The day began early with a hearty pancake breakfast curbside to North America’s second largest parade. The Calgary Stampede Parade dates back to 1912 and that first parade was led by 1800 First Nations people in full regalia. This year boasted about 700 horses and over 4000 participants in its 130 entries. Joe marveled at the politeness of Canadians leaving space along the sidewalk for pedestrians, as opposed to jamming in as many chairs as possible for parade viewing! Canadians are so nice!
Our friend William Shatner was the Grand Marshal eschewing the traditional parade marshal horse in favour of a sweet baby blue Chevy Bel Air convertible! He gave us a big thumbs up when Joe hollered, “Denny Crane!”
At the opening ceremonies for the Calgary Stampede Rodeo, we were treated to both of our household’s anthems, in honour of so many Americans competing and supporting the Stampede on Independence Day. Other than hockey games, we don’t often get to sing both anthems back to back!
GEOQUIZ: Where and when is North America’s largest parade?
Where in the world are the Gills? 