Space cowboy: Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth nabs astronaut Chris Hadfield

CALGARY – The Calgary Stampede has nabbed a high flyer to act as this year’s parade marshal.

Stampede officials say astronaut Chris Hadfield has agree to head the parade on July 5.

Hadfield is currently the commander on the International Space Station and Stampede officials extended their invitation via Twitter.

Hadfield accepted with the comment: “A great reason to come back to Earth.”

He also included a picture of Calgary from space.

Hadfield is scheduled to return to Earth on Monday.

Hadfield is one of the few people who have been parade marshal at the parade twice — he fulfilled that duty in 2001 as well.

This year’s Calgary Stampede, also known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, runs from July 5 to July 14.

(CHQR, The Canadian Press)