(KAIR)--A familiar face in the Atchison community will take the spotlight at Atchison’s 42nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, being held under the 2026 theme, "It's a Pot of Gold Party."
Organizers have named Patty Flynn as Grand Marshal for the parade, scheduled for 2:00 Saturday afternoon, March 14. Flynn, a lifelong Atchison resident, is the widow of the late John Flynn, remembered as a longtime teacher and football coach at Maur Hill–Mount Academy.
Parade committee members recently, during a dinner, told Flynn about her selection for the honor.
Flynn will step into the role 3-hours prior to parade time during a crowning ceremony at 11:00 that Saturday morning at the Atchison Elks Lodge, located at 609 Kansas Avenue.
Committee chair Janie Pickman, in a release announcing this year's selection, says Flynn was chosen from three nominees in a close decision, citing her long record of support for the community. “We are thrilled for Patty, who was among three very qualified nominees in what turned out to be a really close race this year,” said Pickman. “She has long been a great Atchison community supporter and is highly deserving of this honor.”
Organizers say Flynn was surprised by the honor and is looking forward to having family back in town for the parade weekend. “Everyone is coming back to town and this will be the first time we will all be
together to participate in the event as a family,” she said. “My kids, grandkids and great-grandkids will all be together to celebrate being a Flynn,” she noted. “It’s going to be wonderful!”
Last year’s Grand Marshal, Steve Pickman, also congratulated Flynn, noting her strong reputation in the community and the positive spirit she brings to local events. “She’s a widely respected and beloved member of our community whose warm, ever-present smile is sure to brighten up the day for all parade goers, no matter what our erratic March weather might bring,” he said. “She’s a great choice and I’m extremely happy for her.”
Organizers add that while Flynn’s own family roots aren’t Irish, her late husband’s family heritage includes ties to County Mayo and County Cork, with relatives who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. Flynn says she believes her late husband would be proud to see that heritage recognized during the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. “I think John would be very happy,” Patty said. “His Irish heritage and family were very important to him, so taking a moment to think about and honor that heritage would make him smile. I believe he will be smiling down on all of us this St. Patrick’s Day.”
Meanwhile, the deadline for parade registration is fast approaching.
According to the planning committee, those wanting to place a float onto the parade route, in the division of either Family Youth or Organization Business, must do so by March 1, this coming Sunday.
Entry forms, if not yet obtained, can be found at the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce.
Trophies will be awarded in each category, for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, after the parade at the Atchison Elk's Lodge.
