Canadian actress Amber Marshall will serve as parade marshal at the 2019 Calgary Stampede, event officials announced Wednesday.
The 31-year-old actress, best known for her role as Amy Fleming on the CBC series Heartland, was at the Western Event Centre at Stampede Park for the announcement.
According to a statement from the Calgary Stampede, Marshall is a “strong, independent and talented local actress” who has a “genuine love for horses and lives an authentic western lifestyle.”
“Amber represents and promotes Western heritage and values both on and off the screen. She is a role model to many young viewers and I believe she portrays a very positive message,” Calgary Stampede president Dana Peers said.
“As we salute woman in Western culture, I am proud Amber will be the 2019 parade marshal.”
WATCH: Global’s Leslie Horton speaks to 2019 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshall, Heartland actress Amber Marshall.
Marshall will lead the Stampede parade on Spartan, her Heartland equine co-star.
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“I was in my first Stampede parade over a decade ago and I’ve been attending them ever since,” Marshall said. “For me to be able to lead this experience is something that I’ve always dreamed of.”
“I feel extremely honoured and privileged to be given this role.”
The 2019 Calgary Stampede parade will be held on Friday, July 5. Global Calgary will broadcast the parade live on-air and online starting at 9 a.m.
Each year, the parade showcases more than 150 western-themed entries, including 30 marching bands, 40 floats, 750 horses and 4,000 people.
Former Stampede parade marshals include Jann Arden and Paul Brandt, Olympian Kaillie Humphries, actor William Shatner, astronaut Chris Hadfield, Man in Motion Rick Hansen, actor Christopher Reeve and Mickey Mouse.
GALLERY: Past Calgary Stampede parade marshals
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