MILWAUKEE — The countdown is on to Milwaukee’s fireworks show July 3, and families who want the best view of the colorful display are already camping out at Veterans Park.
On Tuesday morning, Jenny Taff was at Veterans Park staking out her family’s spot.
“This is our family’s favorite day of the whole year, and we look forward to it every year,” she said.
For 41 years they’ve watched the fireworks from the same spot. It’s a tradition that has passed down from generation to generation that all starts with getting up extra early and claiming a piece of land.
“There’s always that bit of anxiety coming down the hill, coming in Veterans Park, like what if someone took our spot? 'Cause we cannot be here without this specific patch of grass,” she said.
It’s not just about having the perfect view for the big show, but the experience.
“He says, ‘Why don’t we stay at a hotel?’ I said, 'That’s not the way this works' ,” camper Lori said about describing the tradition to her fiancé, Jeff.
“She said, 'Trust me, trust me,’ and I’m like, 'OK, I can. I can,' ” he said.
The hardest part is pitching the tent.
After that, all that’s left to do is make memories and wait for the fireworks to light up the sky.
“This is our family’s favorite day of the whole year, and we look forward to it every year.” — Jenny Taff
“It’s just an opportunity to celebrate, you know, what we’ve been given here with some of my closest family and friends,” Jenny said.
There are still spaces at Veterans Park to enjoy the fireworks, but they’re filling up quickly.
The show is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
