Every parade has an act that draws the eye, that brings a quick smile and a delighted laugh.
An act like the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, who with their pom-poms, sense of humor and moxie have entertained crowds across the area for decades.
Founded in 1984, they usually performed 25 times a year, although they had to take a break in the earlier months of the pandemic.
"The Grannies are kind of a really tight unit," said Beth Krohn, a retired member of the group. "We used to call it a sisterhood."
On Sunday, the women were doing what they loved best: performing, providing entertainment and bringing joy to those gathered at the Waukesha Christmas Parade.
But in an instant, when a red SUV roared down the parade route, several of the Dancing Grannies were tragically run down, with four fatalities.
On Monday, police released the names of those killed, including Virginia Sorenson, 79, LeAnna Owen, 71, and Tamara Durand, 52, who were all part of the Dancing Grannies, and Wilhelm Hospel, 81, who helped the group.
A fifth person also died. Police identified her as Jane Kulich, 52. Kulich worked at Citizens Bank, which said in a statement that "one of our team members who was walking with the parade float was struck and passed away as a result of her injuries."
"Our condolences go out to her family and friends for this inconceivable loss," the bank said in its statement. "Please lift our team and the entire community as we all grieve."
It's hard to imagine, so close to Thanksgiving, the unparalleled grief visited on the families and friends of those who died. Each used their time and talent to help others in their own way.
Virginia Sorenson: Heart of the group
If the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies had a beating heart, it was Sorenson. Everyone called her Ginny.
She had a bad back and a bad hip but loved to dance and was an instructor and choreographer who helped newcomers and veterans with the group's routines.
"What did she like about it? Everything," said her husband of 56 years, David Sorenson. "She liked the instructing. She liked the dancing and the camaraderie of the women. She liked to perform."
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Sorenson, a 19-year veteran of the Dancing Grannies, was near the back of the group holding a banner when she was killed.
David Sorenson was at the parade Sunday, helping ferry the dancers from their parking spots at the finish to the start of the route.
The Sorensons lived a long and fulfilling life together, with three children and six grandchildren. They met decades ago at a church event.
"She taught me to do the Can-Can," her husband said.
At their home in Muskego, she cared for animals, including two horses, chickens, dogs and cats.
A registered nurse, Ginny Sorenson still worked part-time in medical records. She used the extra money to pay for the horses and give treats to the grandchildren, her daughter Heather Sorenson said.
For the Sorensons, the Grannies were an activity for the entire family. Their grand kids often marched with the group and held the banner. The Sorensons also held frequent parties for the group, especially around Halloween.