19 March 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Topeka’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade had an unusual twist this year.
Video emerged online of a parade participant wearing a horror costume and holding a chainsaw as they walked towards spectators. Some children in the video were visibly frightened.
President of the Irish Club of Topeka and parade organizer, Dan Sheehy, posted an apology to the group’s Facebook page, where he said a participating float should not have been allowed.
Sheehy tells 27 News he has taken measures to ensure nothing like this happens again in the future.
“We would like to extend a sincere apology to paradegoers, especially the ones with family members and young children that were in attendance,” he said. “We will be doing better to present a better family friendly event next year.”
Sheehy said in the future, parade organizers will increase restrictions for participating floats. They’ll also add quality assurance checks for every float just prior to the parade start.
“It’s a wonderful Topeka tradition,” Sheehy said. “We’re here to promote a joyful family friendly celebration.”