WHITEFISH BAY -- Rain and thunderstorms Wednesday night forced many local communities to postpone Fourth of July fireworks. Some are scrambling to put on a show Thursday or Friday night.
The bad weather was over by the time the fireworks were supposed to light up the sky in Whitefish Bay, but the village said the poor turnout made it an easy decision to postpone to Thursday.
Tarps and blankets covered the grounds of Klode Park Thursday afternoon as locals claimed the best seats for a show on the lakefront.
“We are out here for the second time in two days putting down our tarps to try to watch the Whitefish Bay fireworks,” said resident Tami Kent.
Kent said the belated celebration brings a mix of emotions.
“Sad because today is the 5th and not the 4th, but kind of excited because I was tired after a long day in the heat,” she said.
Kevin Buckley with the Village of Whitefish Bay said $15,000 worth of fireworks deserves to be watched by the masses.
“You’re putting on a party for between 10,000 and 15,000 people and when only a few hundred people are there to see the grand finale of your party, you want to look at all the elements and maximize the value of your investment in entertainment,” Buckley said.
Over in Brookfield, the city decided unpredictable weather wasn’t worth the risk to public safety. Their fireworks are already on site ready to take off Thursday night at Mitchell Park. Back in Whitefish Bay, Buckley remains optimistic.
“We might have a bigger crowd tonight than we’ve ever had,” he said.
With around 300 parking spots in the area, traffic could be an issue.
“Come early and enjoy being outside and enjoy the lake,” Kent said.
Fireworks in Whitefish Bay start at 9:30 p.m.
