Keansburg St. Patrick's Day Parade Canceled After Suspicious Device Found

Future parades in the New Jersey town now in doubt as authorities investigate the incident.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:10pm

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The Keansburg, New Jersey, St. Patrick's Day Parade was canceled last weekend after a suspicious device was discovered near the parade route. Keansburg Mayor George Hoff said future parades are now being tabled until authorities determine who was responsible for the device.

Why it matters

The cancellation of the popular annual parade is a major disappointment for the community, and raises concerns about public safety and the potential for future disruptions to local events. The investigation into the suspicious device could have broader implications for how the town approaches security and planning for large public gatherings moving forward.

The details

According to officials, the suspicious package was found on Beachway Avenue, about 30 minutes before the 1 p.m. start of the parade. Police advised parade organizers to cancel the event out of an abundance of caution. Surveillance video shows participants gathering outside the Paper Bag Deli in anticipation of the parade before being told it was shut down.

  • The suspicious device was discovered around 12:30 p.m. on March 18, 2026, just 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the Keansburg St. Patrick's Day Parade.
  • The parade was immediately canceled upon the discovery of the suspicious device.

The players

George Hoff

The mayor of Keansburg, New Jersey, who has chaired the parade committee for two decades.

Ashley Lozada

The owner of the Paper Bag Deli, where parade participants were gathering before the event was canceled.

Sara Alvarez

A parent whose 11-year-old daughter was set to participate in the parade as a cheerleader before it was canceled.

Raelynn Hynes

A parade participant who was disappointed that the event was canceled.

Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office

The law enforcement agency now leading the investigation into the suspicious device found near the parade route.

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What they’re saying

“Our police chief advised us that a suspicious package had been found in this area, so out of precaution and safety for everyone, we had to cancel the parade.”

— George Hoff, Mayor of Keansburg

“People come from all over the place to see the parade. Who would have thought that in [the] small town of Keansburg that something like this would have happened?”

— Ashley Lozada, Deli Owner

“I was like, 'Don't move from me.' We had no idea what was going on.”

— Sara Alvarez, Parent

“I was disappointed because I really wanted to be there. I wanted to be with my friends.”

— Raelynn Hynes, Parade Participant

What’s next

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office is continuing its active investigation into the suspicious device found near the Keansburg St. Patrick's Day Parade route. Officials have not yet determined who was responsible or the motive behind the incident. The future of the town's Memorial Day Parade is now in doubt, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The takeaway

The cancellation of the Keansburg St. Patrick's Day Parade due to a suspicious device serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and robust security measures at large public events. This incident has shaken the community and raised concerns about the potential for future disruptions, underscoring the importance of proactive planning and coordination between local officials, law enforcement, and event organizers.