One last sleep before the Parade!
We have permission by the Parade Organizers (Allison Moore) to bring our Rattan and Shields (still no live steel, blunted steel, or steel, or other weapons)
We are in the FANTASY section of the Parade so keep an eye out for a banner or two.
Have a great time! Be ready for lots of photo ops with the crowds!
See Update #1 and Update #2 for full info
Getting to the Parade
- There is no parking supplied by the Parade so alternate means of getting downtown are recommended
- The C-Train line runs one block away from the Parade route. 8th Street or Downtown Kerby Centre stops are the closest to the route
- There are several bus stops near 8th Street and 8th Avenue
- Ubers or Taxis are a great option with 9th Avenue remaining open, but 8th Avenue from 10th Street to Macleod may be blocked or delayed for the Parade
Where to go and when:
- Please arrive at the Parade Start no later than 10:00 a.m. The Parade Start (staging/line-up area) is on 8th Avenue SW, between 9th Street and 10th Street.
Washrooms:
There will be 2 porta potties on the north side of 8th Avenue by 9th Street, also the Waves coffee house on site is available.
Sorting:
Between 10:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., please find the sign that best matches your cosplay, and line up behind it. The categories are movies, sci-fi, anime, tv, games, comics/books, cosplay, and fantasy. At 10:15, we’ll begin moving your group into parade order.
Very important to remember – Safety first:
Please note there are parkades on 8th Avenue SW for Holiday Inn, U of C and Impark. From time to time cars will need to be slowly escorted through. Security and CPS will be on site to assist, but please do everything you can to stay safely clear of all vehicles.
WALKING IN THE PARADE:
When we start:
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., our Parade will start rolling from 8th & 8th beginning with our Honorary Parade Marshal, Mayor Jyoti Gondek. Your group will be lined up along with celebrity guest vehicles, marching bands, and other special vehicles.
Parading:
We will walk approximately 10 blocks, ending at Olympic Plaza. It usually takes approximately 25-35 minutes. Walk, dance, wave, say hello, take pictures, and have fun! Expect fans to line the route, but be especially present at the Fan Zone, which begins at 1st Street SW. The Fan Zone will have bleachers set up for optimal crowd views, hosts, and a pumped up crowd!
Concluding the parade:
When you arrive at Olympic Plaza, flow into the wide open space in front of the stage to join us for the official Opening Ceremonies of the 16th Annual Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo. The ceremony takes about 15 minutes to finish, and always features some fun surprises.
A couple final things to remember:
- Invite your friends and family!
The Fan Zone is a great place to start, but they’re welcome anywhere along the route. And they should follow the parade to join us at Olympic Plaza for the big finale. We also encourage you to share this week that you’ll be participating in the parade. - Getting to the Parade:
Parking is not provided at the Parade, but there are several great transit options:
C-train – The c-train line is 1 block away on 7th Avenue
8th Street stop
Downtown Kerby Centre stop
Bus: There are several bus stops near 8th Street and 8th avenue.
Uber or Taxi: 9th Avenue will be open, but 8th Avenue and from 10th to Macleod may be blocked/delayed.
Allison Moore