RICE LAKE, Wis. (WJMC) — Last week, Rice Lake officials responded to allegations that they prevented and unfairly targeted the Barron County Truck Show parade.
Rice Lake Police Chief Steve Roux said his primary concern is safety, and responding to air horn and jake brake noise complaints from residents in past years.
Parade routes must be closed to other traffic for the safety of spectators and those in the parade. Organizers wanted a lengthy parade route that was not entirely possible to staff, Roux said, and the city sought to offer alternatives.
Ultimately, no parade permit was requested by organizers who instead moved the parade to Cameron.
“We hope it does come back to the City of Rice Lake, but it has to follow the process,” Roux said. “And if the organizers reach out to us, and we can begin those discussions soon, all the better for the chances for this taking place next year in our city. And that we can ensure to the best of our ability the safety of everyone involved and being respectful to the community.”
Roux said the city welcomes and actively works with all events seeking parade or street use permits, and encourages organizers to reach out early with applications questions.