The routes changed, it's hot by Calgary standards it covers 4.5kms but still official figures estimated the world attended the 2017 Calgary Stampede Parade. The world you say, well later in the day at the opening of the Indian Village a show of hands was called for those in the crowd who did not live in Canada it looked like some 80% of hands rose skywards.

So why do people come, well having been in Canada 5 out of the past 7 years i think i may just have some of the reasons. Since my first attendance at a Stampede parade in 1984 it like The Isle of Man TT has been a unresiable travel venue. Action, colour are all part of the parade, meeting new people, interactions with those in the actual parade go hand in hand with a Australian sense of Mateship as we gather to help Canada not only celebrate it's 150th birthday since confederation, but to acknowledge the largely unique achievements of The Calgary Stampede & Exhibition over the past 105 years of operation.

no two Parades are the same there is always a notible event or action that sets one year apart from another some are small like honouring the firefighter of Fort McMurray after the devasation of wildfires that destroyed much of the town, having local Country Music star Paul Brant as Parade Marshall but no in 2017 we had two totally different unique öne off"events.

Breaking Ranks

Some of you will recall stories of my past Stampede Parade reports where the Military has received the greatest ovation as they proudly showcased troops who had returned from active combat duties in the Middle East,however this year a precident was broken (officially approved) when marching troops suddenly broke ranks and interacted with kids and adults along the parade route briefly before rejoining again in step their fellow Brothers & Sisters in Arms.

While this was sanctioned unfortunately while present the Leopard tank was not able to pull donuts in the streets of Calgary (God has not anyone told them about OH&S on the Isle of Man?) but as a concession to the wildly expectant crowd the turret did rotate 360o and a smaller battle wary light tank managed to escape official attention and excute "that manourve" on 6th Ave and yes the pavement was not damaged.

Treaty 7 Parade Marshalls

The Calgary Stampede grounds lie close to the joining of The Bow & The Elbow rivers in downtown Calgary. This river frontage for centuries was a home and hunting grounds and at times a battlefield for The First Nation people. 105 years ago a change took place that was unprecidented in Canada and probably many parts of the world in that Guy Weadick, the man credited with starting The Stampede, not on invited all Seven First Nations to join in peace at The Stampede but gained Governmental approval for these people to travel freely to gather at The Stampede in the Indian Village. Once there they were not only accepted by patrons but activelty became part of the Stamede.

in 2016 I had the pleasure of being amongst the first groups who came onto the Indian Village at it's new location now closely alined to a Spiritual home.

However this year 2017 The CEO of The Stampede Board extended an invitation to each of the Treaty 7 Chiefs to jointly act as Parade Marshalls for the Stampede Parade. The question on The Boards lips was "would they accept, would only a few accept, would they blacklist the event?"Well all Treaty Seven Chiefs accepted on behalf of their Nations.

Chief Aaron Young of the Chiniki First Nation said Öur people have been through a lot.But we are resilient and beautiful"

Ï am here to remind everybody of our history,our history of exploitation and how far we have come"added Chief Roy Fox of the Kanai/Blood Tribe.

They were joined in the parade by:

Chief Lee Crowfoot of the Tsuutína Nation

Chief Joe Weasel Child of the Siksika Nation

Chief Stanley Grier of the Piikana Nation

Chief Darcy Dixon of the Bearspaw First Nation

Chief Ernest Wesley of the Wesley First Nation.

Their Parade consisted of some 113 different features these being made up of 12 Marching Bands from both US & Canadian schools, service bands, a Scottish featured band and a Chinese marching band. 34 different floats such as Canada Parks, Canada National Railway, Westjet and local businesses joined with floats promoting specific festivals in other areas,

Horses some 700 received the attention of the Horse Safety unit to handle any emergency from a tied horses, A spooked one to a death.

The horse theme extended also to 10 mounted colour parties.

The remaing 46 entries included sporting & cultural groups.

As usual the Parade takes about 2 hours to pass anyone point and this year also saw the Parade reverse its direction of travel so as to in theory finish closer to the actual Stampede grounds and draw in those watching to "tag along"and gain free admission to the grounds.

While some did the fact that many had risen around 4am or even earlier in order to make their way to the route before the streets closed at 7.30am and the Parade not starting until 9am and running for over 2hrs meant many tied people took to the C Train to seek a ride to the grounds. In theory it was to work BUT the trains were already full from the surrounding communities before arriving at the downtown stations, so buses were added well I saw 4 in an hour, but it appears pleasant weather added by a free admission deadline of 1.30pm saw many tied feet pounding the streets from downtown Calgary to Stampede Park. Those in the parade had a 4.5km route march so we joined and did our km's likewise.

2018 won't be long in coming so while I can't make it why don't you start now to plan to take my place , and yes I have reserved my usual spot on 6th Ave opposite the Calagary Fire Station where Country 105 broadcasts from just for you, let me know and I'll hand over my "rights".