Labor day parade controversy

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Labor Day weekend concludes in Terre Haute with the Central Labor Council's Parade on Monday.

But, this year's parade comes with some controversy.

One politician claimed he was denied entrance to the parade because of his political affiliation.

The Wabash Valley Central Labor Council's parade is an event meant to bring the community out to celebrate the holiday.

That’s why Vigo County Commissioner hopeful Caleb Fleschner saw it an as opportunity to campaign.

"A couple people approached me, saying 'Caleb I think you should get in the labor day parade. It would be a good way to show your support for the labor unions. Show your supporters and get your name out there,'” Fleschner said.

Fleschner applied several weeks ago, paid his entrance fee and was given a spot in the parade line up; however, on Friday, he received a different letter from labor council.

"It stated that my application was denied without an explanation, and had my return check,” he said.

Now, Fleschner believes the move is political, because he is a republican.

"I looked at the list of people walking, and it's all democrats. There weren't any republicans,” he claims.

When the Central Labor Council was questioned about the situation, they told a different story.

According to the head of their parade committee, the initial decision to accept Fleschner was done without the committee's approval.

"When the panel had their meeting on Wednesday, we said, ‘who approved this man?’” Charlie Toth of the parade committee said, “Who accepted this check? Well the guy who approved wasn't there.”

Toth said the decision on parade participants is done by a majority and not just one person on the panel. He said politics didn't even cross his mind.

"It has nothing to do with the party he's with,” Toth said. “We've got a lot of friends that are republicans, it doesn't mean a thing. They are welcome to walk whenever they want.”