Official Statement from the Sundre Pro Rodeo and Race Association
This is heartbreaking to read.
According to the association, after public concern was raised over denying a parade entry featuring Alberta flags, they reconsidered their original decision, apologized, and invited the float organizers to participate.
That should have been the end of it.
Instead, the hostility continued. Volunteers were targeted with online criticism, personal attacks, harassment, and abusive messages. Some participants and float organizers reportedly became concerned about the increasingly hostile environment and withdrew. The result is that the entire 2026 Sundre parade has now been cancelled.
This is what happens when bullying is rewarded.
Lawn signs are being stolen. Town councils are being harassed over billboards. Now small-town volunteer associations are being targeted over parade entries.
Whether someone wants to display Alberta flags, Canadian flags, both, or neither, the answer should be simple: everyone is welcome.
My suggestion to anyone facing this kind of pressure: do not give in to bullies. Document the harassment, forward threats to police where appropriate, and stand firm. Be open and fair to anyone who wants to rent your venue, buy space on your billboard, or enter your parade.
When one side learns that intimidation works, they will keep using it.
The better response is simple:
Everyone is welcome. Harassment is not.