2015 Fourth of July fireworks and parades guide
Once again, we’ve reached our country’s most patriotic time of the year. There’s nothing better than grabbing a blanket and loved ones and heading down to your nearest park for some festivities, firework-gazing and appreciation of the good ol’ U.S. of A.
Here is your ultimate Milwaukee guide to where to picnic, see the parades and ooh and ahh at the bright booms.
Milwaukee
Alcott Park: July 4 – The parade assembly marches into Alcott Park at 9:45 a.m., where children will receive free ice cream. There will also be children’s crafts and games all day. The fireworks ground display starts at 9:15 p.m.
Enderis Playfield: July 4 – Parades depart from 81st Street School and Mother of Good Counsel Church bright and early at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 9:15 a.m. flag raising ceremony and a 9:45 a.m. music concert. Contests and games continue
throughout the day, including a fire department water cannon display and watermelon eating contest.
Gordon Park: July 4 – Gordon Park will celebrate the fourth with a parade at 11 am. followed by a day of live music, children’s activities and art projects. The fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Humboldt Park: July 4 – The parade starts at 9 a.m. at Kinnickinnic and Linus Street; the afternoon children’s parade begins at 1 p.m. Games, contests and activities continue throughout the day, and there is live music starting at 7:15 p.m. The night closes with an expanded fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.
Jackson Park: July 4 – Children’s parade begin at 8:30 a.m. with ice cream at 9 a.m. A flag raising ceremony followed by a poster contest, children’s games, and various demonstrations and activities round out the day. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Park: July 4 – The park hosts a bike decorating contest starting at 11:30 a.m. followed by a neighborhood talent contest at 12 p.m.
Lake Park: July 4 – Parade from the Hartford Avenue School starts at 9 a.m. with art projects and other activities, like a doll buggy, coaster and tricycle parade, to follow throughout the day. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Lincoln Park: July 4 – You’ll have to check out another park for daytime festivities but you can make your way to Lincoln Park for fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Mitchell Park: July 4 –A school parade is held at 9 a.m., with a flag raising in front of the Domes taking place at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, there will be children’s games, contests and a talent show at the band stand. The fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
Noyes Park: July 4 – A parade leaves at 9 a.m., with a flag raising at 9:45 a.m. and ice cream at 10 a.m. Games begin at 10:45 a.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Sherman Park: July 4 – The parade leaves from St. Catherine’s Church at 9:30 a.m. with ice cream and refreshments at 10:30 a.m. The celebration, which starts at 11:15 a.m. following a ceremony, goes through the day with games and prizes.
Washington Park: July 4 – The day begins with a flag raising at 11 a.m., then hosts games and contests until the fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.
Wilson Park: July 4 – The parade commences at 9 a.m. Music, contests and crafts follow until 3 p.m., when The Greater Milwaukee Figure Skating Club puts on a free ice show at the Rec Center, 4001 S. 20th St. Finish off the day with fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m.
U.S. Bank Fireworks, Veterans Park: July 3 – Fireworks start at dusk, but activities run all day long in Veteran’s Park on the lakefront. This is by far the biggest and most popular fireworks display in the area. Our advice is to camp out early with your blankets for a good seat.
Suburbs and beyond
Kenosha: June 28 and July 4 – The Civic Veterans Parade starts the festivities June 28 at 1 p.m. On July 4th, you can enjoy food, refreshments, and live entertainment at Harbor Park. Fireworks will be launched at 9 p.m. at the east end of the park and can be viewed all along Kenosha’s lakefront.
Greendale: July 2-4 – The Lions Club will be hosting three days of entertainment in the tent next to the Gazebo in Downtown Greendale. Food and beer will be available, and musical acts include Cold Sweat & Brew City Horns, Bobby Way & Way Outs, Superfly, Jackie Brown & The Boys, and Rhythm Method. Fireworks at dusk on Saturday.
Greenfield: July 4 – Just next door, Greenfield rings in the Fourth with a parade at noon featuring the University of Wisconsin-Madison Marching Band. Konkel Park will be the site of a day-long event filled with family fun and live entertainment, ending with fireworks just after dusk.
Racine: July 4 – Racine’s Fourth Fest features one of the largest parades in the Midwest. Get there early to stake out a spot to watch it along its 2.6-mile route down Main Street. Fireworks finish off the day along the lakefront (North Pier) at dusk.
Wauwatosa: July 4 – The North Avenue parade begins at 9 a.m. Afternoon and evening events, which include inflatables and rides for the kids, live music and performances in Hart Park. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.
Waukesha: July 4 – The parade starts at Cutler Park and travels to Frame Park. The Waukesha County Exposition Center will host the city’s fireworks, which begin at dusk.
West Allis: July 4 – A grandstand show featuring live music and a flag ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
http://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/festivals/articles/fireworksguide.html
