Some Manhattan businesses not happy about "Fake Patty's Day"

(MANHATTAN, Kan.) — Some businesses in Manhattan have mixed feelings about a March tradition in Aggieville called "Fake Patty's Day".

March 12th businesses will mark the faux holiday. It was created to celebrate St. Patrick's Day before Kansas State University students go on Spring Break.

It is a big day for bar and restaurant owners. Some say they make as much in one Fake Patty's Day as they make on four home football game days.

Owners of stores that do not sell alcohol or food says they don't expect much traffic. The owner of Big Poppi's Bicycle Shop says he expects less traffic than usual.

"It's not an environment that those families can come down here and shop at our establishment and feel that it's a comfortable place for them to be or have their children around." said Aaron Apel with Big Poppi's.

Riley County Police say Aggieville usually isn't a problems on Fake Patty's Day, but house parties in nearby neighborhoods can be. They will be working with the Kansas Highway Patrol and Alcohol and Beverage Control to watch for things like drunk drivers and underage drinking.