Sussex Lions Daze
A massive, three-day annual community festival held at Sussex Village Park in Sussex, Wisconsin. Biled as the area's annual homecoming since 1967. The event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Sussex Lions Club, supporting local school districts, scholarships, food pantries, and community projects. The Sussex Lions Club and the Sussex Area Service Club organized and started the annual community parade as part of the overall festival.
The Lions Daze festival and its signature parade first launched in 1967. It has run for 59 consecutive years as a collaborative community tradition. While local civic groups coordinate the entire logistics, the parade's modern procession is typically kicked off on the route by regional honor guards, such as the Tripoli Shrine Veterans Legion of Honor.
Core Attractions & Entertainment
- The Grand Parade: Held on Sunday morning along Main Street, featuring local floats, marching bands, fire equipment, and popular mascots like Bucky Badger and the Racing Sausages. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate along the route for the Sussex Food Pantry.
- Live Music: Hosted at the newly built Ridge Pavilion and stage area, featuring continuous live music from regional country-rock and cover bands like Smart Mouth, The Kingfish Band, Maddie Jo Band, and The Black Sheep MKE.
- Carnival & Family Fun: Full carnival experience provided by Rainbow Valley Rides, complete with a Ferris wheel, midways, and family-friendly games.
- Special Events: Tractor pulls, an all-night men's softball tournament, a motorcycle road rally, bingo tents, and a massive fireworks display at dusk on opening night
Parade honor Flag and Honor Guard
VFW Post 6377 Horne-Mudlitz and Luitink Weishan, Post 495 Sussex
Fun Games
Cool Rides
