July 4th Committee (BR)

4nOV Village of Hales Corners 5635 S. New Berlin Road Hales Corners, WI 53130 Phone: (414) 529-6161 www.halescornerswi.gov James R. Ryan Municipal Building JULY 4TH COMMITTEE Minutes March 4, 2026 Village Hall (Meadows Room) 1.0 Call to Order & Roll Call- N. Wilkes called to order at 6:30pm. Present: N. Wilkes, Dan Besson, Diane Besson, E. Valaitis, A. Dunning, J. Gilboy, P.Czerwinski 2.0 Treasurer’s Report ● No Financial Report ● I. Thomson is working on the contracts for Port-A- Potties and ATVs ● D. Besson reported that contracts can now be signed by the Village Administrator 3.0 Treasurer Election ● The committee will hold an election for Treasurer at the April Meeting 4.0 Safety & Security Review • Officer Henner was not present. • Discussion tabled until next meeting 5.0 Food and Drink Vendors ● Nancy asked for input on the type of food vendors to have. ● The plan is to have all vendors park on New Berlin Road ● Nancy will call the health department to see if there’s a fee for vendors. 6.0 Theme for 2026 ● A. Dunning suggested two themes for consideration: ● Proud Past, Bright Future ● Small Village Big Freedom ● E. Valaitis suggested incorporating USA 250 into this year’s theme and saving the Small Village Big Freedom theme for 2027, which is the 75th Anniversary of the Village ● Committee to vote on the theme at the April meeting. 7.0 Website - needs to be updated. 8.0 Events 8.1 Firecracker Four • Paulette Czerwinski was present for R. Dodd • N. Wilkes reported the HC Lions approved use of the Pavilion on 7/3, noon-3 pm for packet pick up and 6 am-11 am on 7/4 for Run and Children’s Parade Ice Cream Distribution  • The route should return to the traditional Run route. • T-shirts will incorporate something to commemorate the 250th 8.2 Holz Car Show ● D. Besson reported that planning is underway. 8.3 Children’s Parade ● A. Dunning submitted the request to WSD for the use of HCE outdoor spaces for events. ● A. Dunning submitted the online request with Festival Foods for Ice Cream donation. (650) waiting for confirmation. ● E. Valaitis will order 9 of each medal and 1 best in Show. ● Discussed changes to the judging line-up. ● Discussed changing how the Children’s parade time is listed on the flyer. ● A Dunning has secured her volunteers. 8.4 Ice Cream & Children’s Games ● E.Valaitis will coordinate volunteers. ● Dan O’Donnell has agreed to emcee the children’s awards and games. ● The Lion’s Leos will help with patriotic tattoos (9am-11am) ● E. Valaitis will order patriotic tattoos. 8.5 Patriotic Pet Costume Contest ● N. Wilkes is coordinating sponsors and judges. 8.6 Pie Baking Contest ● No Discussion 8.7 Hot Dog Eating Competition ● Still need a coordinator for this event 8.8 Bed Races ● R. Lindner not present ● N. Wilkes presented a new bed design from Rand. ● N. Wilkes presented 1st place trophy design from Rand. 8.9 Big Parade ● N. Wilkes reported for I. Thomson and O. Sterny ● O. Sterny has been looking for additional parade units. ● I. Thomson has a message out to the Sons/Daughters of the American Revolution. If they participate, it was discussed that they could be the Parade Marshall. ● I. Thomson is working on securing the horse-drawn carriages for the Village President and Trustees ● I. Thomson has a meeting with the Band Boosters to see if they can put together a small Revolutionary War era fife and drum corps. ● E. Valaitis reported Gene Mueller cannot emcee the Big Parade ● I. Thomson to update the parade application posted on the committee website. New in 2026 Discussion ● J. Gilboy reported Reis Automotive can provide the committee with corn hole games for use on the 4th. ● The committee further discussed a tug-of-war contest before the fireworks. Suggested age groupings: Middle School Students, HS Students, 18+. Need a coordinator for this event. N Wilkes will contact the Fire Department about the use of a rope for the event. ● N. Wilkes has reached out to Ideal Logo, and they are interested in sponsoring a special T-shirt and coordinating pre-4th online sales.  ● R. Lindner submitted the request for a military flyover on the 4th. ● E. Valaitis reached out to WSD to see if there are ways to incorporate students in the planning and volunteering of events. ● J. Gilboy will reach out to Kent Biganski about photographing the 4th of July events. ● D. Besson will check into organizing a 4th of July drone photo over the Hales Corners Park field. 9.0 Adjournment 7:30 pm NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, April 8th at 6:30 pm.