Stampede eager and ready to welcome Royals William and Kate
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CALGARY – The Stampede Show Band and Show Riders spent Wednesday rehearsing for their Thursday night performance for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The performers will lead the parade to the BMO Centre and William and Kate will ride behind.
It’s believed the couple will be riding in a hand carved vintage replica of a 1864 stage coach with world champion Clydesdales providing the horse power.
Express Clydesdales Ranches is based in Oklahoma, but owner Bob Funk says it’s an honour just to be a part of the Stampede and having the royal touch just makes a good thing better.
“It makes a real exciting to be able to meet the Duke and Duchess,” says Funk.
“I think they are wonderful people and they are doing a great job of public relations for their country.”
The Stampede says it’s ready for the royal visit and eager to offer a memorable experience to the million or more people who will follow William and Kate into Stampede Park.
On Friday morning, the Duke and Duchess will be driving along the Stampede Parade route in reverse before the parade begins.
Security will be tight but Calgary's Police Chief doesn't expect any major problems.
"As far as moving people around in those crowds, sure, there's going to be challenges," says Chief Rick Hanson.
"But thier will be people here to do that, our officers there to do that and I don't anticipate any big problems. A couple bumps but no major problems."
