Screaming fans wildly approved of William Shatner’s latest role: grand marshal of the Calgary Stampede parade.

About 250,000 people lined Calgary’s downtown streets for Friday's procession; some woke up early just to catch a glimpse of the Star Trek icon.

"We barely slept. We were so excited," admitted Rae Thorogood​, a Shatner fan.

Stampede parade marshal William Shatner played it safe, waving to fans from a classic baby blue convertible. (The Canadian Press) Even before the procession began, fans were yelling for the 83-year-old actor, who is best-known for playing Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise.

But there were no starships in this parade.

The Montreal-born actor waved to fans from a classic baby blue convertible.

Traditionally, the grand marshal travels the parade route on horseback, but Shatner said it wouldn't be prudent to mount up this time.

Despite smiling happily at his wife’s side, the funnyman told reporters he was most looking forward to the parade being over.