Calgary Stampede parade headed by Canadian icons

Calgarians can let out their yahoos as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth has officially begun with the annual parade.

Spectators from around the globe gathered along 9th Avenue bright and early Friday morning, with lawn chairs appearing as early as midnight and eager attendees arriving before 6 a.m. to get the perfect view of the festivities. The vibrant energy could be felt even before the procession began, with Calgarians and visitors alike excited to see this year's floats.

For first-time attendees Christophe Colonval and his wife, Jane, the parade landed in the middle of their cross-country exploration of Canada. Colonval, from Belgium, recently retired and decided this year was the perfect time to get some cowboy boots.

While the marshals are experiencing the Western energy for the first time, celebrity guest judge Andrew Phung said his duties feel like a homecoming. Phung grew up in northeast Calgary and "lovingly" recalls Stampede memories as a teenager.

"When I think about Stampede, I think about being young," Phung said. "For me, it was the chance to have freedom to get away from your parents during the summer."

Phung is one of Canada's most recognizable comedians, best known for his role as Kimchee on Kim's Convenience, which won him five consecutive Canadian Screen Awards.

This isn't his first rodeo behind-the-scenes either though, as he frequently hosted stages from 2012-2016, including the Bell Adrenaline Ranch and Family Feud. He credits those gigs with strengthening his emcee skills.

Phung plans to get some Stampede fun in after his judging duties have concluded, making plans for a midway adventure with his wife this weekend. He said he's excited to create fond memories with his kids and is grateful for the opportunity to judge such an iconic Calgary event.

"It's just so special, and I know how much this event means to the city, and to be a part of that, to be invited home, means everything," Phung said.

Float entries included a wide cultural spectrum, bringing together organizations from across the country. This year marks Coding for Veterans' third year in the parade, and executive director Jeff Musson called it an incredible opportunity, saying the Calgary energy is what he most looks forward to.

"For us, it's engaging with the crowd here," Musson said. "This is a phenomenal event and a great way in which to really show Canadian pride and spirit as it relates to the military, and thanking those that have served our country."

Coding for Veterans helps Canadian veterans get jobs in software development, providing training through the University of Ottawa. When the organization launched in 2019, the program had five students — it now has more than 1,000.

More than 120 entries were expected to travel throughout the downtown, giving spectators plenty to keep an eye out for.

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