KEY POINTS:
- Despite Waukesha’s challenges and difficulties after the 2021 Christmas Parade attack, the city hasn’t stopped pushing through and continuing its unwavering journey toward peace and healing.
- The holiday season kicked off with the Waukesha Nights of Lights parade on Friday, December 2.
- The night began with the Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. with plenty of festive fun such as hot chocolate, music, and the magnificent tree lighting.
- Around 6:00 p.m., the community started its Lantern Stroll & Caroling journey. Attendees followed Santa down to the river from the Rotunda with an illuminating lantern walk.
- The strength that Waukesha has shown over the past year is purely inspiring. They refuse to be controlled out of fear, won’t let evil win, and want Nights of Lights to outshine the darkness they were forced to endure.
December is already here, the season of cheer for many. But, unfortunately, Christmas time will affect Waukesha residents a bit differently this year, especially those who lost loved ones or were seriously injured in the Waukesha Christmas Parade attack in November 2021.
Despite Waukesha’s challenges and difficulties after the attack, the city hasn’t stopped pushing through and continuing its unwavering journey toward peace and healing. Residents still feel the tragedy’s effects but aren’t about to give up. That’s why they lit up the city to show just how bright their hope for the future is.
The holiday season kicked off with the Waukesha Nights of Lights parade on Friday, December 2. City Administrator Levin Lahner commented, “It’s another step in our healing process for us.”
The night began with the Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. This event took place outside the Rotunda (235 W. Broadway), with plenty of festive fun such as hot chocolate, music, and of course, the magnificent tree lighting.
Around 6:00 p.m., the community started its Lantern Stroll & Caroling journey. Attendees followed Santa down to the river from the Rotunda with an illuminating lantern walk. The group made a few stops outside the local downtown businesses to do some caroling too!
Of course, we couldn’t forget the Walk of Lights ceremony. This happened at 6:30 p.m. and wrapped up the night with a glowing walk along Riverfront Street and across the river. Afterward, residents could collect holiday treats, a giveaway for a special Walk of Lights ornament, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus!
Without a doubt, any Christmas parade in the city will impact residents differently this year because of the chaos that ensued at last year’s parade. It’s intimidating to go back out and put yourself in the same position you thought was safe last time. It’s even more challenging when you push yourself to go out and endure that alone, without your wife, husband, or child; it won’t be the same.
However, the strength that Waukesha has shown over the past year is purely inspiring. They refuse to be controlled out of fear, they won’t let evil win, and they want Nights of Lights to outshine that darkness that they were forced to endure.
Steph Russ, a Waukesha woman who attended the parade with her family last year during the attack, commented about the Night of Lights parade, “We want to be a part of the love and light, so I made these ornaments to be lanterns.” She added, “I wanted to come and sort of rebuild some new memories and be part of the positive spirit of the community and not let tragedy impact us.”
The night involved a powerful community uniting together to show support, lift each other up, and show that there is still a brightly shining light in their community—a light of hope and perseverance, a light of courage and strength.
Throughout December, the city of Waukesha also encourages homes and businesses to light a blue light outside. This gesture could show communal support even if you couldn’t attend the Nights of Lights parade.
