Various cities are now making modifications or canceling their holiday parades after the tragedy that killed at least five people in Waukesha.
On Tuesday, Whitefish Bay announced the 2021 Holiday Stroll Parade scheduled for Friday is now canceled.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony and other non-parade activities occurring as part of the Holiday Stroll event have also been postponed until a future date in December.
On Monday afternoon, the Menomonee Falls Police Department said that it was canceling the parade that was suppose to happen on Nov. 28.
The Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade has been CANCELED for Sunday, November 28 in light of the recent events in the City of Waukesha.
— Menomonee Falls Police Department (@ProtectTheFalls) November 22, 2021
The City of Appleton has decided to keep its holiday parade. However, a silent procession has been added to the very beginning as a sign of respect to the Waukesha community.
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"The Parade Committee will feature a silent procession, which will occur immediately before the start of Appleton’s Christmas Parade, 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," A statement on the city's Facebook page said.
The West Bend Police said that they discussed the future of its parade as well. The parade will continue as planned, but there will be added security measures to keep everyone safe. The main added security measure is more blocked off streets.
"Participants and spectators attending the parade may not be able to park in spots they did in the past as additional road closures will be in place."
The Grafton Police Department announced Tuesday that the city's Christmas parade will still go on this Saturday.
"While we will not discuss the details of our mitigation strategies, we do want you to rest assured that you and your loved ones will be safe and protected during the Grafton Christmas Parade," city leaders said in a statement.
On Monday, city leaders and parade organizers met to discuss if the parade should continue and what extra measures could be taken to ensure safety and security if the parade were to go as planned.
A decision was not initially made. Police met again Tuesday for their final decision.
"We appreciate your patience as we navigate this unfortunate situation," the Grafton Police Department said in a statement on Monday. "Rest assured, should the parade continue as planned, we are confident that our added measures will result in a safe and enjoyable event for all."
The Sheboygan Police Department said that the city's parade will still happen on Nov. 28.
"While acts of violence at community events of all kinds are a shocking and sad reality of our society, parades continue to be a safe and family-friendly way to celebrate our holidays and highlight important aspects of our community identity. We share the grief and heartache that Waukesha now faces while holding firm to the belief that the community has the resilience to heal from it," the police department said in a statement.
The City of Franklin said its first annual holiday parade will go on as planned Dec. 4.
"We are aware of the circumstances surrounding the Waukesha tragedy and are confident we'll provide a safe and enjoyable event for families," Franklin Mayor, Steve Olson, said.
Oconomowoc said the city will have increased protection put in place to control any vehicles from entering the parade on Saturday, Dec. 4. The parade kicks off at 5 p.m.
Officials say there will also be an increased presence of law enforcement, fire, and EMS throughout the parade. There will also be additional road closures. The road closures will occur earlier than in the past and will be hard closures, according to officials.
There will also be increased security at the German Christmas Market Wednesday through Sunday.
West Allis Mayor Dan Devine announced Tuesday that the city will proceed with the West Allis Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 4:45 p.m.
Devine said there will be significant security investments and additional protective measures guided by police and fire officials.
Port Washington said their parade will go on as planned for Saturday, Dec. 4.
This story will be updated as more cancellations or modifications are made known.