Council moves Juneteenth parade staging to Water Street; amendment passes unanimously

Racine's Common Council voted unanimously in April 2026 to amend the staging area for the city's Juneteenth parade, replacing a proposed Wisconsin Avenue staging zone with Water Street.

Alderman Mack proposed the amendment after committee discussion and concerns that staging on Wisconsin Avenue would impede access to the law enforcement center and the festival market. "The parade organizers were adamant that they wanted to maintain the parade route that they've been using for the last several years," Mack said, adding that moving the staging area to Water Street was a compromise intended to preserve the established route while easing staging conflicts.

The police chief explained the alternative staging plan, describing a staging area on Water Street around 4th Street and the option to extend staging to Marquette if more space is required. "The staging area would be right on Water Street around 4th Street, where there'll be ample room for people to stage there and will not impede any of the traffic in and around the law enforcement center," the chief said.

After brief discussion the council held a roll-call vote on the amendment and then on the main motion as amended. Both votes were 14-0 in favor, approving the parade route and the Water Street staging plan. The approved closure and staging details will apply to the Juneteenth parade scheduled for June 13, 2026, subject to final mapping and any operational attachments from the police department.

The council recorded no dissent on the amendment. The next step is for staff and the parade organizer to finalize the map and attachments that will accompany the approved motion.