Hundreds of thousands of people jammed the 2010 Stampede Parade route to see the bands, floats, and horses Friday morning.

An estimated 350,000 people lined the parade route, some overnight, to see the kick-off to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

The Calgary Stampede Showband led the parade.

This year, the Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Police Service are celebrating 125 years of service.

This year's Stampede Parade Marshals are Jet and Cord McCoy, the so-called "gentlemen cowboys" from the reality television show The Amazing Race.

Cord is also competing in bull riding.

The brothers say they're thrilled to be here in Calgary.

"We're honoured to be parade marshals," said Cord McCoy.

"This is absolutely amazing, one of the best experiences we've had," added Jet McCoy.

One of the highlights of the parade: the many marching bands from around the world.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Premier Ed Stelmach, and many other dignitaries also took in the parade.

Of course, no Stampede Parade would be complete without the Stampede Royalty, Queen Katie Rochon and Princesses, Janelle Phillips and Kirstie Rougeau, and the hundreds of horses, carriages, and other tributes to the western way of life.

This year's winning Stampede Parade winners are:

  • Best Overall Entry: United Calgary Chinese Association
  • Best Western Entry: Heritage Park Historical Village and Gasoline Alley Museum
  • Most Creative Entry: Royal Tyrrell Museum
  • Best Corporate Entry: Air Canada
  • Best Business or Non-Profit Entry: Calgary Board of Education 125th Anniversary
  • Best Cultural Entry: United Calgary Chinese Association
  • Best Municipal Entry: Penticton Peach Festival
  • Best Horse Entry: Le Carnaval de Quebec
  • Celebrities Choice Award, presented by John Kucera: Air Canada
  • Best Overall Band: Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts
  • Best Canadian Band: Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts
  • Best Senior Band: Bishop Grandin Marching Ghosts
  • Best Junior Band: Calgary Round-Up Band
  • Best Auxiliary Band: Calgary Round-Up Band
  • Best Pipe Band: Calgary Police Service Pipe Band