What was supposed to be a festive weekend in Alexandria turned into a weekend of frustration and anger. All events during homecoming weekend at Peabody Magnet High School were cancelled because of what officials say was a credible security threat. Community activist Tony Brown is furious.
“A few people at the top decided that some threats were credible enough to cancel this 50-year-old celebration, and the community is not happy about it,” Brown said.
Brown says people came from as far away from California and Canada for the celebration, just to have the celebration taken away. In fact, Brown says people had been lined up along the parade route for hours before word came down that the parade had been cancelled.
“There’s normally a tailgate that happens after the parade where people come from all over the country, come back to Peabody, to celebrate Peabody’s 150-year-old, history. That got cancelled,” Brown explained.
In addition, Peabody Magnet’s homecoming game against Franklin was also cancelled. Brown says it’s a huge loss for the entire community.
“Think about the football players. Think about the homecoming court. Think about those parents who were looking forward to this night. Think about the band members and their parents, who put a lot of resources into making this happen,” Brown said.
The football game will not be made up.
