Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen has been named the 2023 Stampede Parade Marshal.

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

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,” said 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.”

Honourary Parade Marshal General Wayne Eyre will join Hansen. 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. 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. 

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. 

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.

The Calgary Stampede Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 7, with the prelude beginning at 7:30 a.m. 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.