By: Jen Jensen

I remember as a little girl my dad saying “everyone loves a parade” and this year in Calgary it was no different. The people I met were from all over; some traveled a great distance (and the yearly die-hards were there at 6:30am or earlier) and some were there for the first time, all waiting in anticipation. For me, I find the attraction to be a few of the ol’ favorites that make it here year after year such as the army tanks and the Stampede Show Band and there are always some new highlights. It impressed me this year that the crowd gave a standing ovation as the law enforcement and army passed by. It made me realize this is one of the few opportunities we get to show our appreciation publicly. The diversity always surprises me, I made sure to catch a shot of the guy riding the Brahma bull:

Cowgirl belly dancers (I mean where else can you see that in one place): (more…)

To see more check out our Day 1 photo set on Flickr.

Posted by: Sarah

The Calgary Stampede Sneak-a-Peek events are not only on the grounds today – the Parade Committee also brought them up to the Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) this morning for a sneak preview of the parade.

Patients, nurses, hospital staff, parents and siblings alike lined up along outside the ACH to watch the colourful floats, a marching band, mascots and animals for a mini-version of the famous Stampede Parade. Patients received cowboy hats and tons of goodies from parade participants who included Canadian Blood Services, Calgary Emergency Medical Services, The Pet Access League Society, STARS and the Calgary Police Service.

Check out photos for the event below! (more…)

In a fun and eventful media launch this afternoon where guests were treated to performances by The Groovaloos, The Trews, Suzie McNeil and Deric Ruttan it was announced that Canada’s most trusted contractor Mike Holmes is this year’s Parade Marshal.

Famous for his trademarked catchphrase, “Make it Right”, Mike Holmes is best known for the television show Holmes on Homes™ which is now aired around the world.  He is also a spokesman for WorldSkills Competition to be held on Stampede Park in September.

“I’ve lived my life by the same values that the Calgary Stampede represents: Make a difference. Live with integrity. Make it right,” says Holmes. “I truly believe in building a lasting future and restoring the dreams of the past, something the Stampede has been representing for almost a century.”

Eight young Albertans, all members of Team Canada competing at WorldSkills, were also introduced as Honorary Parade Marshals: Daniel Reid (Cochrane), Devon DeBoer (Calgary), Craig Spady (Red Deer), Steven Dingwall (Calgary), Tiffany Vandermey (Calgary), Daniel Green (Drumheller), Matthew Chadder (Millarville) and Brad Chyz (Calgary).

Check out Mike’s website: Make it Right.ca or follow Mike Holmes on Twitter.