Thousands of people lined the downtown streets this morning to witness the All Western parade as Cowtown continues to celebrate its Stock Show and Rodeo.
However, despite the Stock Show and Rodeo’s recent ban on participants use of the controversial Confederate battle flag, it was often seen waving throughout the audience as the parade passed by.
Many members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) met prior to the event in order to organize demonstrations along street corners and distribute and informative pamphlets regarding Confederate history.
Rudy Ray, a member of the SCV, could be seen smiling as his battle flag waved overhead on the corner of Fifth Street and Main Street.
“We are abiding by the ban of the flag in the parade,” said Ray. “We just came out to display our flag along the route and maybe teach a little history to some folks.”
David Ballard, a member of the SCV from Waxahachie, Texas, said he believed the ban is an inappropriate reaction to a public misinterpretation.
“The flag is being used as a symbol that has nothing to do with us,” said Ballard.
Stock Show Spokesman Matt Brockman said that the organization wants to encourage all spectators to express their pride in heritage in the events days to come.
“The Stock Show is a place for residents of this area to connect to the mystic of their identity,” said Brockman. “This is Cowtown. This is where west begins and we want to celebrate that and promote the community.”
The parade participants upheld the ban on the flag as over 100 people, including the TCU marching band, waved and preformed as they passed down Main Street and back through Houston Street.
Most of the participants took to horseback and various non-motorized carriages with entertainment ranging from trick roping to horse riding stunts.
“It was another great year,” said spectator Don Houser. “We really enjoyed it.”