MILWAUKEE — The annual July 3rd fireworks at the lakefront will not be held this year due to a lack of sponsorship, according to the Milwaukee County Parks Department.
The Parks Department says the fireworks alone cost about $350,000, but there is an additional $20,000 in average costs for additional staff labor hours, overtime, dumpsters, fencing, and portable toilets.
"This allows us to spread out staffing, and resources, and focus on other events happening throughout Milwaukee County," Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith said. "This approach ensures that we can provide amenities and recreational spaces to the public 365 days a year."
Smith said in a news release this opportunity better aligns with their "mission to maintain welcoming spaces for everyone to gather and enjoy the outdoors."
TMJ4 caught up with Rakhi Shah and Kristen Bailey while out on a bike ride to get their reaction to the cancellation.
"A little shocked because I know how big it is," said Shah.
Bailey had attended the show in the past and really enjoyed it.
"I feel like families can come here and kids really like it and everything, so it's disappointing that they're not able to do it," said Bailey.
Scott Fisher owns Gift of Wings on the Lakefront. He was setting up for the Family Kite Festival when he heard the news.
"It's probably one of our better days of the year certainly, and it's also one (of the most fun) days of the year," said Fisher.
Fisher has been watching the fireworks and the families that come out to enjoy the show for over 30 years.
He hopes that a major sponsor will step in and fund the fireworks this year.
"There are families that come down here every single year," said Fisher. "It's sort of like a religious thing!"
Alternative celebrations will be held in place of the fireworks.
July Fourth fireworks shows and celebrations in Milwaukee County include:
- Hales Corners: Hales Corners Park
- Cudahy: Sheridan Park
- Glendale: Kletzsch Park
- South Milwaukee: Grant Park
- City of Milwaukee:
- Alcott Park
- Wilson Park
- Mitchell Park
- Washington Park
- Noyes Park
- Lincoln Park
- Jackson Park
- Humboldt Park
- Gordon Park
- Lake Park
- King Park (No fireworks - celebration only)
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