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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Readers react to Milwaukee's first-ever drone show. How does it compare to fireworks?
For the first time since 2023, the Milwaukee lakefront was lit up for Independence Day — but not with fireworks this year. Crowds gathered around McKinley Beach to watch the city's first-ever drone show July 3. Last year, Milwaukee County canceled its annual event due to a lack of sponsorship funding. This June, the county announced it would swap the traditional fireworks for a drone show to reduce noise and air pollution. County leaders also said the drone show was $200,000 cheaper than a fireworks display. So, we asked and you answered: What did you think about Milwaukee's 2025 Fourth of July drone show? In response to our survey, the majority of readers said they want fireworks back and think the city should go that route in 2026. Those who responded shared a variety of reasons for disliking the drone show. Burns Halverson from Delafield responded with "I hated everything about it," calling the drown show "ridiculous" and a "clown act by Milwaukee." One reader from New Berlin said they need the noise from fireworks and couldn't find the drone show on television. Peter Salem from Milwaukee, who wants fireworks back, said the decision to eliminate the fireworks and lakefront celebration killed the vibe downtown. "On a weekend in which it should have been packed, it was quiet other than the Summerfest crowd," Salem said. The Milwaukee fireworks display typically draws over 100,000 people. Kent Cone from Milwaukee said the drone show was cool at first, but not as exciting as real fireworks. He said the city should return to a fireworks show because it's easy to lose interest in the quiet drone display. One Milwaukee reader said they didn't hate the drone show but thought it wasn't worth the time and effort to see, calling it underwhelming. "It had nothing to hold your attention, unless you were counting the ads," the reader said. "In my opinion it would have been a great show in 1955." Another reader from Milwaukee said they liked the lack of noise and debris, but wondered why the display was different — and less of a 3D experience — than the July 2024 Friends of Villa Terrace drone light show. One Wauwatosa native said fireworks are part of the Fourth of July and that Milwaukee should be able to find sponsors to put on a show. Jim Kiernan from Milwaukee responded that the drone show "was a fun and unique experience." He said he loved the local touches, including the moving art museum display, as well as the Statue of Liberty and bald eagle icons. "The possibilities and realities of drone (shows) are so much more than just fireworks," Kiernan said. "Anything is possible." Kiernan said he wished there was a tribute to Bob Uecker and thought an image of City Hall would make the cut. Another Milwaukee reader described the drone show as "much better and more interesting than I anticipated." The reader added that they would be fine with either a fireworks display or drone show in the future. Bea from Littleton, Colorado, said the drone show was something that Milwaukee should stick with next year. "I love the music instead of loud bangs," Bea said. "Also it is much more creative and interesting than traditional fireworks!" Some viewers took to social platforms Facebook and X to share their thoughts on the show. Ads for corporations like Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls and Bank of America littered the 45-minute drone show, prompting a negative response from some attendees. One reader who responded to our survey called the ads "tacky," and another said they shouldn't have been included in the show at all. While the future of next year's July 3 lakefront show is unclear, readers have made their thoughts — both positive and negative — about this year's display clear. Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What did viewers think of Milwaukee's first-ever drone show?
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Milwaukee's Fourth of July drone show went without a bang. What did you think?
Under mostly clear skies, crowds gathered at McKinley Beach to watch Milwaukee's first-ever drone show July 3. Images long associated with the birth of the United States ― the date 1776, the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's head and, of course, the American flag ― transformed before viewers' eyes into iconic Milwaukee landmarks like the Hoan Bridge and American Family Field. Even the abandoned boat that took on peculiar local lore, Deep Thought, made a cameo in the sky. Now that you've experienced Milwaukee's lakefront drone show, what did you think? We want to hear from you. If the survey isn't working for you, click here or email neilbert@ In June, Milwaukee County opted to swap its long tradition of fireworks at McKinley Beach for a drone show, a decision made to reduce noise and air pollution, according to a press release from Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith. County leaders said the 900 drones featured on the eve of Fourth of July was also $200,000 cheaper than the customary pyrotechnic shows enjoyed in prior years. Last year, Milwaukee County canceled its annual July 3 event due to a lack of sponsorship funding. The county's parks department previously shared that the fireworks display usually costs about $350,000 for pyrotechnics and $20,000 for additional staffing and service costs. The event typically draws more than 100,000 people. A Fourth of July wouldn't be complete without steaming hot dogs, popsicles and sandals, which filled the night sky. But like your favorite streaming show, ads for Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls and Bank of American also peppered the 45-minute spectacle. For some observers, the corporate sponsorships on display throughout the evening struck a specific chord. Others, still, focused on the inventiveness and seamlessness of the drone lights. And animals could rest easy without the erratic boom of fireworks, which can trigger a startle response in domestic and farm animals ― and in humans, too. When the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel put out a non-scientific survey on the question of drones vs. fireworks for Milwaukee's July 3 lakefront Independence Day celebration last month, readers said they wouldn't miss the noise or debris generated from fireworks and were open-minded about giving the drone show a try. Many others said the Fourth wouldn't be the same without fireworks. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What did you think about Milwaukee's 2025 Fourth of July drone show?
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's everything you need to know about Milwaukee's July 3 lakefront drone show
Milwaukee County's first-ever drone show Fourth of July celebration is just days away. Officials announced in June that the county, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, would swap traditional fireworks for drones for its long-standing McKinley Beach July 3 celebration. Wauwatosa officials also decided to ditch traditional fireworks this year, replacing them with a July 2 drone show. Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith said in a press release the show is "an exciting and environmentally conscious way to celebrate our community." "Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows reduce noise and air pollution while still delivering an unforgettable experience," Smith said. "...It's about making memories and ensuring everyone feels welcome in these shared spaces.' Drones will dazzle Milwaukee's lakefront with "awe-inspiring images of Milwaukee's most iconic landmarks, and other patriotic and local themes," according to the Milwaukee County Parks' website. More: Milwaukee County trades fireworks for drones for its July 3 celebration Here's everything you need to know: The lakefront celebration will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m., after dark, the county's website says. The drone display will last for about 45 minutes, according to the county's website. There will be three waves of lights lasting about 14 minutes each. The July 3 drone show will take place at McKinley Beach and the surrounding areas. You can view a map below. You can start looking for spots at 2 p.m. on July 3, the county says. To claim a spot, put down a blanket or some chairs. Viewers are discouraged from setting up tents. More: Celebrating the Fourth of July? Here's how to get a free Uber ride in Wisconsin Lakefront parking lots are $20 per car-length and are cash only. Lot parking is first come, first served. Here are some parking lots by the event: Coast Guard Station Grass Lot McKinley Marina Parking Lot (excluding slip-tenant area) McKinley Tennis Courts Grass Lot There is also free designated street parking only for vehicles with disabled license plates or government-issued disabled hang tags, the county says. More: July 4 events in the Milwaukee area in 2025: Fireworks, parade times, things to do No overnight parking or camping is allowed on July 2 or 3. Yes, there are food and drink vendors near the event. Beer stands in county parks serve Molson Coors, Lakefront Brewery, and White Claw hard seltzers, along with Pepsi products. Proceeds from beer sales help support future county park projects, according to the county website. Want a snack to accompany the show? Here are some nearby vendors: Flips Donuts Heavenly Roasted Nuts Rolling Cones Ice Cream Truck Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Park Sweet Delight Kettle Corn Vanessa Swales and Bridget Fogarty contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee drone show July 3: What to know about the schedule, parking
