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WAUKESHA, Wis. — The City of Waukesha has released a new parade route for 2023, which will be in effect for all Waukesha parades this year.
This community is still healing after six people were killed and more than 60 others were injured in the 2021 Christmas Parade tragedy.
“It was very tragic,” said Alejandro Reyes, a junior who works on Main Street.
“Obviously change is needed because what happened wasn't good,” said Matt Rian, a business owner on Main Street.
Police Captain Dan Baumann says there will be boosted security along the 4th of July parade route, whether you notice it or not. “Whether it be overt posture or covert posture, people are going to see the enhanced measures," he said.
City officials are continuing to review safety protocols and procedures for all events, and this change in route is a result of the reviews.
Captain Baumann says they will have fewer roads closed, compared to last year’s Christmas parade, to allow for better traffic flow and, “Want a more perimeter-based approach to our parades," he said.
“A secure and defensible space for us to work in,” said Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Hoffman with the Waukesha Fire Department.
Hoffman pointed out the investment in mobile vehicle barriers, which have the ability to drastically reduce the speed or completely stop a vehicle that drives into it, including a truck. “Have a secure zone inside the parade, but it also allows us if we have another emergency at the event not associated with the parade," he said.
A news release says the new parade route is being put into place for several reasons.
- Strategic placement of the City’s Mobile Vehicle Barriers (MVBs)
- Direct access for emergency services
- Additional and closer parking options for attendees including access to the City’s South Street parking ramp and downtown municipal lots.
- Improved traffic flow around the event which will help to reduce traffic congestion before, during, and after the event.
The City of Waukesha said it will continue to establish a secure perimeter along the route. Parking restrictions will again be in place, with further precautions announced when parades are closer.
In addition to changing the route, the City also announced its Fourth of July fireworks will actually take place on July 3 this year.
The fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m., with the Fourth of July parade taking part on July 4 at 11 a.m. The city said the change of date allows for greater efficiency of city services.
Officials believe the new route will allow for easier access to parking, will ease traffic, and a senior living facility that had been hard to access for medical emergencies during recent parades.
A small step towards a sense of security and normalcy.
A man was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for hitting and killing six people and injuring dozens more during the Waukesha Christmas parade on Nov. 21, 2021.
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