The 2013 Calgary Stampede was kicked off with the iconic Stampede Parade on Friday and its contingents of colorful floats, bands, celebrities, and riders.
Despite the devastating floods that hit Southern Alberta last month, Stampede officials had insisted that Calgary will host the 101th annual Stampede “come hell or high water.”
The honour of being the Stampede Parade Marshal this year was given to Canada’s celebrity astronaut Chris Hadfield, the first Canadian to command the International Space Station.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who came to his hometown of Calgary to watch the parade with his wife Laureen, said that this year’s Stampede was a tribute to the resilience and strength of Albertans who are recovering from floods in the region.
“Today, Calgary celebrates the opening of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth which showcases the remarkable western pioneer spirit, traditions and values that have contributed so much to making Canada the great nation it is today,” Harper said in a statement.
Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who had pledged officials would work extra hard to ensure Stampede would happen this year, also took part in the parade, riding on horseback.
The 2013 Calgary Stampede will run from July 5-14.
