Starship Chinook Makes Historic Debut At Calgary Stampede Parade

Calgary, July 8, 2022 - Cowtown met The Final Frontier today with the historic debut of the USS Chinook, Calgary's official Star Trek club, in the storied Calgary Stampede Parade.

This was the first full parade following three years of COVID-19 isolation and it was a dream come true for two members of Chinook's Ship's Company.

Members of USS Chinook, USS Cerberus and other Fan Clubs march in the 2022 Calgary Stampede Parade -- Photo from ARYN TOOMBS / FOR LIVEWIRE CALGARY

Commanding Officer, posted to the ship's Facebook page: "I'm living a childhood dream," he said, noting that he did it all on two hours' sleep.

"Thank you crew for being part of that dream!"

The Chinook joined many other Star Trek luminaries at the invitation of the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station as part of its official parade float. Also participating was the Commanding Officer of Edmonton's USS Cerberus, and members of the Klingon Assault Group.

Also participating in the float were cosplayers depicting Vulcans, Romulans, and Klingons. The Star Trek community, and the Chinook in particular, have been enthusiastic supporters of the Trek Station and its annual Vul-Con Spock Days celebrations for more than a decade.

Members of USS Chinook, USS Cerberus and other Fan Clubs march in the 2022 Calgary Stampede Parade -- Photo from Kimberly Bodeux Photography / Strathmore Now

More than ninety entries, including twenty-five floats and seven marching bands, paraded before an estimated 305,000 people according to statistics released by the Stampede.

Oscar-winning actor and director Kevin Costner was the official parade marshal this year, an honour he reported on his social media as one he was very glad to accept.

The Ship's company was photographed in several publications as well as TV coverage of the parade from CTV and Global Calgary.

This is the third major public outing for the Chinook since pandemic restrictions were lifted by the Province of Alberta.

Ship's company participated in a standing room only forum at the 2022 Calgary Expo, and our booth attracted hundreds of onlookers. CBC Calgary also interviewed us three times, and we were featured on TikTok and YouTube.

The Chapter’s last appearance was the 2022 Vulcan Spock Days and Vul-Con celebration, which reunited the Star Trek community after a three-year absence.