Melvin the Wacky Wheeler is hanging up his 350 lb. cable reel wheel after this weekend's slate of Christmas and holiday parades.

The fan favorite, whose real name is Rob Summerbell, has been a star in local parades for the last 20 years. He guesses he's performed in more than 1,200.

He does six every 4th of July and plans to perform in three on Saturday, December 1st.

• 1:20pm - Elkhorn's Annual Christmas Card Town parade
• 3:00pm - the New Berlin Christmas parade
• 6:15pm - the Port Washington Christmas parade.

Summerbell tells CBS 58 his body has told him it is time to retire and find a new gig.

""I always feel very fortunate to be in these little communities, on their special day, celebrating with all the people out in the streets." Summerbell said. "Everyone's put away their phones, primarily, and gadgetry. They're all out in the street having a good time together. I love that."

Watch for an upcoming CBS 58 Sunday Morning feature story on Melvin the Wacky Wheeler's final spin sometime soon.

Save with