The Appleton Flag Day Parade, a 74-year tradition, will be changing its route this year. The parade will now take place on College Avenue, from State Street to Drew Street, instead of its previous two-mile route on Wisconsin Avenue.

Safety Concerns

According to Appleton Parades Committee Chair Corey Otis, the decision to change the route was made for safety reasons. The previous route was over two miles long, which caused issues for some participants, especially on hot June days. Additionally, there were spots along the route where resources were limited, making it difficult to ensure everyone’s safety.

Otis also mentioned that there have been some incidents in the past, including bumps and bruises, and even a few broken-down cars. With the parade drawing an older crowd, the committee decided it was better to be safe than sorry.

A New Route

The new route will be the same as the Appleton Christmas Parade, which takes place on College Avenue. Otis promised that the parade will still offer 20 musical groups, clowns, firetrucks, and everything that makes the parade the icon it is.

This year’s parade is especially significant, as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. Otis encouraged everyone to come out and celebrate America, its rights and freedoms, and the community.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.