18 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On Saturday, KSN Photojournalist Danny Scheer talked to Wichitans celebrating St. Patrick’s Day weekend at the Delano Paddy Day Parade and Wichita Flea Market.
“It’s a big deal. Get everybody down here. Nice. Peaceful. Family,” said Jeff Lappin, a drummer with the Caledonian Pipes & Drums. “We have led the parade several years in a row now. We like to give back to the community. We really enjoy coming out and being a part of these festivities, especially when we heard that it might get canceled and was brought back. It’s a big deal. Big deal for the town”
“We love celebrating the St. Patrick’s Day parade. It’s a family tradition for us. We were so excited for it to come back last year and really thrilled with the direction it’s taken,” said Joley Riley, who attended the parade.
“Favorite holiday of the year. It’s the only day to get out and see everyone dressed up crazy having fun,” said Jim Thompson, who also attended the parade.
“They do such a great job with the parade. A lot of people come down, and it’s just a fun day in Delano, bringing a lot of people down to this area. It’s great because it brings people down to the ballpark, and it lets our vendors have sales and have a good day and make some money and just have a good day,” said Jimmy Spillman, the owner of the Wichita Flea Market.
“It is a gorgeous day. It’s a good time to be together with the community and just celebrate each other,” said Melanie Naden, another parade attendee.
“It’ll be a good parade, and if they make it out soon before the parade, they can get their own picture with the dragons,” said Tim Naden, who went to the parade, too.
“Have a good day, have fun,” said Melanie Naden.
“It’s amazing. It’s amazing, the crowd on the side of the street, the response you get. Yeah, just being out here, especially on a day like this. It’s a beautiful day. This is a huge Wichita tradition. It is, um… it just means a lot to the community,” said Lappin.