remember water, a broad hat and SPF 30 sunscreen
- No umbrellas or parasols – they block everyone’s view
Road closures
Image: Calgary Stampede Parade / Facebook
Starting at 7:30 am the following roads will be closed in Calgary:
- Westbound 9 Avenue from 1 Street SE to 10 Street SW
- 10 Street S.W. from 9 Avenue SW to 6 Avenue SW
- Eastbound 6 Avenue from 10 Street SW to 3 Street SE
- The morning connector from Bow Trail to westbound 5 Avenue SW will be open from 6 am to 7 am only.
The roadways will re-open at approximately 2 pm.
Getting downtown
Many parking lots will also be closed during the Parade. For more info, check calgary.ca Attendees are welcomed and encouraged to get downtown for the parade by walking, biking or using Calgary Transit.
For more information check out the Calgary Stampede’s Parade page and the City of Calgary’s transportation page.
Transit
The C-Train runs before, during and after the parade. Some regular and express buses may be detoured to accommodate the festivities. For more information click here.
The Calgary Stampede will run from Friday, July 7 to Sunday, July 16.
See also
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