(CNN) The Christmas parade in Wake Forest, North Carolina, has been a local tradition for more than 70 years. But this year, it's being canceled because of safety concerns following the participation of local Confederate sympathy groups. They typically appear in period costumes with a banner that includes an image of the Confederate flag. This year, Wake Forest police reported receiving information that outside groups planned on attending the parade to either protest or support the Confederate group, the release said. "Groups that contact us about their plans to protest tend to follow our rules and regulations," said Wake Forest Police Chief Jeff Leonard in a statement.

Source: CNN December 07, 2019 01:30 UTC