The Calgary Stampede is getting ready to kick things off with a parade on Friday

After years of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Calgary Stampede officials say they're excited to be donning cowboy hats and advising hydration this year.

“It's definitely a nice change to feel like we're getting a little bit of normalcy back here and a full Stampede this year. We're very excited about that,” Kerry Blizzard, the event's director of public safety, said at a news conference Tuesday.

The 10-day celebration of cowboy life, billed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” kicks off Friday morning with a downtown parade.

The Stampede has been canceled for the first time in its history in 2020.

It returned the following year in a scaled-down version, with rapid COVID-19 tests required to enter some tents, restrictions on how many people can be in Stampede Park, and physical distancing guidelines.

Most of those who came last year wore masks.

“The spirit of the Calgary Stampede is part of our cultural fabric,” said Sue Henry, Chief of Emergency Services and 911 for the City of Calgary.

“We want residents and visitors to safely enjoy all that the Stampede has to offer.”

Stampede security remains a top priority, with Calgary Transit trains running 24 hours a day and hiring additional security guards.

Calgary police are also establishing a temporary Ninth Precinct police station at Stampede Square with its own commander, radio stations and patrol officers.

“Big events can be difficult for police. Our service is very used to planning for a fight and we make sure we have the resources we need every year,” said Officer Joe Bra.

“We will have a very visible police presence both on the parade route and at Stampede Park. We will be bringing in officers from across the city who will work closely with all of our partners to make sure we can handle any situation.” '

The Stampede runs through July 16.