Retired Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish has been selected as the Calgary Stampede’s celebrity judge for the 2016 parade.
The selection means Cornish will have the honour of choosing the entry that, in his opinion, best exemplifies the spirit of the Calgary Stampede. His selection will then receive the 2016 Celebrities’ Choice Award.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stampeder great, Jon Cornish, as our 2016 Calgary Stampede parade celebrity judge,” Calgary Stampede parade committee chair Michael Wetherup said in a news release.
“Jon follows in the footsteps of some great Canadians, including Ralph Klein, Ryan Getzlaf, Beckie Scott and one of our 2016 Parade Marshals, Paul Brandt, who have all been judges.”
READ MORE: Paul Brandt and Jann Arden announced as 2016 Calgary Stampede Parade marshals
Cornish, who retired in December, is a three-time CFL All-Star and a two-time Grey Cup Champion. He called the appointment a “tremendous honour.”
“I’ve lived in Calgary for ten years and it’s one of those things you always wish you could do, and when you get the opportunity you are truly grateful.”
This year, the Stampede parade will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 8.
READ MORE: Calgary Stampeders Jon Cornish announces retirement