(Photo Credit: calgarystampede.com)
Longtime movie fans know him from Field of Dreams, Bull Durham, JFK, and the Oscar-winning Dances With Wolves.
Current entertainment fans recognize him from Hidden Figures and the sweeping television western Yellowstone.
Visitors to the iconic Calgary Stampede in July will know him as the parade marshal.
Kevin Costner, who has forged a 35-year career in the entertainment business, will lead the way at the parade in Alberta on July 8, marking its full return for the first time in 3 years.
His status and his embrace of western culture in many of his projects made him the perfect choice to lead the parade, organizers said.
“We are excited to welcome Kevin Costner to help kick off the return of the Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, July 8,” Steve McDonough, Stampede president and chairman of the board, said in a release. “What he represents, through his work and organic love of the modern west, is paralleled in the essence and values of the Calgary Stampede.”
The connection between Costner and Calgary is personal, the actor said, noting how nice it was to be chosen as parade marshal.
“You don’t see those kind of things coming,” Costner said. “I have a lot of fond memories of being in Calgary. It has made a big difference to me in my life to make Open Range and Let Him Go there. It’s one of the most beautiful spots.”
Costner and his band, Modern West, will also perform at the Big Four Roadhouse following the parade.
Costner joins a long list of entertainers who have served in the row of parade marshal, including Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Walt Disney, Jack Palance, William Shatner, and Sam Elliot.
Olympic athletes, astronauts, cancer survivors, and others have also served in the role.
The prelude will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 9 a.m. Those who can’t be there in person can watch it unfold via live stream which will be available on the Stampede website.
The parade helps kick off the 10-day festival, dubbed the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” It features a huge midway, rodeo, and most anything you’d find at a huge state fair.
Nightly entertainment in Calgary to coincide with the festival includes country artists Jordan Davis, Tenille Townes, Lindsay Ell, and more.
Running through July 17, daily admission is $23 for adults, $15 for seniors, $14 for children ages 7–12, and free for those under 7.
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