More than 125 entries ready to wow at this year’s Stampede parade

By Collin Gallant on July 27, 2017.

cgallant@medicinehatnews.com @CollinGallant

Organizers are predicting a larger and longer Stampede Parade in the downtown core on Thursday and strongly suggesting that watchers plan ahead to beat the heat and potential traffic and parking problems.

Parade chairman Jim Balmer tells the News that confirmed entries number 125, not including a number of bands and dignitaries and horse groups, which is notably higher than last year.

The weather forecast is for sun — temperatures could be in the high 20 C range by parade’s end — meaning all systems are go for a good event.

“It is going to be a big, big parade,” said Balmer.

“Being Canada’s 150th birthday, we’re trying to celebrate that, and there is a community spirit about it.”

“Last year was a bit down with the economic times… the spirit is there and people are ready to come out and have a great parade.”

The procession begins at 9 a.m. sharp from the Police Station into downtown, then will wind the streets until concluding on River Road near the Public Library at about 10 a.m.

The 35-piece Royal Canadian Artillery Band will be one highlight of the musical offerings, he said. The Canadian Forces SkyHawk parachute unit will join the march as well.

Along with horses, pipers, wagons, fire trucks and other emergency and military vehicles, Balmer also points to a number of ag industry floats and equipment dealers taking part.

“Everybody likes to see the big tractors,” he said.

Balmer doesn’t expect downtown area construction to cause problems for the route, but says people coming into the city centre could be inconvenienced.

A slightly altered route will run largely as usual, but will see the turnaround at Sixth Avenue, therefore avoiding South Railway Street and the 600 blocks of Second and Third streets.

This summer the city is reconstructing underground infrastructure and utility lines under South Railway. That work has progressed to past the parade route, but could cause some congestion for those entering the core.

Temperatures are expected to be blazing hot this week, with Medicine Hat joining much of the south part of the province under a heat advisory.

“It’s going to be warm and we really want people to stay hydrated and bring hats, sunshades or umbrellas, whatever is going keep them cool,” said Balmer.

“With the traffic, plan ahead, get there early, don’t leave it to last minute and come enjoy a wonderful parade.”

The forecasted local high for Thursday is 36 C, but that will feel more like 39 C due to relative humidity. Environment Canada says the temperature could sit at 26 C by 10 a.m., with very little wind and humidity making it feel more like 28 C.

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