A different kind of Stampede kicks off in Calgary
Posted Jul 3, 2020 7:16 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – This weekend would normally be reserved for the start of the greatest outdoor show on earth.
Of course, the Calgary Stampede is much different looking this year after organizers cancelled the 2020 event due to concerns over COVID-19.
WATCH: COVID-19 cancels 2020 Calgary Stampede
While there won’t be a parade, midway or rodeo this year several Stampede events will still take place.
Drive-thru pancake breakfasts take place on Saturday and during BMO Kids Day on July 8.
Mini-donuts will also be available thanks to another drive-thru event at Stampede Park July 6-7 and 9-11.
Food truck enthusiasts can also get their fill during the food truck rally which begins Friday and runs until July 12.
Finally, if you’re missing the lights and sparkle of the Stampede fireworks, you’re in luck. Those colourful sights can still be seen on July 3 and 12 starting at 11:00 p.m.
While the streets of downtown Calgary won’t be bustling with thousands of fans, the 2020 Parade Marshal is still making an appearance.
Brazilian cowboy Filipe Masetti Leite completed his 3,400-kilometre journey from Alaska to Calgary on horseback Friday morning.
Leite was met by Stampede officials before receiving an RCMP escort to the Stampede grounds for a small ceremony.
8 years, 12 countries, and 26,500 km later our 2020 Parade Marshal @filipemasetti completes his journey to Calgary.
Let's give him a big virtual welcome!
#stampede2020 #yyc pic.twitter.com/9EUccZc44g
— Calgary Stampede Parade (@CSParade) July 3, 2020
Of course, Stampede organizers hope you’ll also celebrate the event at home and are encouraging families to share their Stampede memories on social media using #Stampede2020.
-With files from CityNews, The Canadian Press
