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Yahoo
02-07-2025
- 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
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Milwaukee County trades fireworks for drones for its July 3 celebration
Milwaukee, get ready to celebrate Independence Day with a slight tech-savvy twist this year. Milwaukee County, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, plans to use drones instead of fireworks for its long-standing McKinley Beach July 3 celebration. The drone show will blend "cutting-edge drone technology with an original synchronized soundtrack for a dazzling 45-minute performance," featuring images of Milwaukee's iconic landmarks as well as patriotic and local themes, according to the county. 'Milwaukee County is at its best when we come together to create memorable, inclusive experiences for everyone," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a news release. "We're proud to bring the community together for this first-of-its-kind drone show, highlighting not just our beautiful lakefront but the creativity and collaboration that make Milwaukee County so special." The switch marks a national shift in other cities across the country, including Napa, Tahoe City, and Salt Lake City, that have chosen drone shows over fireworks for July 4 celebrations. For many cities, the use of drones offers a safer, eco-friendly and noise-free spectacle. The City of Wauwatosa has also decided to ditch traditional fireworks, replacing them with a drone show July 2. 'This drone show is an exciting and environmentally conscious way to celebrate our community," Guy Smith, executive director of Milwaukee County Parks, said in the release. "Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows reduce noise and air pollution while still delivering an unforgettable experience ... It's about making memories and ensuring everyone feels welcome in these shared spaces.' The display is expected to start around 9:15 p.m., with public viewing areas available at McKinley Beach and McKinley Park. In 2024, Milwaukee County canceled its annual July 3 lakefront fireworks show due to a lack of sponsorship funding. The county's parks department previously shared that the fireworks display usually cost roughly $350,000 for pyrotechnics and $20,000 for additional staffing and service costs related to the event. The event typically draws in over 100,000 people from across Wisconsin. Bridget Fogarty of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County trades fireworks for drones for its July 3 celebration
