Floats
Marching Bands
Dignitaries
Kids to Grannies
The Holiday Season has begun in Waukesha!There was so much to see at the
44'th Waukesha Christmas Parade that you had to swivel your neck and look real fast! Over 90 units participated in this showcase of Waukesha Community Spirit organized by the
Waukesha BID (Business Improvement District). The
BID Executive Director, Karen Richards, and her staff have every reason to feel proud of their efforts.
The 2006 theme was
"Scenes of Christmas" and the parade participants reflected this throughout. Generously sponsored by the
Blood Center of Wisconsin, this celebration of the start of the Holiday Season should also serve as a reminder of the critical need to help those in need.
The Parade was exhilarating! Cub scouts, Brownies, Grannies, Wacky Wheelers, Officials (including
Mayor Larry Nelson, County Executive Dan Vrakas, State Senator Ted Kanavas), old cars, old and new fire engines, veteran's groups, a water-ski team, civic groups, singing stilt-walkers, clowns, and much more.
And the High School Marching Bands!!!!
New Berlin crossed political boundaries as the
Eisenhower Marching Band proudly added their brassy sound to Main Street.
The award-winning Waukesha South, Waukesha West, and Waukesha North Marching Bands capped-off the musical extravaganza as their music soared to new heights while resonating off of the Downtown buildings!
And while thousands of kids (of all ages) took part in the parade, there were literally thousands more lining the streets. Official crowd estimates ranged from +100,000 (Mayor Nelson's "best guess") to +20,000 (Official police estimates). All this does is further ratify Waukesha's standing as the best City in Wisconsin! What a great outpouring of support for the many great things occurring within our Community. Great schools; a beautiful Riverwalk and Downtown; a revitalized business District; strong optimistic leadership; and a populace that comes together to harmoniously celebrate the upcoming season of cheer and camaraderie.
Congratulations and thanks to all who either marched in or viewed the Holiday Christmas Parade. It was a great evening. If you missed it, there will be encore showings starting at the beginning of December on both Waukesha Channels 13 and 25.
(Filming courtesy of the "Education Connection" and the telecommunications students at Waukesha West, and the cooperation of the Waukesha Civic Theatre) This Holiday Season, remember to give special thanks for the many blessings many of us are fortunate to have. As an added thought for this year, consider how you can make a true difference in someone else's life. The Blood Center, the Salvation Army, the Food Pantry, La Casa, and a host of other Waukesha institutions always have unmet needs. Share the "Waukesha Season of Giving" with those who need it most - assuredly, it will add to the warmth of your Holidays.
