APPLETON, Wis. — The Downtown Appleton Christmas parade will go on, with a special recognition to the victims and families of the Waukesha community.
Parade officials shared the decision Monday afternoon. It comes following the tragedy in Waukesha Sunday night, when an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.
“The City of Appleton stands with our neighbors in Waukesha in the wake of yesterday’s tragic incident at their annual Christmas parade. Our hearts are heavy even as we prepare to hold our own Christmas parade and to gather in the same spirit of community, celebration, and peace that brought the Waukesha community together on Sunday. The City of Appleton has reached out to the City of Waukesha directly to offer our support and heartfelt condolences as they mourn. We also extend our condolences to members of our own community affected directly and indirectly by yesterday’s events,” reads a statement from the Appleton Parade Committee.
The Appleton Christmas parade will start with a silent procession, dedicated to the Waukesha community. The Committee asks that parade attendees join in a moment of silence for the victims and families as the procession passes by.
The 50th Anniversary Christmas Parade will follow its planned route, moving eastbound on College Avenue from State Street to Drew Street. The parade route will block or restrict traffic on and across College Avenue from 6:00 p.m. until approximately 10:00 p.m.
