Franklin Christmas Parade: Dancing Grannies To Walk To Remember

FRANKLIN, WI — The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, a dancing troupe known for its smiles, pompoms and community celebrations across the Milwaukee area, is planning on walking in remembrance in The City of Franklin's Christmas Parade on Dec. 4, according to Ann Adamski, Franklin parade organizer.

The group's expected appearance in Franklin's parade follows the deaths of multiple members at the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy on Sunday, leaving many to mourn. Six people were killed, including members of the Dancing Grannies and an 8-year-old child. At least 60 more were injured when an SUV broke through barricades and ran through the Waukesha parade's crowd.

"I'm pleased that the Grannies will be with Franklin to help them work through their grief," Franklin Mayor Steve Olson said in a statement to Patch.

"Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness. While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds cheers and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts," the Dancing Grannies posted on Facebook Monday following the events in Waukesha.

Members of the group who died Sunday include Virginia Sorenson, 79, Leanna Owen, 71, and Tamara Durand, 52. Wilhelm Hospel, 81, a helper for the group, also died, AP reported.

"Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed.....joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue....held us together," the group's Facebook post said.

Adamski said the organization reached out to her to plan an appearance at Franklin's Christmas Parade.

On Tuesday, Darrell Brooks Jr., 39, was charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide and prosecutors said they intend on filing a sixth intentional homicide charge. A criminal complaint said the act that took six lives and injured dozens more was intentional.

SEE ALSO:

• Franklin's First Christmas Parade Is Still On For Dec. 4
• Waukesha Parade: Brooks Homicide Charges, $5M Bail, 6th Death
• Car Intentionally Drove Into Waukesha Christmas Parade: Complaint
• Waukesha Christmas Parade Deaths: Updated List Of Fundraisers

Tributes made to the Dancing Grannies after Sunday's tragedy in Waukesha remembered the members who died for their energy and vibrancy— they were people who were hoping to bring joy, The New York Times reported.

"She was that kind of person that captured your attention as soon as she walked into the room," David Durand, the husband of Tamara Durand, told reporters Monday, according to The New York Times. "She literally danced her way through the day."

The Dancing Grannies, a choreographed dance and pompom troupe, has been performing at community celebrations since 1984. Members of the group boast over 100 grandchildren and some great-grandchildren. The only requirement to be in the group is to be a grandmother, according to the group's website.

The Associated Press and Patch Editor Jeff Arnold contributed to this report.