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Debate over making parade 'non-political'
There are a few staples of Fourth of July parades in Wisconsin – at least one marching band, a fire truck, lots of flags, and politicians who represent the town in which they are marching.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - There are a few staples of Fourth of July parades in Wisconsin – at least one marching band, a fire truck, lots of flags, and politicians who represent the town in which they are marching. That last item was taken out and then put back in the Oconomowoc parade for this summer.
Oconomowoc's Fourth of July parade
What we know:
Oconomowoc is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2025. But once politics clashed with the Fourth of July parade, the chatter started.
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On Monday, June 9, the Rotary Club posted the parade this year would be "non-political." The club said, "Our aim remains to create a universally enjoyable atmosphere where Oconomowoc’s legacy and community unity can shine brightly, unimpeded by partisan elements."
That decision left people with mixed feelings.
What they're saying:
"I think it is very important to recognize their hard work and what they’re doing. And I just think that is important for me to see," said Denise Yontz of Oconomowoc
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"I don’t think they belong in the parade," said Ursula Huth of Oconomowoc.
"They are spinning their wheels over nothing," said Ruben Diaz of Oconomowoc.
Apology for the confusion
What we know:
On Wednesday, June 11, the Rotary Club sent out a clarification and apologized for the confusion.
The Rotary Club said its intentions were "misunderstood" and said "all political parties and representatives are welcome and encouraged to participate fully in the parade, as has been our longstanding tradition."
What they're saying:
"In their stated purpose of wanting to create unity, it created division," said Wisconsin Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc). She said parades are also important to elected officials. They are a chance to connect with constituents.
The Rotary Club would not do an on-camera interview with FOX6 News on Wednesday. In a statement on Thursday, Rotary District 6270 Governor Pete Bosch said:
"Rotary International is a nonpartisan, nonreligious organization committed to Service Above Self. For more than a century, Rotary Clubs around the world—including right here in Wisconsin—have worked to unite communities through service, fellowship, and civic celebration.
"Recently, the Oconomowoc Rotary Club—now celebrating its 100th year of service to Oconomowoc and beyond—faced significant public scrutiny following an initial decision to exclude political entries from this year’s Fourth of July Parade. That decision was made over a year ago, in coordination with the City of Oconomowoc’s 150th anniversary celebration.
"To be clear: No political party was singled out. The policy applied equally to all political entries, regardless of affiliation. This approach is not without precedent. Many civic events—both here in Wisconsin and beyond—choose to limit political displays to preserve a nonpartisan tone and reduce tension.
"Even so, the effect of the decision differed from its intent. What was meant to foster unity was instead perceived by many as exclusionary. In response, the club listened, reversed course, and reaffirmed Rotary’s enduring commitment to openness, inclusivity, and civic engagement.
"That was the right decision.
"As District Governor, I want to affirm the following:
- Rotary does not align with or exclude any political party. Our neutrality is a core principle.
- The Oconomowoc club acted with good intent, based on community input and internal consensus.
- Rotary members involved have faced not only public criticism but also unacceptable personal attacks, vulgar emails, and, in some cases, threats to their safety. That behavior is never justified. Disagreement is a part of democracy. Harassment is not.
"I am proud of the Oconomowoc Rotary Club—not for avoiding controversy, but for responding to it with humility, integrity, and care. That is what principled leadership looks like.
"Let’s move forward with respect—for one another, for civil dialogue, and for the volunteers who make community events like these possible."
We also reached out to the mayor and the Common Council president, but have not heard back.
Editor's note: This story was updated with the statement from the Rotary District governor once it was provided on June 12.
The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.