Alberta rodeo bucks parade over disagreement about float

The Sundre Pro Rodeo and Racing Association says it will not proceed with its parade ahead of the event, which takes place June 18 to 21, 2026. (Supplied/Facebook/Sundre Pro Rodeo)

A central Alberta rodeo has cancelled its annual parade over “hostility directed toward volunteers” stemming from a disagreement over one of the floats.

The Sundre Pro Rodeo and Race Association said Monday it would cancel Saturday’s parade because one of the parade entries generated “significant public discussion and strong opinions from many individuals.”

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Details about the parade entry were not shared, but posts on social media suggested it had to do with use of Alberta flags.

Separation has become a flashpoint in the province as the government announced a referendum would be held in October on the issue.

But that has not been confirmed by CTV News.

Still, the debate devolved into “online criticism, personal attacks, harassment and abusive messages” directed toward volunteers, organizers said.

“These volunteers are members of our community who dedicate countless hours each year to organizing events that benefit Sundre and its residents,” the Pro Rodeo said in its Facebook statement.

“They are not paid employees, nor are they public figures. They are neighbours, friends, parents, business owners and community members who volunteer their time because they care deeply about this event and our town.”

After learning about the disagreement, the Pro Rodeo reconsidered its decision to exclude the float and reached back out to the entrant to invite them back.

“Despite those efforts, the volume of hostility directed toward volunteers continued to grow,” the association said.

Given that escalation, the Pro Rodeo decided the parade idea would be sent out to pasture.

“The decision to cancel the parade is not a statement about any political viewpoint, movement or cause. The Sundre Pro Rodeo and Race Association respect the right of individuals to hold and express differing opinions,” organizers said.

“The decision was made because the ongoing attacks directed at volunteers have created an environment that is no longer conducive to organizing and delivering the community-focused event that residents have come to expect.

“We want to be clear: disagreement is a normal and healthy part of any community. Harassment, intimidation and personal attacks against volunteers are not.”

‘Deeply disappointed’

In a statement, the Town of Sundre was saddened by the decision, but knew it was the right one given the “negative” and “abusive behaviour” directed toward the parade’s volunteers.

“Town council is deeply disappointed that recent online harassment directed toward volunteers has resulted in the Sundre Pro Rodeo and Race Association’s cancellation of this year’s parade,” the town said.

“While council recognizes that people may hold differing opinions, personal attacks, intimidation and harassment — whether online on in-person — are unacceptable.”

The town also thanked the dedication of its volunteers, organizers, participants and sponsors of the Pro Rodeo.

This latest issue isn’t the first time the Pro Rodeo’s parade drew criticism.

In 2022, a John Deere tractor pulling a manure spreader with the phrase ‘The Liberal’ on it in red lettering was entered into the procession by Lynne Hoff.

Hoff’s float also included a volunteer dressed as former prime minister Justin Trudeau and another dressed as then-NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

She denied any hint of racism, instead telling CTV News it was “political satire.”

The parade’s organizers said Hoff’s entry was not approved and allegedly entered the procession without authorization.

The Pro Rodeo says this year’s rodeo events will proceed as scheduled.

The rodeo runs from June 18 to 21.