Shorewood's 4th of July Parade: Proposed Changes for 2025

For the 2024 July 4th parade in Shorewood, the parade route was changed after consultation with the police department.

​Shorewood's 4th of July Parade may see some changes this year. The Village Board is continuing to discuss potential updates or modifications to the parade routes.

Why Consider Changing the Parade Route?

The traditional parade route along Oakland Avenue from Kensington to River Park spans approximately 1.2 miles. While this route has been a staple of Shorewood's Independence Day celebrations, it presents certain challenges:​

• Safety Concerns: Crossing Capitol Drive, a busy highway, poses risks and requires a permit for closure. The police department has highlighted concerns about vehicle-based threats, noting that longer routes increase potential entry points and complicate security efforts.​

• Resource Allocation: A more extended route demands more barricades, personnel, and resources. Estimates suggest that returning to the traditional route could incur nearly $40,000 in additional costs for materials, staffing, and security.​

• Logistical Efficiency: With limited resources in the police and public works departments, a more concise route could enhance safety and enjoyment while optimizing resource use.​

After discussion by the Village Board, the Community and Business Relations Committee was asked to review the 4th of July Parade route with additional financial considerations. Ideas brought up by Village Board members included understanding the cost of adding barricades and staffing to keep the original parade route. Their full report can be found online.

Proposed Route for 2025

In 2024, the village adopted a modified route ending at Atwater Elementary School instead of River Park. This shorter route offers several advantages:​

• Enhanced Safety: Avoiding the Capitol Drive crossing reduces the risk of vehicle-related incidents, addressing the growing concern of vehicle-based attacks. ​

• Community Atmosphere: Concluding the parade at Atwater Elementary School fosters a festive environment with food vendors, community partners, and family-friendly activities.​

• Operational Ease: The shorter route allows for quicker repurposing of barricades for fireworks setup later in the day.​

The committee will consider continuing with this modified route for the 2025 celebrations.​

Shorewood’s 2024 modified Fourth of July parade route

Financial Implications of Reverting to the Old Route

Reinstating the previous route along Oakland Avenue to River Park would necessitate:​

• Additional barricades costing approximately $16,000.​

• Acquisition of concrete Jersey barriers for enhanced security at about $13,200.​

• Hiring private security to supplement village resources, estimated at $875.​

• New signage and digital message boards totaling around $9,280.​

The total estimated cost for these adjustments is approximately $39,355. In contrast, the village currently possesses sufficient resources to manage the modified route without incurring additional expenses.​

In their April 21 meeting, the Village Board sent the question back to committee for one more round of work, so the route is still in limbo for another few weeks. Because the two absent trustees weren’t there—and because no one had located the extra $40 k needed for the longer, “traditional” route—trustees voted to remand the issue to the Community & Business Relations Committee. Staff were also asked to look (again) at funding and at whether the specialized safety barricades could even be rented in time.

For more details and updates, visit the Village of Shorewood's official website. See more local Independence Day activities in our Guide to the Fourth of July in Milwaukee’s North Shore.