Calgary Stampede Parade wraps up

The 2014 Calgary Stampede Parade, the opener to what is billed as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," had people lining the route to get the best views hours before its kickoff this morning.

At 9 a.m. MT, the parade headed through the downtown, led bymarshals William Shatner, the Star Trekstar and one of Hollywood's most famousCanadians, and Olympic speedskaters Denny Morrison and Gilmore Junio.

Organizers say about 250,000 people linedthedowntownroutefor the annual event. Some spectators even camped overnight in the streets to getprime seats.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife joined the spectators.

"We don't get to spend enough time here, so this is a great time of year to do it," said Harper.

He also noted how wellthe Stampede has recoveredsince the grounds were badly flooded last year.

"The mayor tells me there is still some longer term work to be done but this is a resilient, dynamic, entrepreneurialplace."

The Calgary Stampede runs to July 13.