Parade Prelude is the on-street entertainment preceding the main parade.

"Stop and Go" entertainers leave the form-up area at Fort Calgary at 8 a.m. and move to a specified street corner where they perform for approximately seven minutes. Then they move to the next corner and perform again. Each group is guaranteed a minimum of four performance corners but often they will be given five or six performances. Groups are not required to travel the entire route and can exit the route once they have completed their required performances. Group entries need to be large enough, or have a sound system loud enough, so spectators on both sides of the street can hear.

Clowns and mascots leave the form-up area at 7:30 a.m. and cover as much of the Parade route as they want, or are able. Individual performers, like clowns and mascots, need to involve the spectators through their actions. Exit points are also available for these performers along the parade route.

These entertainers play a very important role, as they are the ones who get the crowd “WHOOPED UP” for the main parade.

Consider Parade Prelude if your entry doesn’t fit the rules and requirements of the main parade. For example, your entry may need to stop in order to perform, or you may want mascots or other characters with your entry to interact with the crowd. These aren’t allowed in the main parade, but are welcomed in Parade Prelude. It is an inexpensive way to participate and all entries have the opportunity to be judged. In addition, winners in the Parade Prelude category may be given the opportunity to perform at Stampede Park.