Posted: June 23, 2009

Menomonee Falls — Residents will be able to stake out their spots to view the village's Independence Day parade after 7 p.m. July 2.

However, Police Chief Anna Ruzinski said people need to be cautious about claiming spots in the median along the parade route, particularly Appleton Avenue.

"We know it has been a tradition in the past," Ruzinski said of residents claiming their spots the night before the fireworks display. "Everyone wants the best spot."

While she said the department wants everyone to have a good time, people need to be cognizant of the traffic on Appleton Avenue.

No tarps, plastic, wood or couches will be allowed along the parade route, boulevards, park land or on any public property. Those items and any others that create a hazard or visual obstruction for motorists will be removed and will not be returned to the owners.

The Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls organizes the annual parade, which precedes the fireworks.

The parade, which lasts about two hours, will start at 7 p.m. July 3 on Appleton Avenue at Elm Lane, proceed southeast on Appleton Avenue to Woosencraft Drive, north on Woosencraft toward Menomonee Falls High School, N8101 Merrimac Drive, east around the high school and end at Merrimac and Eastwood drives.

Roads will be closed no later than 6 p.m.

More than 90 groups will participate in the parade, Optimist Club member Greg Goss said. The grand marshal is former Village President Rick Rechlicz.

Optimist Club members will sell concessions during the parade.

Goss said spectators are encouraged to stay in the stadium to view the fireworks, which will follow the performances. The fireworks display, sponsored by the village, will begin at dusk, about 9:30 p.m. at the practice field between the high school and Ben Franklin Elementary School.

The rain date for the fireworks is July 5.

FYI

Information and tips are listed on the village's Web site, menomonee-falls.org, under the Menomonee Falls News tab.