Two Winter Olympians kicked off the 10-day Calgary Stampede by leading the annual parade through downtown streets on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Moguls skier Mikael Kingsbury and short track speedskater Courtney Sarault traded their winter gear for cowboy attire to serve as parade marshals.
>>> Trump's $2.2B Crypto Windfall Under Fire as Investors Suffer Losses
Spectators lined the route early, setting up lawn chairs and umbrellas to secure prime spots.
Kingsbury, from Quebec, admitted he was a beginner at horseback riding but eager to learn.
"I'm a beginner, but I like to try new stuff and learn," he said.
He felt both nervous and excited about the procession, trusting the horse would be well-trained.
Sarault, from Moncton, New Brunswick, expressed excitement about her western-themed outfit.
"I'm so excited about the hat and the outfit.
When they asked me what I wanted, I said make sure it's western to my core," she said.
Economic Impact and Community Spirit
The festival, running through July 12, is a major economic driver for Alberta.
Stampede CEO Joel Cowley cited a 2025 economic impact study showing the event generates $389 million in benefits for the province.
>>> Toronto Launches Major Summer Festivals Amid Heat Wave
About 90 percent of that impact stays within Calgary, which attracted over 1.47 million visitors last year.
Cowley noted he does not set attendance targets due to factors like weather and the broader economy.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas described the Stampede as a place where politicians set aside partisan agendas.
"It's always been political, but it's never really been about politics," Farkas said.
He added that it is "probably the world's premiere politician petting zoo."
Preparations wrapped up Thursday, with concessions stocked and midway rides erected.
Scooter Korek, Vice-President of Client Services for North American Midway Entertainment, has worked with the exhibition since age 17.
"I don't think I've missed a day yet. It's been an incredible roller-coaster ride," Korek said.
>>> US June Non-Farm Payrolls Miss Forecasts, Dollar Weakens
He finds fulfillment in helping entertain 100,000 people daily.
