Hollywood star Kevin Costner will be the 2022 Calgary Stampede parade marshal.

Costner, who has starred in dozens of movies – a number of them filmed outside Calgary – is currently playing the role of John Dutton in the Paramount series Yellowstone.

It follows a Montana ranching family, and the Calgary Stampede says it reflects Costner’s love of western heritage and culture.

“We are excited to welcome Kevin Costner to help kick off the return of the Calgary Stampede Parade on Friday, July 8,” said Steve McDonough, President & Chairman of the Board, Calgary Stampede.

“What he represents, through his work and organic love of the modern west, is paralleled in the essence and values of the Calgary Stampede.”

Not only will Costner be the marshal, but as an accomplished musician, he and his country-rock band, Kevin Costner and Modern West will be performing at the Big Four Roadhouse in the evening after the parade July 8.

“I just wanted to tell you how nice it was to be selected as Parade Marshal,” Costner said.

“You don’t see those kinds of things coming.”

Costner said it impacted him being able to film Open Range and Let Him Go near Calgary. He said Calgary is one of the most beautiful spots and the world focuses on the city and the parade, which celebrates western heritage.

“I’m really honoured to be a part of what you have done for so long and carry on a tradition. See you at the parade,” Costner said.

Honourary marshal

This year, the Calgary Stampede will also honour John Scott.

Scott is a third-generation rancher and has been an integral part of the local film industry for 50 years.

John Scott Productions has been a part of seven Oscar-winning films.

His work has been recognized by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and he received the Gene Autry award for the preservation of western heritage during the 2019 National Finals Rodeo.

The Calgary Stampede also mentioned Katari Right Hand and Filipe Masettie Leite, who were marshals selected in 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were no full parades in those years due to the pandemic.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. on July 8. Global Calgary will be airing the event. 

Guests can visit the Stampede and receive free admission after the parade.