First Flip breakfast unofficially kicks off Calgary Stampede season

Pancake flipping at Calgary Stampede breakfast Stampede season is underway with the First Flip pancake breakfast. Mason DePatie gets into the fun on Stephen Avenue.

As the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth gets ready to welcome thousands of visitors, Calgary Stampede events are kicking off around the city.

The First Flip, an annual pancake breakfast marking the start of festivities for many, began at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

"This one is the kick off to the Stampede as far as I'm concerned," said hungry participant Ian Kinney.

"I enjoy it and it's the first breakfast of Stampede. It just gets me going," said Donna Kapalka. "The people, the fun, the excitement – all of it."

The hungry crowds were also treated to various entertainment throughout the morning.

Even Alberta Premier Danielle Smith agreed – the First Flip breakfast is the place to be to get into the Stampede spirit.

"I know we're all looking forward to tomorrow's Stampede parade but things don't really start until you have the first flip and the first flapjack.

"Nothing says 'Calgary' more than the Calgary Stampede. It is central to Calgary's identity and it connects us to a time before."

Mayor Jyoti Gondek took some time during the breakfast to thank Calgarians for everything they did in the days leading up to the Stampede to make sure water restrictions were eased in time for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

"We have water!" she told the crowd. "We didn't mandate anything. All we did is put out a call and say, 'Could you cut down your water use, Calgary?' and you said, 'Yeah, we can.'"

While flapjack fans got their fill, final preparations are underway at Stampede Park.

Sneak-a-peek will give thousands of people early access to the park Thursday night.

This year, the newly-expanded BMO Centre will be a refuge for those looking to get out of the rain or take a break from the sun.

The Stampede will also follow outdoor water restrictions by using non-potable water for competition grooming and to clean the midway.

Off the grounds, bars, restaurants and music festival tents are also working around the clock to welcome thousands of guests for the next 11 days.

The official kickoff to the Calgary Stampede is the parade on Friday morning.

It starts at 9 a.m. and will wind it’s way down Ninth Avenue before turning at 10 Street and heading back down Sixth Avenue.

CTV News Calgary will be broadcasting the parade live on TV and online.