The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) has officially announced that it is stepping away from its association with Fake Patty’s Day, an annual celebration that has long been popular among Kansas State University (K-State) students.

RCPD Director Brian Peete made the statement while addressing Riley County commissioners, explaining that the department will no longer support or promote the unofficial holiday. Despite the decision, the event is still expected to take place, as many bars and businesses in Aggieville continue to offer drink specials and activities. However, RCPD will maintain a strong police presence to ensure public safety.

What is Fake Patty’s Day?

Fake Patty’s Day is an annual event celebrated in Manhattan, Kansas, before K-State’s spring break. Since St. Patrick’s Day typically falls during the break, local bars and businesses in Aggieville—a popular entertainment district—host early festivities with themed events, drink specials, and parties. The event has drawn thousands of college students and visitors each year, making it one of the most anticipated days in the area.

Although the Aggieville Business Association no longer sponsors Fake Patty’s Day, many bars and establishments continue to participate, attracting large crowds. Over the years, however, the celebration has also led to numerous public safety concerns, including arrests, citations, and incidents of violence and property damage.

Why is RCPD Cutting Ties?

During his presentation to county commissioners, Peete emphasized the growing safety risks associated with Fake Patty’s Day.

“We are officially breaking up with Fake Patty’s Day,” he stated. “The event has become a source of concern for the community, with many residents reaching out to express anxiety over public disturbances, crime, and safety hazards.”

RCPD’s decision is largely based on the increasing number of incidents that occur during the celebration. In previous years, law enforcement officers have dealt with numerous cases of disorderly conduct, vandalism, and alcohol-related offenses. The high volume of visitors also puts a strain on emergency services, requiring additional resources to handle medical calls and public safety threats.

Will Fake Patty’s Day Still Happen?

Despite RCPD’s decision to distance itself from the event, Fake Patty’s Day is still expected to take place. Many bars in Aggieville plan to continue hosting themed parties and offering drink specials, drawing large crowds as in previous years.

However, RCPD has made it clear that officers will be present to monitor the situation and respond to any incidents. The department’s focus will be on maintaining order and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.

“We are not encouraging or supporting the event, but we will be there to enforce the law and keep the community safe,” Peete said. “Our priority is to prevent excessive disturbances and minimize risks.”

Community Reactions

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some residents and business owners support RCPD’s decision, citing concerns over property damage and safety risks. Others, especially students and eventgoers, believe Fake Patty’s Day is an important tradition that contributes to the local economy and social scene.

Local business owners have expressed concerns that RCPD’s withdrawal of support could impact foot traffic and sales. While some establishments see the event as an opportunity to attract more customers, others worry about managing large crowds without organized support from law enforcement and city officials.

What’s Next?

With Fake Patty’s Day expected to continue, RCPD urges attendees to celebrate responsibly and follow local laws. The department is working on an online safety campaign to raise awareness about responsible drinking, crowd control, and emergency preparedness.

As the event approaches, RCPD will continue monitoring public sentiment and law enforcement needs, making adjustments as necessary. Whether the community will see significant changes in the event’s atmosphere remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Fake Patty’s Day is evolving, and local authorities are taking steps to prioritize public safety.