Wauwatosa Fourth of July Parade marks 80th anniversary

WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- It's one of the biggest Fourth of July parades in the Milwaukee area, and on Thursday, July 4th, the Wauwatosa Fourth of July Parade celebrated its 80th anniversary.

The parade didn't start until 9:00 a.m., but hundreds lined North Avenue as early as 5:00 a.m. to get front row seats. Many of the early birds come to the parade every year, and say this year seemed even more crowded than last. One guess as for why that was, was the nice, cool weather.

However, many say no matter what the weather, they wouldn't miss the parade. With more than 70 bands, groups, and community members marching in the parade, there’s something for everyone.

"Just to see all the different performances and all the different people that are out here and to have a good time and to get candy of course,” Aisha Vanbommel said.

"I like the bands, but there aren't enough of them. I like the music," Joyce Bellows said.

"Just the environment and everyone excited about the Fourth of July makes it a very good fit,” Eric Zip said.

The parade's marshals this year were WWII Honor Flight Veterans. After the parade, the festivities continued at Hart Park.