Franklin's First Christmas Parade Is Still On For Dec. 4

FRANKLIN, WI — The City of Franklin's first-ever Christmas Parade is still scheduled to place on Dec. 4 alongside a host of holiday activities, a news release from the city said.

The announcement re-affirms the city's plans for "A Franklin Christmas" in the aftermath of Sunday's events in Waukesha. A parade of family-friendly entertainment leading up to the city's tree-lighting ceremony has been planned, according to the news release.

"We’re sensitive to the tragedy in Waukesha and wish to honor the spirit of those who were killed or hurt by participating in the celebration of the Christmas holiday season with a parade, an activity they were participating in," Franklin Mayor Steve Olson said in a statement. "We are aware of the circumstances surrounding the Waukesha tragedy and are confident that we’ll provide a safe and enjoyable event for families."

Some municipalities, such as Whitefish Bay and Menomonee Falls, have already canceled plans for their holiday parades after an SUV broke through barricades and tore through the crowd at the Waukesha's Christmas Parade on Sunday, leaving five people dead, and dozens more injured.

"The size and character of our planned parade lends itself to a very safe and entertaining event for this first year,"Ann Adamski, parade organizer, said in a statement.

Related:

• The Latest: Waukesha Christmas Parade Tragedy
• SUV Driver Faced Previous Charges: DA

Here's What's Planned For The Event On Dec. 4:

The afternoon starts at the Franklin Public Library, 9151 West Loomis Road. Family-friendly fun and a visit from Santa will take place from 1-3 p.m., according to Franklin's website. To register for the Library event, call 414-425-8214.

After the Library event, the Franklin Historical Society will host an "Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration" at 8060 South Legend Drive. Visitors will be able to tour Franklin's historic buildings in the park and non-denominational services will take place at St. Peters Chapel at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.

The Christmas Parade, a first for Franklin, will kick off at 4:15 p.m. The parade starts at the Intersection of Drexel Avenue and Schlueter Parkway. It will travel down Schlueter then turn left on Legend Drive. The parade will then turn right into the parking lot of City Hall, 9229 West Loomis Road, up the hill, and around to the front near the tree.

View a map of the parade route here.

Once the parade concludes in front of the tree at City Hall, the tree-lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m.

"We considered the impact on the Waukesha victims and their families and
together feel the size and timing to be respectful," Mayor Olson said in a statement.

More details on Franklin's Christmas celebrations can be found online at the city's website.