Calgary Stampede has announced its 2024 Parade Marshal

The Calgary Stampede has announced that actor Owen Crow Shoe will lead the 2024 Stampede Parade.

"Crow Shoe is from the Piikani Nation and Blood Tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy. His acting career started on the set of the Oscar-nominated film, The Revenant, where he worked as a stunt rider. Since then, his roles have taken him across the country and around the world, including to California where he is currently filming Dream," The Calgary Stampede stated in a news release.

This summer Crow Shoe co-stars alongside 2022 Parade Marshal Kevin Costner in the movie Horizon: An American Saga, but on July 5 he’ll be returning home to southern Alberta to kick off Stampede 2024.

"I grew up at the Calgary Stampede," said Crow Shoe. "I am proud to say my family has been part of this event since 1985 and I am honoured to continue that tradition leading the Parade and opening The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. I’m fortunate to have made so many memories and life-long friendships at the Calgary Stampede and I look forward to making so many more along the Parade route this year."

Crow Shoe has only missed one Stampede since he started coming with his family more than 30 years ago. Crow Shoe and his family have deep roots in the festival, from spending time in Elbow River Camp singing and drumming to participating in the Warrior Ride during the Stampede Rodeo Grand Entry.

"Owen Crow Shoe is an ambassador for Alberta, Canada and the Calgary Stampede," said Will Osler, President and Chair of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors. "His commitment to celebrating and sharing his culture, both on and off the screen, is inspiring. He is a role model for many around the world and we couldn’t be more proud to have him lead the Parade as Marshal."

In addition to leading the Parade, Crow Shoe will be part of the 2024 Calgary Stampede Powwow as a Master of Ceremonies on July 7 and 8 from 1 to 6 p.m. as he announces competitors and guides the audience through two days of competition.

Stampede 2024 officially begins in 21 days when the streets of Calgary are lined with people ready to watch Crow Shoe lead more than 100 Parade entries, comprised of over 400, four-legged and close to 5,000 two-legged participants.

The Calgary Stampede Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 5, with the intro beginning at 7:30 a.m.