APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Appleton’s annual Christmas parade returned Tuesday night to College Avenue, just days after a Christmas parade in Waukesha turned deadly when a man sped an SUV into the parade and crowd.
The city and parade committee made the decision on Monday to still host the parade.
“Our hearts go out and prayers to those families,” said Brad Siebers of Kimberly. “How devastating at this time of the year.”
Just before Appleton’s parade kicked off with its dancers, marching bands, and hundreds of eyes glued to College Avenue, parade goers held a moment of silence, as a procession began the 50th annual Christmas parade downtown. Honoring the six people killed and dozens more injured during the tragic event that took place in Waukesha only 48 hours earlier.
“I think our community is binding together, my heart goes out to Waukesha,” said Julie Zimpel of Appleton.
Appleton police did say they revamped safety plans four years ago for larger events like this. For the parade, they added barricades at every intersection along the parade route.
“I think Appleton has a great plan in place to keep everybody safe and I think it’s important to share we can stay strong after something like this happens and come together as a community and make this night happen,” said parade-marcher Jenny Lefebvr.
Many parade goers said Appleton made the right decision to still host the event and were happy to be back watching the community parade after last year’s cancellation.
“I think missing last year was huge with the COVID protocols so this is really nice.” said Siebers. “Tragedies happen and I thing for the most part people get through it.”
The City did have police patrolling on foot and along the perimeter of the parade route. The Wisconsin State Patrol was also brought in for additional safety measures this year.
See a full schedule of Christmas and holiday parades in Northeast Wisconsin
