Rain holds off in time for the kick-off to Stampede
Posted July 5, 2019 7:20 am.
Last Updated July 5, 2019 5:29 pm.
CALGARY – Mother Nature gave a reprieve to hundreds of thousands of people lined up to see the Calgary Stampede parade.
Umbrellas and plastic ponchos covered a sea of cowboy hats and western shirts as a night of heavy rain continued into the early morning.
If people down here weren't awake before the CP Rail float sure will take them! #StampedeParade2019 @660NEWS pic.twitter.com/0Dy1S029Zw
— Kass Patterson (@kassonair) July 5, 2019
But the rain stopped just before the procession started with this year’s parade marshal, actress Amber Marshall from the TV series “Heartland.”
Leading us today #ParadeMarshalMarshall @Amber_Marshall let's give her a big #yyc welcome! pic.twitter.com/XVwhQiApRV
— Calgary Stampede Parade (@CSParade) July 5, 2019
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney also rode in his first Stampede parade since winning the April election.
He said the event is an opportunity to forget the economic downturn that has left many in the province down and out.
You and your family can enjoy free admission to the Stampede until 1:30 p.m.
WATCH: Mike Yawney joins us live from the parade to break down what lies ahead this weekend.
READ MORE: Rain forces more roads to close for Stampede Parade
WATCH:
With files from The Canadian Press