As we near the end of June, the picture of this year’s Calgary Stampede gets clearer. As expected, rides, food and a whole lot of community spirit are already on the itinerary for YYC’s 10-day celebration, but we hadn’t heard a whole lot about how the city planned on kicking it all off… until today!
We’ve got big news cowtown – this time concerning the 2021 Stampede Parade!
As confirmed in a press release, the commencement of Calgary’s biggest event now has a Parade Marshall and a new route – let’s get into it!
Like the spectacle itself, let’s start with who will be leading the calvary of floats and bands.
As also featured on this year’s stunning Stampede poster by Lexi Hilderman, 2021’s Parade Marshall will be 17-year-old Katari Right Hand, a talented fancy dancer from the Siksika First Nation.
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According to the release, Right Hand, whose Blackfoot name Nààpiwa otó piim Akikowan actually translates to ‘Rainbow Girl,’ has been performing since she was little and said she was both excited and proud to represent Niitsitapiiks.
“I’d like to thank Lexi Hilderman for selecting my picture as her entry for the Calgary Stampede 2021 poster contest,” she said. “I would also like to thank the Calgary Stampede for choosing me to be the 2021 Parade Marshal. But, most of all, I want to thank my parents, Marcell and Delores Right Hand, for raising me to be the best that I can be. Thank you to Creator and everyone for your continued guidance and support.”
Steve McDonough, the President & Chairman of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors said that after seeing the poster, he felt inspired and wanted to learn more about the woman who was featured, calling her remarkable. He also added that her name, Rainbow Girl, “is a reminder that we are coming out of a storm together and that as the clouds move behind us, the sun will shine again.”
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In addition to Right Hand, the Stampede has also named Filipe Masetti Leite, who was supposed to lead last year’s parade, an honorary marshal.
As for the updated route? Well, unlike the years prior, the 2021 Stampede Parade will actually travel through the park in which the event will be held. This is being done because to the general public, the parade will only be seen virtually or on TV.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Friday, July 9th’s annual event (which will still include everything that Calgarians love and are used to) will be available on Global, as well as several other viewing platforms for your convenience.
“We invite the community to enjoy the 2021 Stampede Parade from the comfort of their living rooms through a special broadcast by our partners at Corus Entertainment. Global Calgary will broadcast all of the excitement live on TV Friday, July 9, beginning at 8 a.m., on GlobalNews.ca, on the Global News Youtube Channel, and on Amazon Prime,” they said.
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Is this strange? Of course, it is – but the organization thinks it’s for the best. This whole “COVID Stampede” thing is a pretty risky business and while it’s definitely out of the ordinary – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
To be honest, no matter where or how we have to watch it, we’ll definitely be tuning in! Not only is it a ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’ right of passage, but we also think that it’s important that we show Katari Right Hand some support!
Of course, we want to hear from you too! What do you think about the 2021 Calgary Stampede parade being held online? Will you be watching? If so, where will you be watching? Let us know!
CALGARY STAMPEDE PARADE 2021
When: Friday, July 9th
Where: Online here
Time: 8 am
