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Waukesha parks board approves summer event vendor deals, accepts free Oktoberfest drone shows
Summary
The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Board recommended contracts for beverage and event vendors for summer 2025—including Steelhead Ale Works and Raised Grain Brewing—and approved vendor agreements for Oktoberfest; the board also accepted two free drone-light shows offered by BCI Entertainment LLC for the festival.
The Waukesha City Parks, Recreation & Forestry Board on March 31 recommended a series of event and vendor contracts to the common council for summer and fall 2025 events, including beverage-service deals for the Independence Day fireworks and Tribute Tuesday concerts and multiple vendor agreements for Waukesha Oktoberfest.
Mary Bird, speaking for city recreation staff, described the beverage arrangement for the Lowell Park Independence Day fireworks: “They provide service, and the city would receive $1,100 in payment.” Bird said Steelhead Ale Works LLC is a veteran‑owned vendor and this is the company’s third year working the event. Staff requested approval to forward the contract to the common council.
The board also reviewed a three‑year beverage contract (2025–2027) with Raised Grain Brewing LLC for Tribute Tuesday concerts. Bird said the city will receive $1,100 per contract, $100 more than in prior years, and that the longer agreement formalizes a multi‑year relationship.
On Oktoberfest, staff ran through vendor and performer agreements that generally return 20% of gross sales to the city or a fixed performance fee; Bird said the contracts were structured to support local nonprofit vendors and reinvest proceeds into community programs. The board approved the vendor package.
Separately, staff sought approval of a formal agreement with BCI Entertainment LLC for drone light shows at Oktoberfest after technical problems prevented an earlier scheduled demonstration at a different event. Bird said BCI offered two shows at no charge to the city because the company did not charge for the failed event; “So he has offered to give us 2 days of shows at October for no charge,” she said. Board members approved signing the city agreement so insurance and safety reviews are in place.
The motions recommending the contracts will go to the common council for final action. The board took the actions by voice vote at the meeting and moved on to subsequent agenda items.
