Canadian actor and entertainer William Shatner will lead the 2014 Calgary Stampede and Calgary based speed skaters Gilmore Junio and Denny Morrison will be at his side as honorary Marshals.
Calgary Stampede officials made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.
“Shatner’s Hollywood credentials are just part of the reason we thought he would be a great choice as our 2014 Parade Marshal,” said Bob Thompson, president and chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede. “He has an unparalleled passion for horses which we thought would be a great fit for us. I can’t wait to kick off the Calgary Stampede with him in the year of the horse.”
“I am looking forward to leading the Calgary Stampede Parade,” said Shatner. “I’ve been to Calgary before, but I have never been to the Calgary Stampede – leading the Parade will be quite a way to experience my first time.”
Shatner was born in Montreal and his legendary role in the Star Trek series made him a household name across North America.
He will be joined by special guests Junio and Gilmore show are being recognized for their remarkable accomplishment and camaraderie earlier this year at Sochi.
“This year, the Calgary Stampede also wanted to recognize and honour Junio and Morrison following their incredible Olympic story,” said Thompson.
“When I received the call from Bob Thompson to see if we were available to help lead the Parade, I immediately texted Denny to let him know we were going to do this together,” says Junio. Morrison adds, “We didn’t have to give it much thought, especially when we found out we would be leading with William Shatner!”
The Calgary Stampede runs from July 4 to13, 2014 and the parade gets underway at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 4.
