Public backlash forced the Oconomowoc Rotary Club to reverse its controversial decision to bar elected officials and political organizations from the city’s 4th of July parade. The club restored full participation rights for political figures following days of community criticism, signaling a return to the longstanding tradition of civic inclusion during one of the city’s signature events.

Outrage intensified after several Republican lawmakers who represent the Oconomowoc area — including state Rep. Barb Dittrich, state Sen. Chris Kapenga, and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald — were told their parade registration fees were being refunded. The Waukesha County GOP float was also rejected. Critics noted that all federal and state elected officials in the area are Republican, making the Rotary’s so-called “non-political” decision appear one-sided, according to Wisconsin Right Now.

A segment on local talk radio by WISN’s Dan O’Donnell amplified concerns from residents who viewed the move as unnecessary political gatekeeping in what has historically been an open, inclusive event. Many questioned why elected officials — regardless of party affiliation — would be excluded from a community celebration intended to bring people together. (RELATED: Kapenga Pushes Back on GOP Budget, Suggests Letting Current Plan Roll Over)

Rotary leaders initially framed their decision as a way to promote unity during Oconomowoc’s 150th anniversary. But rather than fostering togetherness, the plan sparked division and confusion. By proposing to redirect political figures to a separate “unity” event after the parade, the club provoked backlash for both the lack of transparency and the perceived selective impact — especially since local officials, such as the mayor and aldermen, were still invited to walk. 

Oconomowoc school board member Jennifer Aultman Kloth publicly questioned the inconsistency in a Facebook comment, asking, “Then why are the local elected officials welcome to walk in the parade, but not our assembly rep who is a resident of our city and has marched in every parade for the past several years???” The distinction between “acceptable” and “excluded” officials left residents with more questions than answers, undercutting the very unity the Rotary claimed to promote. (RELATED: Bill Berrien Backs Ranked Choice Voting Scheme Pushed by the Left)

Faced with mounting criticism, the Rotary Club issued a formal retraction of its earlier policy. In a statement, the board wrote, “We want to clearly state that all political parties and representatives are welcome and encouraged to participate fully in the parade, as has been our longstanding tradition.” The club emphasized that it had “listened intently” to community feedback and aimed to preserve the parade’s inclusive spirit.