Kevin Costner to saddle up, head Calgary Stampede Parade

Acclaimed actor, producer and director Kevin Costner will lead the 2022 edition of the Calgary Stampede Parade and he'll follow his parade appearance with a concert performance on the grounds.

The Calgary Stampede announced Tuesday that the star of numerous films and television series — including Yellowstone, Dances with Wolves, Field of Dreams and The Untouchables — would serve as this year's parade marshal.

"I just wanted to tell you how nice it was to be selected as parade marshal," said Costner in a statement. "You don’t see those kind of things coming.

"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 and the world focuses on Calgary and the parade, which started a long time ago in celebration of western heritage."

In addition to his appearance on the parade route on July 8, Costner's country rock-band, 'Kevin Costner & Modern West,' will take to the stage of The Big Four Roadhouse that night.

The announcement sent a buzz of anticipation through the city.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek gasped at the news, before adding, "Kevin Costner! Oh my goodness, I'm very excited!"

For Calgary Stampede president Steve McDonough, Costner was a logical choice.

"I think it's just a natural fit," McDonough said. "Kevin Costner has been doing this a long time with Dances With Wolves and the other films he's done up in Alberta. Yes, the Montana filming is great, great for the area but he also celebrates the Alberta film industry.

"We take this very seriously, we're going to put on a good show," he added. "There's no excuse not to have fun at the Calgary Stampede in 2022."

The Calgary Stampede Parade kicks off July 8 at 9 a.m. and will carve a path through the downtown core.

Admission to Stampede Park will be free on parade day from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.