As usual, there will be no shortage of events for Waukesha residents this Fourth of July, and the festivities will celebrate more than just the anniversary of the nation's Independence Day.
The annual Fourth of July parade will also commemorate the 90th anniversary of the city's parks, recreation and forestry department. The parade's theme is 'Here's to 90 years.'
'We're excited to celebrate Independence Day in a big way in Waukesha along with the 90th anniversary of Parks, Recreation and Forestry in the city,' said Joanna Adamicki, special events coordinator for the parks, recreation and forestry department. 'It's always fun to see families and organizations come together and create a float for the parade.'
Parade's place
Lineup begins at 10 a.m. at Cutler Park, with the children's marching and float judging following at 10:15 a.m. The parade will begin around 11 a.m.
Organizers originally thought the 2016 parade route might need to be amended to accommodate ongoing downtown construction, but that won't be necessary.
Construction along Main Street, which has been underway for several months, will be complete by the Fourth, Adamicki said Friday, June 24.
As it has in the past, the parade will begin at the corner of Wisconsin and Maple avenues at Cutler Park, proceed west on Wisconsin, north onto West, east onto Main Street to Buckley Street, then north to Baxter Street and stop at Frame Park.
Free ice cream distributed by the Waukesha Kiwanis Early Risers will be available to children at the Schuetze Recreation Center, 1120 Baxter St., at the end of the parade.
Fireworks show
The day will be capped off, as it has been in the past, by a fireworks display at the Waukesha County Expo Center grounds, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha.
The grounds open at 7 p.m., and the show, sponsored by Woodman's Markets, is scheduled to begin around 9:30 p.m.
Like past years, there will be an extensive ground show. As a result, organizers say it is best to view the fireworks on the Expo Center grounds.
Pets, carry-in fireworks (including sparklers) and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
In case of inclement weather, a rain date for the fireworks show is scheduled for Tuesday, July 5.
For information about the activities, call parks department at 262-524-3737.