Muskego Festival: Parade Draws National Memorial and Regional Talent

People from all over Muskego and surrounding areas are getting their lawn chairs ready for the Muskego Festival Parade, themed “Proud to be an American,” on Sunday, August 27, 2011.

This year’s parade includes a 9/11 memorial with an historic I-beam from ground zero at the World Trade Center site, political newsmakers Senator Mary Lazich & Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolous, the Chicago South Shore Drill Team, Door County Sled Dogs, local celebrities and other entertainment, according to Chuck Azzolina, Chairperson.

Folks are already marking off curbside spots for the 2-hour parade, which begins at 11:00 a.m. Sunday at Lannon Drive and Janesville Road in Muskego. The parade then heads west on Janesville Road to Racine Avenue, turning south to the festival grounds on Racine Avenue and Pioneer Drive, Azzolina said.  Here’s a brief sample of the line-ups in order of appearance:

#4:  Parade Marshall Fred Korth heads the honorary group of this year’s parade, Muskego’s American Legion Post #356.  Korth was elected parade Marshall by Legion members and will ride in a blue, 1967 Pontiac convertible, donated for use by Robert Stevens, Korth said.  The Legion provides local scholarships, flags for Moreland Road, and represents veterans at Memorial & Veteran’s Days and other events.

#9: Door County Sled Dogs and their mushers will meet and greet visitors at the parade grounds after the parade, Azzolina said.  Visitors can take pictures of the Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, who love people, children, and running, according to their web site.

#20/#21 Muskego High School Marching Band and MHS Cheerleaders will perform for the crowd.

#22 Muskego’s First “First Lady,”  new Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti, representing the City of Muskego as the first female mayor, will be joined by members of the Muskego Common Council. 

#23 State Representative Dave Craig and Senator Mary Lazich. Lazich recently defeated a recall effort in Wisconsin to hold her Senate seat.

#24 Waukesha County Clerk Kathy Nickolaus, who endured heated criticism for late correction of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice tallies in an April, 2011 election.  Recounts confirmed Justice David Prosser as victor in the race over challenger JoAnne Kloppenberg

#33 Muskego Lions Motorized Boats - a crowd favorite, according to Azzolina.

#39 Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes & Drums, complete with ethnic kilts and bagpipes, Azzolina said.

#63 South Shore Drill Team:  This Chicago youth team, ages 8 to 21, is known for precision drilling and dance routines nationwide, according to the team’s web site.  Though most members come from schools with drop-out rates of 55% - or almost 1 out 2 students failing - almost 100% of the group’s members graduate with their class and most go on to college or technical schools, breaking the poverty cycle.

#67A Muskego Waterbugs, Muskego’s water skiing performance artists cap a summer of performances in the end-of-summer parade.

Visitors are advised to reach their viewing areas early, as parade roads begin closing down at about 10:30 a.m. on parade day, Azzolina said.  Food and beverages are available at many sites along the parade route and after the parade on the , he said.