We’ve gotten our confirmation from the Parade Organizers!
There will be at least one more update before the event with last minute details so stay tuned!
A few quick reminders …
- Getting garbed on site will be a challenge so best to garb up first and be prepared for some walking.
- Avoid steel weapons, including blunted blades. We might be able to get permission for rattan but currently we are erring on the side of No Weapons.
- Be prepared to have photos taken as this is a very public venue.
- Additional information can be found at https://fanexpohq.com/calgaryexpo/parade/
General Parade Information Guide:
Where to go and when:
Arrival:
Please arrive at the Parade Start no later than 10:00 a.m. The Parade Start (staging/line-up area) is at Haultain Park, 225 13 Ave SW beside First Street Market. There will be 2 portable toilets on the SE corner of the park for cosplayers. We will line everyone up along the sidewalk (there’s places to sit too!) behind the condos adjacent to First Street Market. Both Alforno Cafe in First Street Market and Deville Coffee in The District will be open at 7am and are excited for you to visit in your cosplay!
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. Our amazing sorting team will be wearing new Harry Potter sorting hats so look for the hats if you have a question. 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:
Line Up Location: Please note there is a parkade for Union Square Condominiums on 13th Ave. Before we start, 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.
When we start:
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., our Parade will start rolling from St. James Corner on 13th Avenue SW beginning with our Honorary Parade Marshal. The start will be slow because the fan zone is within the first block so please be patient. Your group will be merging with the vehicles once you walk up to 13th Avenue. Please follow the direction of our parade team.
Fan Zone:
Expect fans to line the route, but be especially present at the Fan Zone, which begins at 1st Street SW for the first block of the parade. The Fan Zone will have bleachers set up for optimal crowd views, hosts, and a pumped-up crowd! CBC will be hosting and live streaming the parade from the fan zone again this year!
Walking in the parade: Turn, Turn, Cross, Cross
The flow of the parade will follow the pattern of Turn (south onto Centre Street), Turn (east onto 17th Avenue SW) then Cross (across 1st Street SE) then Cross (across Macleod Trail).
Please note that 17th Avenue SW will have a rolling closure to accommodate the parade. Macleod Trail will be closed for three light cycles, with a brief break if required to allow traffic to continue before allowing the Parade to finish crossing. During the crossings try to cross quickly and safely, smile and wave to the vehicles waiting in traffic and try to make them smile and laugh while they wait. Both CPS, Calgary Transit, and Calgary Expo will have our teams on site to keep everyone safe. Finally, there will be a crossing over the c-train tracks at Stampede Park, where the train will continue as scheduled. If the train barriers lower, please STOP and follow the direction of CPS and Calgary Transit Officers on site. Do not cross the tracks when the barriers are lowered.
BMO Centre Arrival:
You will promenade down Flores Ladue Parade SE to the arch and then take a left to parade under the arch and up to the Grand Staircase for the Opening Ceremonies of the Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo. The ceremony takes about 15 minutes to finish and always features some fun surprises.
Opening Ceremonies:
The Opening Ceremonies are the official kick off to the CALGARY EXPO, and are expected to begin around 11:15 a.m. Doors to CALGARY EXPO open at Noon. If you aren’t attending the CALGARY EXPO, the BMO Centre’s outdoor plaza will be open and accessible to all parade participants and spectators after the parade to take photos and celebrate together. There will be food trucks available on site.
A couple final things to remember:
1. 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 the Grand Staircase at the BMO Centre for the big finale. We also encourage you to share that you’ll be participating in the parade. I’ve attached some graphics to this email.
2. Getting to the Parade:
- Parking is not provided at the Parade, but there are great transit options:
- Bus: There are several bus stops near 13th Avenue.
- Uber or Taxi: 1st or 2nd Street will be open, 13th Avenue at Haultain park will be blocked.
- The nearest c-train station is Victoria Park/Stampede Park – just follow the Parade route backwards to arrive at the Parade starting location at Haultain Park.
