SUNDRE – Despite rumours to the contrary, the Sundre Pro Rodeo Parade will be going ahead this year, albeit potentially on a new route while construction on the Highway 27-Main Avenue overlay project is underway, council recently heard.
Linda Nelson, the municipality’s chief administrative officer, told council during the regular Feb. 21 meeting that she had recently met with the Sundre Rodeo and Race Association’s leadership to among other items discuss how to continue building upon the working relationship between the town and the association.
The subject of the Sundre Pro Rodeo Parade and how the municipality can provide assistance also came up, Nelson said, adding the town will again as has traditionally been the case continue to offer help at the rodeo by cleaning the stands as well as the parade by placing barriers and arranging traffic control.
“And this year, we’re going to work with the association on the parade route to accommodate the construction taking place on the highway,” she said, adding the association had reported “that there were rumours going around that the parade was not going to take place this year.”
But the rumours are not substantiated.
“(The parade) will take place this year regardless,” she said. “Even if we have to change the route, it will still take place.”
Additionally, she said the association expressed gratitude for the $5,000 granted by the municipality plus another $2,500 for enhanced policing.
In turn, Nelson said she told the association that council not only recognizes the Sundre Pro Rodeo is a local top draw, but also that the municipality appreciates the volunteer organization’s tireless efforts.
However, whether there will be a fireworks display remains uncertain.
“We’re still talking about the fireworks and alternatives to using the ball diamonds on the school property, and discussions on that will continue,” she said.
“It’s kind of a difficult discussion because it’s not our property and it’s not our decision, but we are having conversations.”
Additionally, she said the association informed her that other events scheduled at the rodeo grounds this year include the return of the Shady Grove Blue Grass Music Festival on July 15-18 as well as the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer on July 20-23.
Council unanimously carried a motion accepting Nelson’s report as information.
