Good morning, Waukesha.

Ben Askren, an Olympic wrestler and local hero, was named grand marshal of the Hartland Hometown Celebration Parade before being hospitalized with severe pneumonia and placed on the waiting list for a double lung transplant—now his family and local coaches will honor him by marching in the parade on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Waukesha County will host many 4th of July events with parades, picnics and bike decorating contests in Brookfield, Town of Brookfield, Delafield, Elm Grove and Waukesha.

New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc and Sussex are planning family fests and fireworks—offering celebrations from morning through the evening.

Former Waukesha alderman Cory Payne (41) is no longer under an injunction after the woman who filed it in May withdrew her request, following his Feb 17 arrest on allegations of stalking and sending abusive texts during a troubled relationship.

After pleading no contest to four counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety in connection with a September 12 fire at an eight-unit apartment, the court committed Stephen Anderson to the Department of Health Services for 30 years—six other charges were dismissed.

Today, the Waukesha School District is evaluating four consolidation options that might close up to four schools (including Bethesda Elementary) as enrollment has declined over two decades, while some parents dispute the data by citing a recent city study that projects growth in the under-20 population. The district defended its approach with state analyses, and parents will voice their concerns at the July 9 school board meeting.

Swallow School District is planning an operational referendum on April 7, 2026—aimed at raising funds to support rising operating costs and staffing needs.

The district will also hold Finance and Budget sessions on July 16 at 7:30 a.m. and Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. on County Hwy E to provide details and gather community input.

Waukesha’s Buildings and Grounds Committee is reviewing safety issues at the intersection of Sunset Drive & Guthrie Drive after 13 crashes occurred in the past five years & officials plan to study measures that could improve driver safety.

Jazz @ Cutler Park

7-9 p.m. — Cutler Park — Enjoy concessions — Jazz enthusiasts gather for a lineup of live music under the stars.

Waukesha July 4th Fireworks

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Lowell Park — Free entry — Enjoy a festive evening with food trucks, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Independence Day Parade

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Downtown Transit Center — Free entry — Celebrate the Fourth of July with a festive parade that journeys through Downtown Waukesha with the theme 'Through the Decades!'.

Waukesha Farmers' Market

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Waukesha Farmers Market — Free entry — Explore over 70 local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, and handmade goods in a vibrant downtown setting.

Waukesha County Fair

12-10 PM — Waukesha County Expo Center — Admission Fee — Celebrate 183 years of fun with competitive exhibits, live entertainment, and delicious food.

Waukesha County Fair 2025

6:00 p.m. — Waukesha County Expo Center — Entrance fee varies — Celebrate Wisconsin's oldest fair with live entertainment, food, and farm fun.

Falls Lavender Fest

1-7 p.m. — Village of Menomonee Falls — Free entry — Immerse in the vibrant scents and flavors at our annual lavender festival complete with music and family fun.

Waukesha County Fair Musical Performance

Live music night — Evening — Waukesha County Fair Office — Ticket price TBD — Experience high-energy acoustic favorites from Phil Norby, Myles Wangerin, and JJ Eckl.

Touch-a-Truck

This free community event is sure to please the wheel-lovers in your family! Get up close and personal with emergency vehicles, school bus, a RACE CAR, farming equipment, and even some farm animals (and the KONA ice truck will be there too!)