This year's Stampede parade had a few unique additions, including a new float from the United Calgary Chinese Association, 12 miniature horses from Arizona and significant participation from Canada's armed forces, said Jay Barker, chairman of the Stampede Parade Committee.
"It's the kickoff to the greatest outdoor show on earth and it sets the pace for the whole 10 days that are about to follow," he said.
Officials estimate about 300,000 people turned out for this year's event, crowding downtown curbs, Plus 15-walkways and rooftops to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. "Its a cheap form of entertainment and it's family-friendly," said Barker.
Some 5,000 people take part in the parade every year, which was first held in 1912 amid a crowd of only 75,000. This year, 40 floats and marching bands from all over the world joined the festivities.
The rest of Tamara Gignac and Nick Lewis' article from today's Calgary Herald is here.
It sure felt like there was 300,000 milling around this morning :)
Posted by: Caleb | Friday, July 03, 2009 at 12:36 PM