For the most part, they were treated to the usual parade fare: fire trucks, mountains and various entries from local sports teams and community groups. But one float in particular took some viewers by surprise. The float displayed the message “let the beat go on” and was imported by Red Deer Pro-Life. Although it carried a pro-life message, the float did not display graphic images. One resident, whom Global News agreed not to name, questioned the appropriateness of the float — and the theme — at a family-friendly event. Story continues below ad Another resident spoke to Global News about the float as well. Jody Hegel has lived in Olds for the past five years and attended the parade with her husband and their four-year-old daughter. He said he was surprised to see the float in the parade. “Just because of everything that’s going on in (the United States) with Roe v. Wade, I said, ‘Oh, that’s interesting,’” Hagel said. Trending Stories
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The Olds parade came after a Sundre float was the center of controversy last weekend. It was heavily criticized for its depiction – and disrespect – of Sikh culture. READ MORE: Controversial float in Sundre, Alta. the rodeo parade causes outrage Premier Jason Kenney was asked about parades becoming more political at a Canada Day celebration in Calgary. “Well, it’s up to the parade organizers to set the criteria,” he said. “I would say obviously what happened last week was gross. He was mocking a particular religious community and that has no place in any kind of parade.” Kenney went on to talk about the pro-life group’s float. “I think this falls under freedom of speech in a free society for people to express their deeply held views about the value of human life,” the prime minister said. “I don’t think this is at all analogous to mocking people and expressing hatred for a particular religious community. Story continues below ad “I wouldn’t make a connection between those two things.” Hagel said that while she was surprised by the appearance of the float, she also saw it as a free speech issue. “I feel like it’s a platform for people to share their opinions and people can take it or leave it,” he said. Global News reached out to the Town of Olds to inquire about the criteria for parade entries. Red Deer Pro-Life was also contacted. If the city or pro-life group responds, this article will be updated with comments from them. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
