This July 3, instead of fireworks, the lakefront will host a more environmentally friendly drone show, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced Wednesday, in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation.
The show, featuring three waves of drones of about 14 minutes each, will soar over McKinley Beach and the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The 45-minute show, which will start when it gets dark around 9:15 p.m., will also feature an original synchronized soundtrack along with images of Milwaukee landmarks, as well as patriotic and local themes.
“Milwaukee County is at its best when we come together to create memorable, inclusive experiences for everyone,” said Crowley in the announcement.
“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 July 3 fireworks were again canceled in 2024. The long-running event has struggled to stay afloat in recent years amid rising costs, a lack of financial sponsors and for two years, Covid and staffing issues.
Public viewing areas will be located at McKinley Beach and McKinley Park, though the show will also be visible from other areas along the lakefront.
There will be first-come, first-served parking (see map) at the Coast Guard Station Lot and McKinley Tennis Courts Lot beginning at 2 p.m. for $20. Free handicapped parking will be available in designated spaces on Lincoln Memorial Drive.
Overnight parking and camping is strictly prohibited on July 2 and July 3. The viewing area opens at 2 p.m.
A number of food vendors and beverage options will be available and there will be portable and accessible restrooms in addition to those at McKinley Marina.
Note that for safety reasons, streets and roads near the event area may close just before and during the show, and the drone launch zone near the pier will be restricted.
“Milwaukee Parks Foundation is proud to support efforts that bring people together in parks,” said Rebecca Stoner, Executive Director of Milwaukee Parks Foundation. “We are grateful to the many partners who came together to reimagine a beloved community celebration in an innovative and inclusive way,”
Added Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks, “This drone 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.”
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
