The Fourth of July is days away, and Whitefish Bay’s annual celebration (this time for America’s 250th birthday!) is one of the best days in the village. The WFB Buzz spoke with Andrew Jetton, Head of the Civic Foundation’s Parade Committee, as well as a few village employees to get the full rundown — parade, live music, kids games, fireworks, and a few new wrinkles worth knowing about.
The Basics
Some Villagers will be getting the day started off bright and early with block parties. The parade kicks off at 11:30 am at the corner of Silver Spring and Kent Avenue, heads east on Silver Spring, then turns north on Lake Drive to Klode Park. The events at Klode begin at 1pm, with kids games running from 1–4 pm, live music throughout the afternoon and evening, and the fireworks finale at 9:30 pm.
One Ask Before Anything Else: The Kids Games Need You!
Here’s the thing about the kids games at Klode Park — they don’t happen without volunteers. If the slots don’t fill, the booths don’t open, and the games that are a highlight of the day for many Whitefish Bay kids just won’t be there.
The ask is small: shifts run 90 minutes, no experience necessary. You show up, someone tells you what to do, and the games themselves are about as self-explanatory as it gets. Tents will be set up at every station, so you’ll have shade. And yes, there’s a drink coupon in it for you!
Jetton himself is doing a full day of it — parade in the morning, a game shift, then the beer tent — and says it’s genuinely one of the more fun ways to spend part of your Fourth. This is your invitation to be part of that! We are a community blessed with volunteers, so if you haven’t before, here is your chance to join that tradition!
Sign up for a 90-minute shift here — even one slot helps.
What’s New This Year
Veterans as Grand Marshals. In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary and the sacrifices many of our bravest have made, the Civic Foundation is inviting every Whitefish Bay veteran who wishes to participate to march alongside other veterans as a group of Grand Marshals. More than 15 have registered so far, and there will be a vehicle available for those who can’t walk the full route. If you’re a veteran and haven’t registered yet, feel free to register here.
In addition to the veterans, the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter will join this year’s parade, a fitting nod to the country’s founding on its 250th birthday.
Six state championship teams in the parade. Whitefish Bay High School had an exceptional year athletically, claiming six WIAA state team championships and tying a record for most WIAA team championships in a school year. All six teams are expected to march.
The Diamond Dancers are back, as are many familiar faces who join the parade each year. Be on the look out for a new one: Bernie and Barrel Man, the Brewers mascots, will make an appearance alongside the returning Roscoe (Admirals) and Iggy the Marquette Golden Eagle.
The Bike Brigade Is Back
Another new addition: the Kids’ Bike Brigade is being revived after a hiatus. A generation ago, decorating bikes in red, white, and blue and riding up to Klode Park behind the parade was an annual Whitefish Bay tradition, though there hasn’t been one in a number of years. I’ve asked around and I couldn’t quite pin down how long it’s been since the last one – I’m curious if anyone out there remembers!
Children 12 and under are invited to join. They can start at the staging area with the parade (SS & Kent) or simply fall in as the Brigade passes their spot along the route. The bike group follows the Badger Band as the final entry in the parade. About 50 kids are already registered, ranging from age 2 to 12. Parents of younger children are welcome to ride or walk alongside.
A panel of judges — elementary school teachers from the village — will pick the best-decorated ride. The Grand Prize is a $500 gift certificate to Wheel & Sprocket. Other finishers will receive a gift certificate to Dairy Queen, Winkie’s, or Burke’s Candy (while supplies last).
Register here. No e-bikes, and helmets are required.
Live Music Lineup
- Myles Hayes — National Anthem at 1 p.m.
- Tavern Pedalers — 1–3 p.m.
- Bigger Boat — 4–6 p.m.
- ReillyRocks Irish — 7–9 p.m.
A Note on Construction and Parade Viewing
The Sendik’s construction at Silver Spring and Lake Dr is ongoing and will affect where you can stand to watch the parade.
The parade route is not changing. But viewing will be restricted in the construction zone.
Beaumont Ave remains fully closed between Lake Dr and Consaul Pl.
The Village shared that the Sendik’s construction area should remain clear and will not be open to viewers. That means the north side of Silver Spring approaching Lake Dr and around the corner on the west side of Lake Dr from Silver Spring up towards Lake View will not be available for parade watchers.
Jetton reiterated that standing in the street, including outside the construction fencing at Sendik’s is not advisable. The parade has a lot of vehicles making that turn onto Lake Dr, it’s a tight space, kids dart into the street for candy, and it would simply be unsafe.
The east side of Lake Dr will be open and (mostly) clear of construction for the parade including the crosswalk at Beaumont Ave.
We’ll see you out on one of the best days of the year in the village!
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