Calgary Expo Parade of Wonders thrills thousands

The Parade of Wonders weaved its way through downtown Calgary Friday, on a new route this year, marking the start of the annual Calgary Expo weekend.

Organizers say it's Canada's biggest cosplay parade, "celebrating all things pop culture and creativity in the heart of Calgary."

The event started at the Victoria Park Fan Zone at First Street S.W. and 13th Avenue.

Beyond the fan zone, the parade headed south on Centre Street, then east on 17th Avenue S.E, landing at the BMO Centre's Grand Staircase at Stampede Park.

Scheduled to appear at this year's expo are: Michael J. Fox, Nicholas Hoult, David Boreanaz, John Boyega, Dafne Keen, Christopher Lloyd, Tyler Hoechlin, Helen Hunt, Catherine Tate, Heather Locklear, James Marsters, Adam Savage, and many others.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek cosplayed as Lady Thor, walking the route alongside the first dog mayor of Calgary, Loki.

"I like to delegate some authorities to him [Loki the dog] like making sure the park is good for everybody," she said.

"I'm such a huge fan of everything," said Lucas Grabeel, known for his role as Ryan Evans in the High School Musical films, as he made his way down the parade route.

"I'm loving the Marvel Universe, the Star Wars, the Ghostbusters, the [Teenage Mutant Ninja] Turtles, the Jurassic Park – I'm in for all of it," he said.

"These costumes are amazing, the city is amazing. I'm just so happy to be here."

Adam Savage, special effects designer and fabricator best known as the former co-host of MythBusters, told Jenny Howe he's most looking forward to meeting the fans and "seeing their beautiful costumes, and talking, and geeking out with them about how they were made."

The four-day Calgary Expo wraps Sunday at 5 p.m.