The Tian Guo Marching Band has accepted a peace offering from the Canadian Tulip Festival after organizers cancelled the band's performance and called it a "staged stunt."

"We're deeply satisfied they had the courage to correct their mistakes," said Lucy Zhou, a band spokeswoman who met with festival officials for two hours on Sunday. "We will not hold any grudges."

After writing organizers to demand an apology, the band is scheduled to perform this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.. at Dow's Lake.

In the official apology released yesterday, organizers noted that the issue was mishandled. "Comments made on behalf of the festival by others had resulted in a misperception of the festival's position and an understandable feeling of grievance by band members," the statement said.

After the performance was cancelled, festival spokesman Doug Little said the band wasn't clear about its affiliation with Falun Gong. When band members appeared in Falun Gong clothing and banners, organizers worried that it was a protest to embarrass the Chinese Embassy, which was a sponsor of the event.

"I think this was a staged stunt on their part, and they are good at that," Mr. Little said at the time. "From our point of view, and from our partner's point of view, their participation is political."

Ms. Zhou said Mr. Little's remarks were especially hurtful and misleading. She said in the past two years, the band has performed in 70 community events with "no embarrassments" and "no protests."

"We're part of the community. We are not professional protesters," she said.

In the meeting on Sunday, the band asked for an apology from Mr. Little specifically.

And in the statement, Mr. Little said he was sorry about the tone and content of his comments.

"I am very sorry that my remarks have not reflected well on band members, on Falun Gong or the festival. I extend my heartfelt apologies to the Tian Guo Marching Band and to each one of its members."

Ms. Zhou said she was glad the matter was closed.

"This could happen to any group. No one should be excluded because of a foreign dictatorship," she said.