Parks board approves $12,000 laser light show recommendation for 2026 Winter Jamboree

The Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board voted unanimously Sept. 8 to recommend a contract with Laser Fusion to provide a laser light show for the 2026 Winter Jamboree.

Board member Jennifer Wallner moved to approve the recommendation and John Schmitz seconded; the chair called for an aye vote and the motion passed with all members present voting in favor. Joanna, the event presenter, told the board the vendor had performed at the jamboree previously and that this will be a laser show rather than a drone display. "So just to clarify, it is a laser light show, not a drone show," Joanna said.

Joanna described the planned programming as a space-themed "Out of This World" show consisting of three 15-minute sets. "The cost of the show is $12,000 and that will be 3 15 minute shows and that is covered by sponsor dollars," she said. She said the laser show will run in conjunction with the event beer garden; opening-night fireworks will take place at Lowell Park and the Saturday evening laser performance will accompany the beer-garden activities.

The board considered the vendor's prior performance and logistics; members described previous Laser Fusion presentations as "really cool" and noted the 15-minute format is short enough for audiences to attend and leave between sets. The item was introduced as a recommendation to the common council; following the board's approval the contract recommendation will proceed to the council for further action.

The motion passed unanimously. The board did not specify additional funding from the city general fund for the show; Joanna said sponsor dollars will cover the $12,000 cost.

Next steps: the board's recommendation will be forwarded to the common council for consideration.