We joined what seemed like the entire campground in walking down the hill for the 11:30 am start of the parade in downtown Banff. We found a spot near the beginning of the parade.
The main street, Banff Avenue, was closed to traffic and was lined with people wearing red and white.
While we waited about 15 minutes for the parade to begin we met Stephanie and Michael from Germany. They had just flown in to Calgary, rented a car, and arrived in Banff this morning; they said they felt a little jet-lagged. Since they are here for the hiking we shared some of our favorite trails with them.
We also met Candis, who live just outside the park. She was here to support her husband who was playing a bagpipe in the Army Band. It was great to get her local knowledge as the parade rolled by!
This young man entertained us while we waited - he was very much in the spirit of the day.
Traditional 1st unit of any parade.
Fire Department mascot - if you have clicked on the pictures you might see Sparky in the truck,above.
What I came to see, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, led by their marching band.
Intense Drumb Major!
Throw in a few dancers to...
add to the charm. There they are, sans horses, marching behind the dancers.
Throw in a couple of Parks Canada and there are a couple of Mounties on horses! Yeah!!
Here's our favorite group, right after the Mounties - Parks Canada!!!!!
The Parks Canada float was pulled by a duck blind??!!
The mascot of Parks Canada - Parka!!
She was a big hit with us - la castor.
Parks Canada also had a bison in the parade and...
a couple of activities you can do in the parks, like sit in a red chair and paddle on a river.
Local First Nations officials were there.
Canadian Army marching band.
there's Candis' husband on the right.
More First Nations participants.
Banff is in the Province of Alberta and...
Calgary is getting ready for Stampede nest weekend.
Calgary Stampede Showband
Shiny silver tubas
In Canada the Shriners ride on horses and...
in funny, little cars!
Local tourist purveyors were there.
If you don't want to hike, you can always take the...
covered wagon tours.
The Hudson Bay store had a float.
Local marching band
Social commentary
Not sure what this group was about, they seemed to be dressed in their Halloween costums and joining the fun.
The Ukrainian dancers- all the way from Edmonton - were a colorful addition.
You'll see them later, in the park.
The Chinese Falun Gong...
made lots of noise.
They were followed by the local Japanese community.
Instead of wrapped lolli-pops, they were distributing origami pieces.
These ladies were a big hit. Notice them standing on their horses!
The traditional end of every parade - it still runs!
After the parade, the watchers all paraded over to the park for music, Farmers' Market, and food stands.
What a setting!
Beginning by singing the National Anthem - O Canada!
During the anthem, everybody stands, uncovers their heads - but very few sing.
First act - singing the most "popular" Canadian song - Four Strong Winds.
The "green" group of Ukrainian dancers.
"Blue" group
"Orange" group
This little girl from the audience was moved to get up and join the dancers.
This older group, (the young women get to wear red boots) performed the most intricate dances. Notice the young man levitating in the front!
After a while, we walked home via the Bow Falls and The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Today's hike:
Length 6.5 miles
Duration - 5 hours
Elevation gain - 280 feet
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