Parade of Wonders returns to Calgary, thousands expected to participate
Canada's largest cosplay parade was back in full force with comic enthusiasts crowding Stephen Avenue.
The Parade of Wonders (POW!), part of Calgary Expo, had about 10,000 people make their way downtown wearing their best cosplays
The parade kicked off just before 11 a.m. with the costumed crowd marching down Stephen Avenue from 10th Street to Olympic Plaza.
While the Expo runs in 16 other cities, only Calgary's features the colourful march.
It was the 10th time for the annual Parade of Wonders.
"Literally thousands of people are walking those streets," said Andrew Moyes with Fan ExpoHQ. "It started out as a much smaller collection of cosplayers and it's really turned into a signature part of the weekend and people want to be a part of it."
This year, the parade marshal was comic creator and hometown hero Todd McFarlane, famous for his work with Spider-Man and as the creator of Spawn.
The Calgary Expo started Thursday afternoon, but the POW! is considered the official kick-off to the event as fans are set to flock to Stampede Park for the event that runs until Sunday.
Calgary Expo: Day 2
The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo kicked off its second day on Friday. Organizers anticipate approximately 100,000 people will attend the four-day event.
“It’s one of the largest events of its kind in North America, and it definitely attracts an international audience,” said Alex Kingcott, Calgary Expo’s communication manager.
There are over 200 exhibitors selling t-shirts, figures, art and comic collectables.
“If people are wondering if a comic-con is for them, really comic-con is for anybody who has a passion for something,” she said.
Celebrities in attendance include Neve Campbell and her cast-mates from the Scream franchise.
Dylan Playfair, who played Reilly on Letterkenny, is also at the Expo until Sunday.
“I love interacting with the fans. That’s the biggest draw for me, to come here and meet the people that watch the shows,” said Playfair.
Canadian actor Elliot Page, known for his work in the Umbrella Academy, and John Rhys-Davies, who was in the Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones films, are at the expo as well.
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