In Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, a seemingly festive Halloween parade turned controversial when a 5-year-old girl discovered a recruitment card for the Women of the Ku Klux Klan among her candy haul. The incident, which occurred during the annual parade hosted by the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce, has ignited widespread condemnation and concern across the community.

Unexpected Discovery The card, labeled “Women of the Ku Klux Klan,” was found by the child’s parents while inspecting her candy bucket after the parade. It included contact information and slogans such as “a revival of the American spirit” and “the invisible empire.” A friend of the family posted the image online, prompting hundreds of reactions ranging from disbelief to fury.

KKK Response CBS 21 reached out to the number listed on the card and received a voicemail identifying the group as a patriotic movement. A representative from the Women of the KKK later responded, claiming the cards were not intended for children and denying any deliberate targeting of minors. “Children are precious and are not to be used as pawns,” the statement read.

Community Backlash Local residents expressed outrage and heartbreak over the incident. “Don’t ever come around here, your kind ain’t welcome,” said one neighbor. Others emphasized Mechanicsburg’s diversity and inclusivity, noting the parade route passed Broad Street Elementary School and featured children from various backgrounds.

Historical Context While the KKK’s presence in Pennsylvania dates back to the early 20th century—with parades and rallies in nearby Harrisburg—modern sightings are rare and deeply unsettling. According to historical research from Messiah University, central Pennsylvania was once a hub for Klan activity, but such ideologies are widely rejected today.

Local Leadership Responds Jeff Palm, Executive Director of the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce, stated that no parade organizers were involved in distributing the card and that this was the first he’d heard of such an incident. “We do not condone hate in any form,” Palm emphasized.

This episode has prompted renewed conversations about vigilance, community values, and the importance of standing against hate—even when it appears in unexpected places.