Calgary Stampede-People

As with any parade, is it fun to see all of the different kinds of people. The estimated crowd was over 300,000 so there was a lot to look at. This two hour, 25 block parade was a little different from any other parade I have ever been to because every possible culture that could be included was represented by a parade entry. Participants included many of the indigenous Indian tribes (referred to as First Nations or Aboriginals), marching bands from as far away as Arizona, the various Canadian military forces including several thundering tanks, bag pipe marching troupes in kilts, the police force, firemen and their antique wagons from local cities, the Pakistani Community group, the local Chinese cultural group, the local Muslim group, various community organizations (Shriner's, Kinsman, Salvation Army, etc.), belly dancers, many Canadian Olympic athletes, two previous contents from the TV show The Great Race, and the list goes on and on. It is hard to pick a favorite but I really enjoyed the bagpipers in their formal dress and the Chinese Cultural entry. On the Chinese float were traditional costumed drummers with their huge drums keeping rhythm as they traveled by. Following alongside were several costumed characters that interacted with the crowd. There was also a traditional dancing Chinese dragon that followed the float. At some points during the parade, I wondered if I were in Alberta or Texas because of all of the cowboy hats, boots, and western wear. I was always jolted back into reality by listening to Yee-Haw's and Yah-Hoo's of both the crowd and the parade participants. Great fun! Thanks Carlton for the great seats!