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July 4th Committee approves expanded vendor plan, new race route and confirms 2026 theme; several volunteer roles remain unfilled
Summary
At its April 9 meeting, Hales Corners’ July 4th Committee approved an expanded vendor plan for the village’s 2026 celebration, confirmed the theme “Proud Past, Bright Future,” approved a revised Firecracker Four route and flagged outstanding volunteer coordination needs for multiple events.
Hales Corners’ July 4th Committee on April 9 approved an expanded food-and-drink vendor plan for the village’s 2026 celebration, confirmed the event theme and approved a revised race route for the Firecracker Four while noting several volunteer positions still need to be filled.
The committee approved two vendor locations — the library lot and the New Berlin Road area near the playground — and confirmed participating vendors including Elmer’s American, Eric Eats, Rondavu Shaved Ice, The Cha House, Top Dogg! and Perspective Brewing. The Health Department will require license documentation, a $30 inspection fee and a $150 refundable deposit to cover vendor trash management, the committee recorded. (Vendor locations and the payment requirements were listed in the committee minutes.)
"Theme confirmed: Proud Past, Bright Future," the minutes state; the committee reserved the slogan "Small Village Big Freedom" for the 2027 75th anniversary celebration.
The Firecracker Four’s new route was approved to improve flow and reduce turns; the committee plans to measure the route manually and asked staff to produce an updated route description and map for the website. Organizers also said a water-stop volunteer is needed for the run. Shirts for the event have been ordered through Ideal Logos, and the committee proposed an online pre-sale window of April 30–June 13.
Committee members reported progress on other activities: D. Besson said planning for the Holz Car Show is underway; A. Dunning said the Children’s Parade will use new color-coded signage sponsored by Prime Printing and that volunteers are secured for parade operations. The Patriotic Pet Costume Contest is organized by N. Wilkes, and the Pie Baking Contest has medals ordered with drop-off set for 11 a.m.–12 p.m. and judging beginning at noon. The hot dog eating competition still needs a coordinator; Elmer’s American has agreed to sponsor that contest with a $100 contribution and gift certificates for the top three winners.
O. Sterny is leading recruitment for the big parade, and committee members discussed potential participants including local municipalities, the UW Marching Band (contacted), a Harley-Davidson group and the Kwik Trip mascot. The committee suggested Lori Komas, of Hales Corners Elementary School (retiring), as parade marshal and asked N. Wilkes to reach out. Ian will update the parade application online.
The committee noted there is no licensed drone operator available for event photography and said it is exploring external options. Several new activities — including cornhole and tug-of-war — were proposed; equipment exists but coordinators are needed, and event timing (5–7 p.m. or 6–8 p.m.) remains to be finalized.
No financial report was presented at the meeting, and the group scheduled a Treasurer election for the next meeting on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
