'Deepest apologies': Central Alberta rodeo organizers shocked by parade float

Organizers of a central Alberta rodeo and its parade committee are calling for calm after a float in this weekend's parade, which possessed a racist theme, was seen in the procession.

The float in the parade, held in the town of Sundre on Saturday morning, consisted of a tractor pulling an individual in a fake beard dressed in a turban and a suit. On the side of the trailer, which was a manure spreader, was the message, "The Liberal."

Both the Sundre Pro Rodeo and the parade committee said they did not approve the entry. The committee went on to suggest that it broke the rules.

"The entry was not approved and, upon further investigation, joined the parade without passing through any registration," the committee wrote in a statement that was posted on the Sundre Pro Rodeo's Facebook page.

Despite how the float got there, it has already drawn harsh criticism from community members.

Once again there is nothing surprising about this to any person of colour who lives in Alberta. https://t.co/BUWbdx8Uv7

— JP Sandhu (@jpsandhu79) June 25, 2022

'DISPLAY OF RACISM'

The Dashmesh Cultural Centre, a centre of the Sikh community in Calgary, said it was "extremely disappointed and saddened" by the "display of racism."

"We need to have serious conversations and actions to stop these forms of racism. We welcome (Sundre pro rodeo organizers) and their parade committee to visit DCC and learn about Sikhs," it wrote on Twitter.

"We hope dialogue will help end these senseless displays of ignorance towards minorities."

Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal also called out the float as "shameful" while Jasraj Singh Hallan, the representative for Calgary Forest Lawn, shared similar sentiments.

The Sikh community in Canada, of which I am a proud member, has a wide diversity of political perspectives.

More importantly, Sikhs have been a steadfast force for good in Alberta and across the country.

Shame on those responsible for this despicable display of racism. https://t.co/WMYa46IIN0

— George Chahal (@ChahalGeorge) June 26, 2022

This is absolutely disgusting. These kinds of acts have no place in Canada. This should be condemned in strongest terms by all. https://t.co/y9OZNcXbYI

— Jasraj Singh Hallan 🇨🇦 (@jasrajshallan) June 25, 2022

Calgary's mayor also took to social media to condemn the float.

After a Friday of having women’s rights knocked back 50 years, what can I possibly say about this? Many things. Nothing. You pick. I’m exhausted.

Yet, people like me keep going, we keep fighting & keep pushing for better.

Do better, people. https://t.co/CQjxcJKycy

— Jyoti Gondek (@JyotiGondek) June 27, 2022

Meanwhile, rodeo organizers and the parade committee have further apologized about the situation and pledged to ensure nothing like this happens any more.

"We do send our deepest apologies and something like that will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN," the rodeo said.

MLA Jason Nixon, representing Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, condemned the float, adding in a statement to CTV News that "discrimination and racism have no place" anywhere in Alberta.

"I have been assured by parade organizers, that this float was not approved, and that they are putting measures in place to ensure this does not happen in the future," Nixon added.

The town of Sundre is located approximately 92 kilometres northwest of Calgary.