HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Hagerstown Mayor William Breichner apologized for likening a proposed drag queen pageant to a Ku Klux Klan gathering and a hobo convention.

His remarks, reported by the (Hagerstown) Herald-Mail, angered a promoter who hopes to stage the event in the area.

Breichner issued a statement saying, “My concern is not regarding the gay pageant but the individuals who may come and demonstrate against the pageant and disrupt the peace and tranquility of our citizens.”

“I do understand that my remarks could be considered offensive and apologize to those that have been offended by them,” Breichner said.

In an interview with the Herald-Mail, Breichner said the city could not bar such a show but “I don’t know if that’s really what we need here.”

“It’s like having the Ku Klux Klan hold a rally downtown,” Breichner told the newspaper. He also likened it to the annual hobo convention in Britt, Iowa.

Daniel Rotkiske, owner and promoter of Miss Gay American National Pageants, of West York, Pa., said Breichner’s remarks expressed ignorance about gays and lesbians’ economic contribution.

“As for the mayor likening us to hobos, I’d like to see a hobo spend $3,000 on a gown,” Rotkiske said. “I’d like to see the mayor spend$3,000 on a gown.”

The group had planned to hold the event Jan. 10 at the Clarion Hotel in Hagerstown before negotiations broke down.

Pageant administrator A.J. Makibbin said organizers are still looking for a Hagerstown venue, and they also plan to speak with officials from the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center in York, Pa., about holding the pageant there.