A racist tank crushed the party in Sundre, Alberta. rodeo, organizers say

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

The parade float, organized in the municipality of Sundre on Saturday morning, consisted of a tractor pulling an individual with a false beard dressed in a turban and a suit. On the side of the trailer, which was a manure spreader, was the message « The Liberal ».

The Sundre Pro Rodeo and Parade Committee said they did not approve of the entry. The committee went on to suggest that he broke the rules.

« Entry was not approved and after further investigation joined the parade without going through any entry, » the committee wrote in a statement posted on the Sundre Pro Rodeo’s Facebook page.

Despite how the tank got there, it has already drawn heavy criticism from members of the community.

“RACISM DISPLAY”

The Dashmesh Cultural Centre, a Sikh community center in Calgary, said it was « extremely disappointed and saddened » by the « manifestation of racism ».

“We need to have serious conversations and actions to end these forms of racism. We invite (Sundre Professional Rodeo organizers) and their parade committee to visit DCC and learn more about Sikhs,” he wrote on Twitter.

« We hope the dialogue will help put an end to these senseless displays of ignorance towards minorities. »

Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal also called the float « shameful » while Calgary Forest Lawn MP Jasraj Singh Hallan shared similar sentiments.

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

Meanwhile, rodeo organizers and the parade committee have again apologized for the situation and pledged to ensure that nothing like this happens again.

“We send you our most sincere apologies and something like this 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.

« Parade organizers have assured me that this float was not approved and that they are putting measures in place to ensure this does not happen again, » Nixon added.

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