Madison Reporter

City of Sun Prairie issued the following announcement on Nov. 24

This event is a community tradition with the goal of bringing all who live, work, and play in Sun Prairie together to enjoy comradery and entertainment during the holiday season. This will be a holiday fun-filled evening packed with lots of activity.

Kicking off the entertainment by playing in Cannery Square from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. is the Sun Prairie Community Band. Beginning at 5:45 p.m., E. Main Street will be closed down to make way for the parade. After streets are closed off, the Fusion Dance Academy will launch the parade with street performance in front of the museum at 5:55 p.m. The dancers will be followed by vehicles from the Sun Prairie Fire Department, EMS, and Public Works as well others from surrounding communities. At 6:15 p.m., we will have special appearances in front of the museum from the Sun Prairie Media Center who will provide information about the vehicles, Mayor Esser with remarks, and Santa to do the Holiday Tree Lighting using a little magic. Santa will stick around for photos, candy cane handouts, and gift requests until 7:30 p.m. so he can make it back home in his sleigh.

Due to safety concerns around COVID-19, last year’s event was held as a drive thru parade at Angell Park and the tree lighting was offered virtually. City organizers are looking forward to the event returning to its original spot. “We’re thrilled that we were able to bring this annual event back to Downtown Sun Prairie, in front of the Sun Prairie Historical Museum,” said Colleen Burke, BID & Tourism Manager. “The excitement of Santa lighting the tree, a decorated downtown, and all of the emergency services vehicles on display and lit up in holiday lights is Sun Prairie’s way of saying that the holidays have arrived!”

The Fire and Lights Parade is certainly a major attraction for the downtown area but it’s not the only one. Many of the downtown shops and restaurants will have their own holiday designs and decorations up for attendees to see as well as offering a variety of specials and deals. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the area before and after all of the events. Follow us on Facebook at Downtown Sun Prairie - www.facebook.com/downtownsunprairie to see all of the upcoming winter fun!

In response to tragedy in Waukesha

We recognize that as a response to the recent tragedy that occurred in Waukesha, various communities are choosing to either move forward with their holiday parade or cancel the event. I want to share that the City of Sun Prairie will continue its plans to host the 106th Annual Fire and Lights Parade on Saturday, December 4th and will be taking a moment of silence for all who have been impacted by this devastation. Additionally, there will be message boards available for those who would like to write a message of support to the Waukesha community that we will be sharing. 

First and foremost, we express our deepest condolences to those impacted by the terrible tragedy in Waukesha. The City of Sun Prairie Police Department, Sun Prairie FIRE and Sun Prairie EMS along with our partners in the Department of Public Works keep a continuous planning process for these events as we monitor local, state, and worldwide incidents.  We are absolutely taking what happened in Waukesha into consideration as we continue to finalize our Emergency Action Plan for the 2021 Fire and Lights Parade. Our planning includes preparing for hazards such as natural, hostile, or technological events.

All are welcome and invited to attend this community event but we understand those who may refrain due to their own comfort levels.

Support Waukesha 

Those looking to support the impacted families are invited to contribute to the United for Waukesha Community Fund, a coordinated effort between Waukesha County Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. The United for Waukesha Community Fund will support the needs of the families impacted by this incident. One hundred percent of funds given here will go directly to Waukesha County Community Foundation. Please click here. 

Original source can be found here.