He’s got to work on his “yahoo” and trade his hard hat for a cowboy hat, but popular television contractor Mike Holmes is ready to take the reins as the 2009 Calgary Stampede parade marshal.
Dr. David Chalack, president and chairman of the board, announced the Holmes on Homes TV reality show star as the parade marshal along with eight members of the Canada World Skills team yesterday at the kickoff event for the 2009 Stampede at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park.
“I’ve never worn a cowboy hat before and I’m wearing cowboy boots, but I am feeling comfortable and I’m really excited. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Holmes said of the honours.
Holmes, a self-professed Stampede virgin, said he will spend four days having fun at the Stampede after serving his duties as parade marshal.
“I have never been before, so I’m pretty excited, but for me it’s really about doing the right thing and keeping the heritage and the spirit going,” Holmes added.
Chalack said Holmes was chosen as the marshal because of his genuine cowboy work ethic.
“He is a man of integrity and a man who believes in doing things right by doing the right thing,” Chalack said, citing a Red Steagall poem when announcing Holmes as marshal.
Holmes, who will also be in the city for the World Skills competition later this year, will be joined by several of World Skill participants for the parade, including 23-year-old Dan Reid.
“It just keeps getting bigger and bigger for me. I never thought anything like this would happen,” Reid said.
Reid, who is from Cochrane, said he attends the Stampede every year, but this year being part of the parade will be a highlight.
“I’m a little excited, a little nervous, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
