'Yellowstone' actor Kevin Costner picked as Calgary Stampede parade marshal

Kevin Costner arrives for a rally with Democratic presidential candidate former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, in Milford, N.H. American western star Kevin Costner has been named parade marshal at this year's Calgary Stampede. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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The Canadian Press
Published Tuesday, May 31, 2022 1:35PM EDT

"Yellowstone" star Kevin Costner has been named parade marshal at this year's Calgary Stampede.

The role goes to someone who "exemplifies western culture and tradition," and organizers say the Academy Award-winning actor and director is the perfect fit.

"Yellowstone" is a modern-day western filmed in Montana currently in its fifth season. In a statement the actor says he also has fond memories of shooting cowboy movies "Open Range" and "Let Him Go" in Alberta.

His band, Kevin Costner & Modern West, is set to perform the day the stampede kicks off.

Officials have promised a return to pre-pandemic form this year after two years of scaled-back festivities.

The parade marshals from 2020 and 2021, Brazilian cowboy Filipe Masetti Leite and Katari Right Hand of the Siksika First Nation, are also set to attend this year's stampede. The event is set for July 8-17.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2022.