By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Feb 27, 2019 at 4:23 PM

For the first time in 40 years, Downtown might be rather still at sundown on July 3.

The traditional U.S. Bank fireworks show – and before that the First Wisconsin fireworks show –  usually draws tens of thousands of visitors to Milwaukee’s lakefront for an early Independence Day celebration but it might not return this year due to the lack of a major backer.

Last February, U.S. Bank announced that the 2018 display – which cost around $350,000 to put on – would be their last. No local businesses have committed to sponsoring the full cost of the event – although OnMilwaukee is considering championing an effort to get the Big Bang funded.

"After (U.S. Bank's) announcement last year, we immediately began talks with area businesses with the hope of keeping this great tradition alive, but now time is running out, and there’s a real possibility that the July 3 fireworks display may not return."

There is still time for businesses or donors to save this Milwaukee tradition. All tax deductible sponsorships and donations would go to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation-Parks Fund. Interested donors should contact Jay Burseth at (414) 257-8043 or jay.burseth@milwaukeecountywi.gov

Should a sponsor not step forward, OnMilwaukee will personally publish and push a gofundme.org to help make this special night live on. 


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.