The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicked off with the annual parade through downtown Calgary filled with floats, performers, bands and of course a lot of music.
The Stampede Parade wound it's way through the city, showcasing a march through Western tradition, Alberta’s history and local Calgary culture.
35 floats, 15 marching bands, more than 700 horses and approximately 4,000 participants took part in this year’s event.
The 2016 parade also included a special entry dedicated to the collective effort of the men and women who supported Fort McMurray in the wildfire fighting effort.
Thousands lined the streets along the route on 9 and 6 Avenue S.W. for the festivities.
Chad Jochumsen set up early for the parade for his family. "We have a dozen coming today. I have probably done about 40 or 42 parades."
He says the parades have changed over the years. "The variety of things they bring in is just great. There are bands and whatever. Now we have a little girl so it's that much better to go to it."
He says his daughter loves the whole event. "The music and horses are her thing. This is what this is. She'll be up here dancing throughout the parade and having a good time."
Wayne Capper, who has been coming to the parade for over 25 years says it is an event that no one in Calgary should miss. "It's Calgary, it's a tradition."
His wife Jackie says it helps get them into the spirit of the Stampede. "It's the kickoff, it starts the Stampede, it starts your spirit, it gets you going, it's the friends. We actually meet up with the same people every year. We only see them on the Stampede Parade morning but every year we feel like we've come home."
One group of parade-goers went the extra mile for their neighbours, setting up 53 chairs to reserve spots for all of them along the route.
Guy, Ed and Mike say they got started a bit late this year, as they normally get set up by 2:00 a.m. "You've got to get a good spot. Front row spot, 53 chairs this year. This is a neighbourhood thing. We drew the short straws so we get down here and then our families and spouses and friends turn up at a nice hour and it's all good."
Guy says their record is 84 chairs, always in the same spot along the route. "We have been doing it for 18 years."
He says he loves the Stampede band and loves how the kids perform. "It's fun and it never rains on the Stampede Parade. It might snow, occassionally in the afternoon, but it never rains."
Mike says he'll do anything for Stampede. "It's the best time of year, best ten days in Calgary."
With 2016 being the ‘Year of Music’ in Calgary, this year’s Parade Marshals were Paul Brandt and Jann Arden.
The Stampede is also a welcome boost to many in the energy industry, if only to forget their current woes.
Alberta and especially Calgary have been hit hard by a sharp drop in oil prices, which has resulted in tens of thousands of job losses in the energy sector.
Cindy Ady, CEO of Tourism Calgary, says Calgarians are in need of a good party.
"It really just sets off happy in the city. That mood is just so contagious and infectious. It's something that really, really does signal to every guest ... that this is a special place to be during Stampede."
Ady said it's a major event in Calgary and, despite the downturn, sales from U.S. and international visitors are ahead of last year's pace.
"The city's ready to shrug off and to enjoy. You can just feel it," she said. "We've had a lot of significant economic news over the last year and the city is just ready to throw its Stampede party."
(With files from The Canadian Press)
