5 days ago
We asked readers about Milwaukee Fourth of July drone show. Here's what you said
In the question of drones vs. fireworks for Milwaukee's July 3 lakefront Independence Day celebration, readers who responded to a non-scientific survey are ready to give a choreographed drone light show a chance, though some will miss the fireworks.
So far, 21 people have responded to the call for comments in the wake of Milwaukee County's announcement that it is bringing back the event at McKinley Beach as a drone show complete with a synchronized soundtrack. The annual fireworks show was cancelled last year due to the lack of sponsor funding to cover the costs.
The poll is still open: Share your thoughts on the July 4 drone show
Here are the responses to our question: "What do you think of the switch from fireworks to a drone show?" The numbers do not round up because respondents can choose multiple answers:
I won't miss the noise or debris: 8
It won't seem like the Fourth of July without fireworks: 6
Let's give the drones a try: 10
I'm just glad we have a show this year: 6
Other: "It will not draw people to downtown the same way;" "Either way the 'slobs' will come and trash the area."
Several readers left comments. Here's what they had to say:
➤"I don't know how anything else could replace fireworks on Fourth of July. I don't think drones are gonna be better than fireworks. I would have to see what the drone show is like and if it's any good. " — Steve Dohm, Muskego
➤"Glad to have a community event for everyone to share and experience." — Laura Kranitz, Mequon
➤"As downtown residents we have enjoyed a tradition of watching the fireworks from our balcony, which will no longer be possible given the location of the drone show. That is a personal loss. But what we also enjoy is that thousands of people make their way downtown, have fun, spend money, and bring a sense of community to the lakefront. It is hard to believe that a city the size of MKE, with all of the large corporations and wealthy individuals, cannot raise the $370,000 they say is needed to support the show. If someone asked Giannis and Dame to kick in 50% each I bet they'd do it. That would be less than one game's pay for each of them. " — Peter Salem, Milwaukee
➤"I hope there is music to go with the show." — Lisa Postles, Milwaukee
➤"Drones are not nearly as exciting as fireworks. You can do some interesting things with the drones, but nothing beats the 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs' of a big fireworks show. And the grand the drones all explode in spectacular fashion at the end, it will not even be close." — Kevin Meifert, Franklin
➤"Now get rid of the illegal fireworks (I am looking at you, South Milwaukee) and perhaps I can walk my dog outside again." — Steven Schnelz, Milwaukee
➤"As fireworks display become louder and more expensive every year, it's time to say enough is enough." — Albert DeCoursey, Milwaukee
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➤"This is a great, green, non-explosive solution to the desire for a July 4 show. I hope it's successful and that people enjoy it!" — Paula Tillen, Milwaukee
➤"I'm happy to have a show this year and think it will be a major improvement from fireworks. The loud noise can negatively affect people suffering from PTSD and can cause family pets to run away due to fear. Not to mention drone shows are much better for the environment. I think it's a great move!" — Cameron White, Milwaukee
➤"Love the drones! Hate the noise and pollution from fireworks." — Gary Casper, Slinger
➤"I'm sure the unwoke will be appalled by this change, but I applaud it. It is more environmentally friendly, less noise, and I think the show will still be fabulous." — Sue Robinson, Milwaukee
➤"While drones and the technology that goes with it is very cool, it's not a Fourth of July show I'm going to watch. I get it, I'm on a Board that organizes our local show and they are very expensive. If you don't have the Sponsors or volunteers, no show, period. I think it's a big stretch to say one of the reasons you're doing it is for "Environmental" reasons. For the past several weeks, the sky has been choked with wild fire smoke (carbon) from a fire raging a thousand miles away, I think Mother Nature can handle a little smoke from a fireworks show." — Scott Mittelsteadt, Jackson
➤"I realize that fireworks are a tradition: noisy and spectacular. I also realize that we now know that not only pets and wild animals are negatively affected, but veterans who've survived active combat can have post traumatic stress reactions cued by fireworks desplays. I am happy to try an alternative that future generations can enjoy as a tradition without damaging the environment or disrupting life around me!" — Linda Stone, Milwaukee
Jim Fitzhenry is the Ideas Lab Editor/Director of Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach him at jfitzhen@ or 920-993-7154.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tell us what you think about using drones not fireworks | Opinion
