Bring the family
The parade is free, outdoors and over within the morning — an easy outing with children. Arrive early to claim kerbside space.
Parade day schedule and times
The Stampede Parade is a morning event. Entrants arrive early, judging closes promptly, and the parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. sharp.
Confirmed parade day times
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 7:00 a.m. | Entrants assemble and check in at Comer and 2nd Avenue |
| 8:00 a.m. | Judging closes — precisely. Entries are not judged after this time |
| 10:00 a.m. | The parade steps off from Proctor and 4th Avenue |
- Location
- Oliver Street
- Admission
- Free
- Check-in
- Comer & 2nd Avenue
- Entry deadline
- July 1
This is the established annual format. The parade runs on the same pattern every year — an early assembly, an 8:00 a.m. judging cut-off and a 10:00 a.m. step-off. Check this page or the committee's press releases for that year's confirmed date and theme.
From the street
A brief slideshow of the Cowboy Parade as it was in the 1920s and 1930s.
What to expect
- Marching bands, pipe bands and community bands from across British Columbia
- Decorated floats from local businesses, service clubs and community groups
- Horse groups, outriders, buggies and wagons from the Cariboo-Chilcotin
- Clowns, mascots and youth entries — a favourite with children
- Dignitaries, visiting royalty and the Stampede Queen riding the route
Parade day in the community
The parade is the most-attended single-day event of Stampede week in Williams Lake, drawing an estimated 15,000 spectators to the streets of the Lake City.
Enter the parade
Equine, float, band, youth, automotive, mascot and theme categories are all judged, with an overall winner in each division.
Volunteer or sponsor
Nearly 60 volunteers work on parade day, and local businesses fund the banners, bands and judging that make it possible.