Wacky Wheeler To Perform In Shorewood One Last Time In 2018

SHOREWOOD, WI — On Wednesday, July 4, the Village of Shorewood will host one of the final parades for Rob Summerbell — the person known to the public as Melvin, the Wacky Wheeler.

For nearly two decades, the Wacky Wheeler has entertained crowds while balancing atop and churning the rungs of his 10-foot tall, 300-pound wheel outfitted with horns and bells.

After appearing in more than 1,200 parades all over the Midwest along with appearances in New York, North Carolina, The Indy 500, West Virginia and Washington D.C., the 56-year-old says he has "156-year-old knees," and needs to retire.

His personal record for Fourth of July parade performances was in 2007 when he appeared in seven parades in one day. These days, he limits it to his four favorites, including Shorewood. “I feel the Shorewood community and parade have grown simultaneously; I have watched the parade grow and prosper at the same interval as Oakland Avenue and its surrounding community have prospered,” he said.

“We are honored to have Melvin performing one last time for us,” said Village President Allison Rozek. “He’s provided our community with entertainment that is completely consistent with the tradition of local holiday parades. Many, many residents, both old and young, remember Wacky Wheeler and look forward to watching in awe year after year.”

Submitted Photo