While Calgary Stampede employees and volunteers are busy putting on the final touches to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the rest of Calgary is heading downtown for the spectacular kick-off parade. And everyone’s got their own strategy for getting that perfect seat. Well this year you can leave the lawn chair at home because the Stampede has you covered.

When it’s parade day in Calgary, the sounds of the downtown core change from the hum of engines to the clip clop of horseshoes and boisterous tunes of marching bands. With over 4,000 participants, 750 horses, 300,000 spectators lining the streets, television coverage across Canada, and over 400 volunteers putting together the 4.5 km line-up, it may very well be the best parade in the world.

There are several ways to experience it in person and here are two great options:

• Getaway from the everyday with a Stampede Parade and Rodeo experience with an exclusive Stampede package!

  Enjoy the opening day of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth by taking in the famous Stampede Parade and the action packed Rodeo in one great package! Experience the convenience of parking near Stampede Park and then boarding a shuttle which takes you to your reserved parade seats – no lawn chairs required! After you enjoy the magic and culture of the Stampede Parade, we will whisk you off to the “The Wild West” through an action packed afternoon at the richest ride in rodeo – The Calgary Stampede Rodeo. There are a limited number of packages available so act now!

• Seating U - The Calgary Stampede Foundation offers exclusive pre-purchase bleacher seating at the best location on the route. This convenient option guarantees a seat with an unobstructed view. If children under the age of two occupy the same seat as an adult, there’s no additional cost. The seating is general admission (first come first serve), with exceptions given to groups of 25 or more whom are placed in a reserved open seating section. To purchase seats call at 403.270.5927 or email Lauren@seatingu.ca.

A portion of seat sales benefits the Calgary Stampede Foundation youth programs such as The Young Canadians School for Performing Arts and Stampede School.