To kick off The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, Suncor, the exclusive sponsor of the Calgary Stampede Parade, led the opening parade on Friday, July 5, which saw a record-setting number of approximately 350,000 in the crowd.
To celebrate the occasion, over 50 Suncor employees volunteered to represent Suncor and walk in the parade alongside our two colourful floats which showcase the iconic landmarks and buildings of Calgary. Volunteers cheered and waved to the thousands of spectators, demonstrating the uplifting spirit of Stampede and the importance of coming together as a community.
“It was great to be at the beginning of the parade and see everyone waiting in anticipation,” says Corina Courtney, Senior Safety Advisor, who has volunteered as a parade walker for the last two years. “The energy you feel from the crowd is unmatched.”
Joined by professional dancers and leaders, the Suncor parade walkers enthusiastically interacted with the excited crowd, while also performing the occasional line dance.
“The parade provides a level of camaraderie between Suncor folks,” explains Paul Khanna, Sustainability Advisor, and also a second-year parade walker. “Employees from different departments banded together to entertain and showcase Suncor’s culture.”
With more than 100 parade entries, including over 400 four-legged participants, 19 floats, and 11 bands, the Calgary Stampede Parade provides everyone the opportunity to come together and recognize the unique spirit of the west while also showcasing the diversity of the community.
“Growing up, I always watched the parade, so it was really special to finally be a part of it and engage with the community,” says James Yahya, Business Support Student.
Jacquie Moore, Suncor’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, also took part in the parade, riding alongside her daughter Kelcey Moore, who was Stampede Queen in 2020 and 2021. Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Kelcey wasn’t able to experience the annual parade during her reign. However, this year’s Stampede Parade Committee invited Kelcey to ride in the parade alongside her mom, and they were able to share in this unique and special community experience together.
Suncor has been a key partner of the Calgary Stampede for 15 years. Now in our second year of a multi-year agreement as the presenting sponsor of the Stampede Parade, Suncor also provided free admission to 87,000 who visited the grounds prior to 1:30 p.m. on opening day as part of the Parade-to-Park experience and close to 30,000 visitors received Suncor-branded bandanas as they entered the gates.
Thank you to the many employees who volunteer and contribute time to the communities where we live and work.