It’s nearly a New Year!
We all know what that means… toasts, resolutions, a spike in gym memberships?
But that’s not all. There’s an annual local event that marks the beginning of the year.
We’re equally excited and on the edge of our seats!
That’s right, the annual coronation of new Calgary Stampede Princesses.
The ups and downs we’ve all been experiencing over the past few years have left us a little cautious to claim 2024 is gonna be “our best year yet” (though we have our fingers crossed.)
But at least a couple of local young women are entering the New Year knowing they’ll be treated as princesses!
The Calgary Stampede will be represented in 2024 by Margaret Holloway as the First Nations Princess and Brooke Fielding as the Stampede Princess. Their reigns start on January 1!
Both women have roots in the rodeo that go way back. They’ve grown up in the Stampede culture.
Happy Memories
“My family has been a part of the Calgary Stampede for decades now,” Holloway told Livewire Calgary.
“They were one of the first tipis put up at the Stampede, and now that I get to represent Tipi 24 during my reign as princess, I couldn’t be more happy,” she said.
Similarly, Feilding has been riding since just eight years old and was a part of the Calgary Stampede Ranch Girls and the Calgary Stampede Showriders before competing to be crowned Stampede Princess this year.
“My family, every single year at Stampede, since I was very little; I can remember, we would get up at 4 AM and drive from the country into the city,” Fielding said to Discover Airdrie.
“We would set up for the parade and always get hot chocolate.”
Wholesome beginnings for both of them, and both women’s experiences showed during the competitions for the crown.
From horsemanship to public speaking, interpersonal skills to cultural knowledge, they shone brightly in all categories.
Indigenous Roots
Holloway taking the crown also marked the end of a long drought for the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
Despite being very active in the Stampede, the Nation hasn’t had royal representation to share its culture for many years.
“She is the first Princess from Stoney Nakoda to be crowned in over two decades, and we are excited to see how she uses this platform to share more about her culture and traditions,” said Terri Jo Lennox, outgoing Chair of the First Nations Events Committee.
We’re excited to see all she brings to the ring as well!
Crowned Soon
Both Holloway and Feilding are soon to take their crowns.
They’ll become seasoned royalty by attending hundreds of events, including The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and the Calgary Stampede, which takes place in July 2024.
“We are always impressed with the growth of our Princesses throughout their reign and can’t wait to see [them] flourish,” said Janelle Fortmuller, Chair of the Calgary Stampede Royalty Committee.
The princesses are well up to the challenge.
No matter your feelings about heading into 2024, our stampede princesses give us something to add sparkle to the next 365 days.
Happy New Year, and Happy Stampeding!
