It appears that a “Demolition Derby” float was at the rear of the Baker City Parade on August 6. Although the Shrine took up a good portion of the parade units on that day, this was a civic parade. This particular float was not attached to any of the Shrine units or its overview process.

In addition, the Demolition Derby float was previously reviewed by the Baker City Parade Committee prior to its inclusion. The crew on the float apparently changed their external flags and political comments once they were out of the staging area. This changed display apparently caused a number of those attending the parade to be quite offended.

I would just like to state that the Shrine does not support this kind of offensive public statement in any parade. In fact, this type of display is against all Shrine policy. So, although we had nothing to do with this particular float, we would like to register our strong disapproval of this display.

Carl Robinson

Potentate, Al Kader Shriners

Beaverton