'I want to spread that same passion for Stampede and encourage other young girls to follow their dreams,' said Sarah O'Brien

The Calgary Stampede has crowned Sarah O’Brien as the 2026 Calgary Stampede Princess, as its iconic royalty program celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Selected from a group of seven contestants, organizers said O’Brien, 25, embodies “the grace, authenticity, and horsemanship” that define the program’s legacy.

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“Each year, the Royalty Committee is amazed by the remarkable young women who step forward and continually raise the bar,” said Katelyn Gardner, chair of the Calgary Stampede Royalty Committee, in a statement. “This year’s contestants brought an incredible blend of confidence, kindness, and a genuine enthusiasm for representing the Calgary S

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