GARNER, N.C. – The Town of Garner cancelled its Christmas parade, which was scheduled for Dec. 7, on Wednesday due to concerns that it could be “targeted for disruption,” according to a news release from the town.
- Garner has cancelled its Christmas parade
- The town said it could be “targeted for disruption”
- The town’s tree-lighting ceremony is still scheduled for Dec. 6
The group Move Silent Sam earlier this week criticized the inclusion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in recent parades, including last year's. In a post dated Nov. 25, the group asked, "Is the Town of Garner trying to send the message that racism is welcome in the community?"
The release said, “The Town is especially concerned about the possibility of bystanders, including children, being caught in the middle of disruptive actions.”
Garner’s “foremost responsibility is always to ensure public safety,” the release said.
City officials would not say whether that post in particular directly influenced their decision to cancel the parade. Following the announcement, Move Silent Sam said in a statement, "Instead of canceling the Christmas parade, the Town of Garner could have disallowed divisive and hurtful symbols such as the Confederate flag."
Interim Police Chief Joe Binns said because the parade is a mobile event, someone could disrupt it at any point along its route. He said it's simply not feasible to provide enough officers to prevent disruption from start to finish.
Ricky Pearce said he marched in the parade when he was in high school, took his sons to see it when they were little, and drove the mayor in it a few years ago. He said town leaders were letting a small group dictate what everyone else does.
“I'm just disappointed that the children of this area, the people of this area, the people that call Garner home and they have called it home for so many years, are going to be deprived of something we always look forward to because of a group of people that can't let the past be in the past," he said.
“Light Up Main,” the town’s tree-lighting festival, is still scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6 on Main Street.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans released the following statement Wednesday:
"Concerning the Garner Christmas Parade, the North Carolina Division, the Sons of Confederate Veterans is displeased and deeply saddened that the Town of Garner caved in to the threat of violence stemming from radical Marxist extremist groups in the area, although we do understand the town’s concern.
Social media accounts from several sometimes-violent anti-American groups have in recent weeks asked whether the local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp would again be participating in the parade. The Garner camp has participated for many years and enjoyed fellowship with the citizens of Garner. Our organization is and has been always welcome.
Recently, some anti-First Amendment and anti-American groups have resorted to violence in order to silence anyone with whom they disagree. Examples of such violence were seen in recent weeks in Pittsboro, North Carolina. We are saddened that we, as well as other groups targeted by the insane chatter of extremists, have been denied the opportunity to honor Garner because of this possible threat of violence.
The words of the Constitution of the United States of America call on our government to protect all speech, even speech that someone may not agree with. No individual or group has a right to use violence to silence a dissenting opinion. We look forward to a time when our higher educational systems will instill in students American ideals and a greater understanding of the freedoms afforded to all of us by our Creator, and a time when communities do not have to fear or shut down a community event because of threats to our freedom of speech and freedom of assembly."
Following much controversy, town officials understand residents have strong feelings regarding the decision to cancel the annual parade. Officials decided to answers questions and address concerns in a brief video.