Canada, Alberta flags fly high at town parade during separatism debate

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith rides in the parade to kick off the Ponoka, Alta., Stampede, Friday, June 26, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amanda Erickson

PONOKA — Paraders waved both Canada and Alberta flags high as many in the crowd cheered louder for tossed candy than politicians at the annual rodeo parade in the town of Ponoka.

Tensions over Alberta’s fall referendum on the province’s place in Canada spilled over earlier this month, when another town’s rodeo pulled the plug on its parade.

Organizers in Sundre cited online harassment over a pro-Alberta float that was initially denied entry.

But in the central Alberta community of Ponoka, about 100 kilometres south of Edmonton, many were too busy revelling in the street pageantry to let debate or political division spoil the day.

Margarete King hauled a float from nearby Lacombe with a giant model grain elevator and an oil pumpjack draped with Alberta flags.

She said she canvassed for signatures in support of a referendum question proposed by the group Stay Free Alberta, which called for a ballot question asking if the province should cease to be a province of Canada.

King said she doesn’t call herself a separatist, and people have the right to celebrate and “leave politics for a minute out of the way.”

“Even if we have different opinions, we need to have a place to talk, not being upset with each other — that doesn’t lead us to anything. So that’s why we’re here, celebrating,” King said.

Moekie McMillan, whose family holds a front-yard barbecue during the procession each year, said she didn’t notice Premier Danielle Smith ride by in a red cowboy hat atop a horse-drawn stagecoach.

Nor did she catch the pro-Alberta float.

“I was probably in the house doing something,” she said with a laugh.

But, she added, the parade was the longest it’s ever been, and full of variety.

“It was lots of fun,” she said.

Smith is putting 10 questions to Albertans on an Oct. 19 referendum, including one that asks if Alberta should remain in Canada or start legal steps toward holding a second binding separation vote.

The Ponoka Stampede is the second-largest rodeo festival in the province, after the Calgary Stampede, and its route is just under five kilometres long. This year marks its 90th anniversary.

For some, being in the parade was a brand new experience.

The local Filipino community association entered for the first time this year, with an elaborate float featuring cowgirls and a model horse, and it was trailed by traditional dancers.

Arnel Ayuno, president of the Ponoka Filipino Community Association, was all smiles.

“We decided to go all out this year.”

Ayuno said it’s an individual’s choice, but he believes Alberta should stay in Canada. He also takes no issue with pro-Alberta displays.

“They have the right to think that way. We live in a free country,” he said.

Dawn Lundquist came with her family from the nearby town of Blackfalds for the event.

She said she was glad to see Smith in the parade and the pro-Alberta float didn’t bother her.

“It was absolutely fantastic — we always have a good time,” she said of the parade.

“We come here especially because they throw the candy.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2026.

Daniela Germano, The Canadian Press