Danny Gokey Among Attractions at Waukesha Holiday Parade

Wisconsin’s Danny Gokey, who took third place in the 2009 season of American Idol, will be appearing in the Christmas parade in downtown Waukesha, which starts at 4 p.m.

Gokey’s appearance is sponsored by Wisconsin Vision, according to a news release from the Waukesha Business Improvement District.

The parade line up

Here is the release:

The 49th Annual Waukesha Christmas Parade themed Canes on Main will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. Brought to you by the Blood Center of Wisconsin, this time honored Waukesha tradition organized by the Waukesha Business Improvement District will showcase annual parade favorites, such as Santa and Mrs. Klaus, as well as a variety of new units.

Waukesha BID Executive Director Meghan Sprager shares, “The Christmas Parade marks the start of the holiday season for many people. Our agency is proud to organize an event that has so much meaning for individuals and families in our community.” 

With support from Wisconsin Vision, American Idol season eight contestant Danny Gokey will participate in the parade. A Milwaukee native, Gokey is an inspiring and versatile performer known for his soulful style. Born the fifth of six children to a poor but loving family, his parents introduced him to a variety of music at a young age. This, coupled with his experience as a hard working truck driver and the loss of the person most dear to him, his wife, Sophia, has prepared him to entertain fans with poignant, rowdy, thought-provoking and smile-inducing country music with a flare.

Local media favorites Kidd O’Shea and Elizabeth Kay from The Morning Mix on 99.1 and Meteorologist Lance Hill of CBS 58 will also be in the parade. More than one hundred additional units range from local marching bands to equine units to lighted floats. There will also be many unique performances, including local singer/songwriter Becca Richter, the ever-popular “Wacky Wheeler,” stilt walkers, and the “Rocket Cycle,” a new novelty unit similar to a unicycle that features one big wheel with the rider and engine inside its circumference. Children are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa for collection by Waukesha postal workers along the parade route. Complete mailing addresses are required in order for children to receive a response from Santa.

“The outpouring of support for this year’s parade has been truly uplifting,” says Sprager. ”A special thanks goes to our generous event sponsors for their contributions and to our dedicated volunteers who work all year long to help organize the parade. We are deeply appreciative of their commitment to downtown Waukesha.”

The parade will begin on White Rock Avenue, travel west on Main Street to West Avenue, continue south on West Avenue to Wisconsin Avenue and end at Maple Avenue where the parade will disband.

Getting to downtown Waukesha for the parade and holiday shopping is easy! From I-94 exit at Hwy F south to Barstow, turn left to enter the Downtown Business District.  From I-43, exit at Hwy 164 north; continue north to Wisconsin Avenue, turn left and the Waukesha BID will be to the left.  A variety of parking options are available including on-street parking, a variety of public parking lots and two parking structures.

Prior to the parade’s start, many of downtown Waukesha’s specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants will have special offers for the public. In partnership with the Waukesha BID, the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County will be holding a special toy drive before the parade from noon to 4 p.m. to benefit area children in need. Unwrapped toys for children age birth to age 12, waterproof mittens, books and blankets can be dropped off at (363 W. Main St.), Martha Merrell’s/Cuddles (231 W. Main St.), and the Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum (101 W. Main St.). All toys collected will stock the shelves of the CCC’s annual Toy Shop, which is held in December.  

For additional information about the parade and a current list of events, please visit DowntownWaukesha.com.