'We are here together to support ourselves': Thousands rally for 62nd Annual Waukesha Christmas Parade

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Thousands of people lined the streets of Downtown Waukesha to ring in the holiday season and spirit.

"Coming together as a community is what really made Waukesha stronger," said Laura Molitor, a Waukesha resident.

Molitor was one of the many people who walked in the parade in 2021 during the attack that injured dozens and killed six people.

"I just think it's so important to keep them in mind today and we continue to spread joy of Christmas to everyone in the coming years with the parade."

The parade honored the lives lost with a banner and candlelight tribute.

"I think it's important for us all to get together and show everyone that we are not going to let something that happened a couple of years ago bring us down," said Christina Mccanna, a Waukesha resident. "That we are here together to support ourselves."

Standing together as one, while enjoying all their city has to offer. The parade featured 80 local organizations including marching bands, festive floats, and the fan favorite Milwaukee Dancing Grannies.

"We love the Christmas parade," said Kayla Warner, a Waukesha resident. "I've been coming here since I was a little baby, so it's just an every year thing."

Keeping the tradition alive while continuing to heal and support one another. All while making new memories with their loved ones.

"At first I was like I won't come back, but then I was like I've been coming for so long," said Warner. "I can't let one tragedy keep me from coming to something I extremely love."