Board backs Labor Day fest plan

There will be fireworks and live music on Labor Day in Saukville to help compensate for not having a Fourth of July celebration this summer, village trustees decided Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“I would advocate for moving forward” with the event, Trustee Andy Hebein said. “People have been waiting. Those who are nervous about it don’t have to attend.”

Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades and Independence Day fireworks were canceled this year, as well as the Live at the Triangle concert series, due to concerns over the Covid-19 virus. The Saukville Fire Department also has canceled its annual car show.

At the time the events were called off, village officials said they hoped to have an expanded celebration during Labor Day weekend.

On Tuesday, Village Administrator Dawn Wagner noted that the coronavirus remains a concern, with Gov. Tony Evers instituting a statewide mask mandate, and that social distancing and other precautions continue to be recommended by the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department.

Wagner also told trustees that any funds, whether from the village or from donors, budgeted for the Fourth of July would be rolled over to next year’s event if they decided to not hold a Labor Day event.

Although a vote was not taken, the consensus of trustees was to move forward with plans to hold a celebration.

“I’m nervous about it, but we ought to do something,” Trustee Jim Nowlen said.

The event would be held on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, at Grady Park, beginning at 3 p.m. Fireworks will be launched at dusk from Peninsula Park. 

Entertainment would include live music. Food would be served by vendors.

Six-foot circles will be drawn on the grass where family groups could concentrate and help maintain social distance from others.

Additional portable toilets, handwashing stations and hand sanitizers will be provided.