Calgary Stampede reaches for the stars to find 2023 Parade Marshal Jeremy Hansen

Calgary – The Calgary Stampede is over the moon to announce that Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen will lead the 2023 Stampede Parade.

The Stampede Parade presented by Suncor starts at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 7 and marks the official start of Stampede 2023!

Hansen will become the first Canadian to venture to the moon as part of the historic Artemis II mission. It’s the first crewed mission to leave Earth’s orbit since 1972 and will pave the way for deeper space exploration, including Mars.

Before he leaves Earth, Hansen will kick off The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth by leading the legendary Stampede Parade as Parade Marshal.

“Jeremy Hansen is a trailblazer who exemplifies the values of the Calgary Stampede,” says Will Osler, President & Chair of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors. “His integrity and commitment to community are an inspiration, and all Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians are proud of him and everything he has accomplished. We are honoured to have Jeremy lead our Parade as an example of what you can achieve when you work hard and dream big.”

“I am thrilled to be selected as the 2023 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal and to come back to a province that holds a special place in my heart. I look forward to seeing you along the Parade route in July!” says Hansen.

Looking up from the fields of Ontario as a child, Hansen always knew he wanted to become an astronaut. It’s a journey that brought him to Alberta where he completed CF-18 fighter jet training in Cold Lake before joining the Canadian Space Agency.

Hansen will be joined by honourary Parade Marshal General Wayne Eyre. It’s a fitting partnership as both are dedicated to public service through their work with the Canadian Armed Forces and got their start as Cadets. Hansen joined the Air Cadets at the age of 12, while Eyre participated in the Army Cadets program when he was the same age.  

Since 1914, the Calgary Stampede has celebrated, honoured, and supported the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The strategic partnership has grown through two World Wars, wars in Korea and Afghanistan, and many peacekeeping missions. 

As Chief of the Defence Staff, General Eyre oversees the military’s mission to defend Canada’s values, interests and sovereignty at home and abroad.

Hansen and Eyre will join the Calgary Stampede in celebrating 100 Years of Chuckwagon Racing. The world’s first Chuckwagon Race was staged at the Calgary Stampede in 1923. A true throwback to the wild west, the event was inspired by the tradition of cowboys breaking camp and racing home. While some of the rules have changed over the past 100 years, the rush has never left. To mark this milestone, a special 100 Years of Chuckwagon Racing entry will be included in the Parade.

In just 23 days the streets of Calgary will be lined with people ready to watch Hansen lead the chuckwagon entry and more than 100 others, comprised of over 400 four-legged and close to 5,000 two-legged participants.

The Calgary Stampede Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 7, with the prelude beginning at 7:30 a.m. Those unable to attend in person are invited to enjoy the Parade from the comfort of their living rooms through a special broadcast by our partners at Corus Entertainment with Global Calgary broadcasting all of the excitement live.

Tune in to Global Calgary on Friday, July 7, at 8:45 a.m. to watch a special live broadcast of the 2023 Calgary Stampede Parade. The Global News Morning team along with Corus Entertainment’s The Morning Show will have all of the action for you from this year’s route. The special broadcast will air on Global Television, the Global TV app, Globalnews.ca, the Global News YouTube channel, Facebook and Amazon Prime.

Following the Parade on Friday, July 7, guests can take advantage of Stampede Parade to Park presented by Suncor by going straight from the Parade to the Park to receive free admission from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Click here to access a message and photo from Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

To arrange an interview with Jeremy Hansen, please contact:
Canadian Space Agency
Media Relations Office
T 450.926.4370
E asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca

For more information, please contact:
Shannon Greer
Manager, Communications & Media Relations
Calgary Stampede                       
T 403.585.0467                                              
E sgreer@calgarystampede.com