Alberta Premier Danielle Smith rode through downtown Calgary today in the city’s largest annual parade to cheers and occasional cheers and jeers.
The Calgary Stampede kicks off the summer each year with a massive parade during which spectators fill the sidewalks and spill into the streets.
Smith rode behind the wheel of a horse-drawn carriage with members of her United Conservative cabinet and frequently waved to the crowd.
Many greeted the Alberta leader warmly, with some shouting, “We love you, Daniel!”
Others booed the prime minister, while some cheered “Canada!”
Smith announced a decoupling referendum earlier this year and on Thursday announced a proposal to build a new pipeline to the British Columbia coast.
As Smith walked through the parade, a pair of Winter Olympians traded their skis and skates for hats and boots.
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Medalists and parade marshals Mikael Kingsbury and Courtney Saro led the procession through the city’s central streets.
Many Calgarians have a free morning to attend the show, with die-hards arriving several hours before the parade starts. They set up camp in sun loungers and umbrellas to brave the elements and secure the best spots along the route.
Kingsbury, a Quebec-born mogul skier, said he didn’t have much riding experience.
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“I’m new, but I like to try new things and learn,” he said.
“Nervous? Yes and no. I’m excited. If you tell me the horse will misbehave and run all over the place, maybe, but I think the horse will be well trained and it won’t be a problem.”
Saro, a short track speed skater from Moncton, Nebraska, is particularly excited about the wardrobe.
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The floats are getting the finishing touches in time for the Stampede Parade on Friday morning.
“I’m delighted with the hat and the outfit. When they asked me what I wanted, I said it should be Western to the core.”
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The Stampede, which runs through July 12, will be a boost to the city’s economy, according to Joel Cawley, Stampede CEO.
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“This is clearly demonstrated by the 2025 Economic Impact Study, which showed that since the Calgary Stampede event exists, Alberta benefits in the form of an economic impact of $389 million,” Cawley said.
“Here locally, about 90 per cent of that $389 million is in Calgary.”
The Stampede typically attracts more than a million visitors a year. Last year the attendance was 1,470,288 people.
“People often ask me, what is your attendance goal? I don’t have an attendance goal. Because there are elements, especially the weather, that are beyond our control. The economy as a whole is beyond our control,” Cawley added.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said a lot of deals were made during the Stampede and when it comes to politicians, they tend to leave their plans at the door.
“The Stampede has always been political in that way, yeah, it’s probably the world’s premier petting zoo for politicians,” Farkas said with a laugh.
“It’s always been political, but it’s never really been political. Where else in this country can you see people showing their political allegiance at the door and getting together to have fun?”
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The final details were being finalized at the Stampede on Thursday afternoon. The rides are up. The concessions were fully staffed.
Scooter (Greg) Korek, Vice President of Client Services for North American Midway Entertainment, is originally from Calgary and joined Midway when he was 17 years old.
“I don’t think I’ve missed another day. It’s been an incredible rollercoaster ride… and it’s been an amazing career,” he said.
“I love it because every day I get to wake up and help entertain 100,000 people.”
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