“White History Month” float marrs NC July 4 parade
HOPE MILLS, N.C. (WTVD) — A Fourth of July parade float is coming under fire after residents believe the message was offensive at a family oriented event.
People lined the streets of Hope Mills Thursday for the community’s annual July 4th parade.
A picture snapped by a parade-goer shows a man on a tractor flying a confederate flag and pulling a wagon loaded with watermelons. A sign on the trailer read: “White History Month. Hug WTE PPL.”
Town officials told ABC11 that farmer Donnie Spell applied for and received a parade permit. However, officials said Spell told them he would be pulling an antique tractor with a sign that read: “Watermelons for sale” at a nearby bank parking lot.
When ABC11 went to Spell’s home, his gate was locked. A neighbor said he didn’t think the man was trying to be vicious or funny.
More: Controversy Surrounds ‘White History Month’ Float in North Carolina July 4 Parade