Massive crowds of spectators packed downtown Calgary July 3 for the 114th annual Calgary Stampede opening parade led by Winter Olympic medallists Mikaël Kingsbury and Courtney Sarault.
The parade kicked off the 10-day event, which runs until July 12 and features rodeo events, concerts, chuckwagon races, and Western-themed festivities that drew more than 1.4 million visitors last year.
The morning parade featured more than 120 parade entries including marching bands, cultural groups, community organizations, and colourful floats, along with the participation of numerous public figures including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
The main daily events at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo started at 1:30 p.m. MDT and featured barrel racing, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and bull riding, along with saddle bronc, bareback, and breakaway roping….