This Just In ...
Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
The 2011 Franklin July 4 Parade Awards
Our family had a viewing location of the Franklin Independence Day Parade at the tail end of the route. Here are my awards related to the July 4 parade.
Most prestigious parade participant
A Pearl Harbor survivor. Forgive me, I failed to catch his name.
Most popular parade participant
Judging by applause, Congressman Paul Ryan
The no applause award
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. It’s very possible no one at the parade actually voted for him.
Best stamina
TIE: Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor and Alderman Steve Olson
Even in that heat, at the end of the parade, the two were hustling, shaking hands, and distributing candy, and smiles. Good work, guys.
Franklin Alderman Kristen Wilhelm
With spirit and spunk, Wilhelm was tossing candy with vim and vigor sidearm style a la the great Pittsburgh Pirate relief pitcher of the 70’s.
Stiff Mannequin
Franklin Alderman Doug Schmidt who looked completely out of place, wishing he was somewhere else.
Can’t we just get this thing over with?
Franklin Alderman Tim Solomon
Solomon decided to not walk the route and ride in a vehicle instead. Fine. But one would think a political veteran would know that in a communuity parade, you do two simple things:
Look out the window and wave.
The curmudgeon Solomon sat stone-faced staring straight ahead when he passed our area. Are we bothering you, Alderman?
What do you mean I have to drive the car?
Most attention-getting parade unit
Two young females representing
Women bristled. Men were speechless.
Best car
Yellow convertible accompanying Franklin's own Lance Allan from Tocuh Today's TMJ 4.
How did they do that?
Young girl gymnasts, on very hot cement, managed cartwheels.
Best dog in parade
Steve Olson's Bella
Parade organization award
No one. Parade started extremely late and there were far too many gaps between units.
Lost opportunity award
Eateries like Tazino’s, Topper’s and Quizno’s that should have handed out coupons.
Best unit that wasn’t there
One or all of the Famous Racing Sausages.
Also, did I miss them…Franklin High’s State Champion summer baseball team and Coach Jim Hughes?
Most Ironic Moment
Franklin High’s marching band. Members were born, what, in 1993? They performed music from KC & the Sunshine Band.
And finally,
Can't we for once write something nice about Franklin Alderman Steve Taylor?
Taylor was walking behind an American-made car. I'm not sure I can say that about many of the other elected officials. OUCH!
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