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St. Patrick’s parade participants offered chance at the green

By Caroline Trowbridge - | Mar 3, 2004

Organizers for Tonganoxie’s St. Patrick’s Day aren’t speaking the blarney.

In fact, they’ve put their money where their mouths are.

To increase participation in the 2004 parade, which is set for 10 a.m. March 13, organizers have increased prize money for the top parade participants.

“We’ve raised the bar for the money,” said Debbie Breuer, who heads the Tonganoxie Chamber of Commerce committee that’s organizing this year’s parade.

Floats in the annual event will vie for a total of $250 in prize money: $125 for first place; $75 for second place; and $50 for third place.

A new competition class — an open class — also will be eligible for prizes: $60 for first; $40 for second; and $25 for third.

“That’s kids, bikes, pets, anything that can complete the parade,” Breuer explained. “We’re doing this to encourage more participation.

Funds for the float and open categories has been donated by the Tonganoxie Chamber of Commerce, the Tonganoxie Recreation Commission and the Friends of the Tonganoxie Library.

In addition, Breuer said, Evans Real Estate has donated $100 for a Best Band Award.

Total prize money last year was $250, she said.

“We’ve almost doubled it,” Breuer said.

She encouraged anyone who’s interested in joining the parade to head to Main Street, near the swimming pool, to line up.

“There aren’t any entry forms to fill out,” she said. “Come and participate, and you will be judged. The phantom judges will be out.”