Stampede Calgary has a new Grand Marshal: actor William Shatner.
The 83-year-old Star Trek star will lead the parade next month alongside honorary Marshals Gilmore Junio and Denny Morrison, both speed skaters. Stampede officials made the announcement earlier this week, and released a video of the trio receiving the news.
"Shatner's Hollywood credentials are just part of the reason we thought he would be a great choice as our 2014 Parade Marshal," president and chairman Bob Thompson said. "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."
The annual event is touted as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," and features ten days of rodeo events, exhibitions and festival activities. Over one million people attend the fair each year.
The 2014 Stampede Calgary runs from July 4 to 13. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. on opening day.