Oscar-winning actor Kevin Costner was named this year Calgary Stampede military parade marshal.
Known for his roles in movies like Dancing with wolves, Field of dreams and BodyguardCostner has spent the last few years portraying John Dutton in the TV series Gold stone.
Yellowstone is currently in its fifth production season, and the series is set in the hills and Rocky Mountains of Darby, Montana. In a news release Tuesday morning, the Calgary Stampede said this reflects Costner’s love for Western heritage and culture.
Costner has attended the Calgary Stampede before and has also filmed near the city, for both Open range and Let him go.
“I just wanted to tell you how great it feels to be chosen as the parade commander,” Costner said in a press release.
“You don’t see things like that coming. I have so many fond memories of being in Calgary. It has made a huge difference for me in my life to make Open range and Let him go there. It’s one of the most beautiful spots and the world focuses on Calgary and the parade, which started a long time ago to celebrate the Western heritage.
“On July 8th I will be going there and I am truly honored to be a part of what you guys have done for so long and carry on the tradition. See you at the parade.”
Costner is also a musician. His Kevin Costner & Modern West country rock band will perform at The Big Four Roadhouse on Friday, July 8.
“We are delighted to welcome Kevin Costner to help kickstart the return of the Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, July 8,” said Steve McDonough, president and chairman of the Calgary Stampede board.
“What he embodies, through his work and organic love for the modern West, is paralleled in the essence and values of the Calgary Stampede.”
There have been a few other marching marshals in previous years with Hollywood connections, including Bing Crosby (1959), Walt Disney (1965) and William Shatner (2014).
The 2022 Calgary Stampede Parade will also welcome third-generation rancher John Scott as honorary parade governor. Scott John Scott Productions’ company is also heavily involved in the local film industry. For more than 50 years, the company has shown southern Alberta on the small and big screen.
John Scott Productions has featured in seven Oscar-winning films. Scott himself is also a jockey, stunt coordinator, and supplier of horses and pets.
The Calgary Stampede also wanted to acknowledge two past marching marshals, who were selected as representatives despite not having had a full parade in the past two years. Katari Right Hand (Sheriff 2021) and Filipe Masetti Leite (2020) will both ride in this year’s parade.
The 2022 Calgary Stampede Parade begins at 9 a.m. Friday, July 8. You can watch the parade live on the Global Calgary website. It will also be broadcast live on Global Calgary television.
Officials with the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth are promising a pre-pandemic event at this year’s Calgary Stampede.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
