For the past 80 years, the Calgary Stampede royalty program has been crowning some of the most talented young women in southern Alberta as a way to use their unique skills to promote the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
But what has been a common thread amongst all of the contestants in the long-running contest to become a member of the Stampede royalty is grit and determination—something that the newest princess has in spades.
Sarah O’Brien was crowned as the 2026 Calgary Stampede Princess at the Sam Centre on Nov. 1, in what was her third attempt to win the crown.
Speaking exclusively to LWC on the occasion, she said that she had dreamed of becoming a princess since being a little girl.
“I can’t even put it into words how excited I am. This is my third time in the contest, and I’ve worked harder and harder each year, and it really does pay off,” said O’Brien.
“It’s really hard coming back, especially after losing before. But I just thought, ‘if I try one more time, then I’ll know for sure.’ That’s what made me come back, and I’m so glad that I did.”
The newest Stampede princess is anything but new to the Calgary Stampede.
She was previously a Calgary Stampede Showrider, and grew up alongside the Stampede as a lifelong Calgarian.
“While I was a Showrider, I was inspired by the Stampede Royalty to come and do this. I thought they were the most incredible people in the world. I just want to inspire other people and spread that passion for Stampede and that connection,” said O’Brien.
In her professional life she earned a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Mount Royal University, and has worked as an animal care assistant at the Calgary Zoo and as a Conservation Programs Specialist with Ducks Unlimited Canada.
The contest is something everyone wins by doing says Stampede
O’Brien was not the only multiple time contestant vying for the crown. Victoria Moore and Ashley Campbell were also present during the final ceremony as the two runner up finalists for the contest.
“I was with Victoria in the contest last year, and I’ve only seen her getting better, and even Ashley has grown so much just in the last three weeks. I know that they would make amazing princesses too, and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to run with them,” said O’Brien.
Calgary Stampede CEO Joel Cowley said that regardless of who took the crown—because there could only be one princess—all of the young women competing in the competition were winners.
“There’s no doubt from your time in this competition, it’s challenging. You have my admiration for stepping forward and undertaking this endeavour,” he said.
“I am a firm believer it’s only through challenge that we grow as individuals… and so your willingness to take on the challenge of entering this competition, you have grown as people that will benefit you, both personally and professionally, as you move forward. In my book, you’ve all won something.”
O’Brien joined recently crowned 2026 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess Raegan First Rider as part of the Stampede’s royalty duo, who will both begin their reigns in the new year.
“I’m so looking forward to get to know Raegan and working together in that I’ve had the opportunity to talk to her so much throughout the contest, and we’ve been such good friends throughout that. I just can’t wait to get to know her more and work with her throughout all of this year,” said O’Brien.
