Children, families gather for ‘freedom’ rally at Saskatoon’s Kiwanis Park

More than 120 people gathered at Saskatoon’s Kiwanis Park for what organizers called a “children’s freedom rally fun day” Saturday.

Unlike many other protests, rallies and demonstrations taking place at the Vimy Memorial inside the park during the pandemic, the maskless group centered its event around children. Balloon animals, a fishing pond and face painting were all advertised.

For Marcus Grundahl, the lone person protesting the event Saturday, public protests are one thing — but using children to flout public health goes too far.

“The line was drawn when they invited kids to essentially an anti-mask event,” Grundahl said.

“This is a super spreader, potentially.”

The event drew criticism from Mayor Charlie Clark earlier in the week as he asked people to stay away, calling it “irresponsible and dangerous.”

Grundahl works with vulnerable and at-risk people through his volunteer work at The Salvation Army. Even though he has already received his COVID-19 vaccination, he couldn’t help but think about what 120 people in close proximity not wearing masks could do to the community.

“These people are doing their children a disservice by doing such a mass-spreader event,” Grundahl said, mentioning he was called both a fascist and communist by people in the crowd.

“I’m quietly protesting to provoke thought. They are accountable for their choices and actions.”

Grundahl said he was there to remind the group they were in a public space and that photos of them could be taken with hopes that people could later be identified by police and be handed tickets for violating public health restrictions afterwards.

“Your photo is going to be taken and there may be some public shaming that goes on,” Grundahl said.

Police set up barricades at least a block away in every direction of the park. Wanting to keep their distance, officers did not enter the barricaded zone.

On Friday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority warned of increased COVID-19 exposure in Prince Albert, stemming from a similar rally on April 17. Anyone who attended the “freedom” rally is asked to self-isolate and call HealthLine 811.

“If masks are the biggest issue that they are feeling offended by, they’re doing pretty good in life,” Grundahl said.