Hundreds camp out on Milwaukee's lakefront ahead of July 3 fireworks show

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With crowds expected on Milwaukee's lakefront, many people decided to spend the night at Veterans Park to get a good spot.

It's become a tradition for many families in Milwaukee. 

"We've got the smoker going. We've got brisket going, bacon wrapped meatballs," said Jessica Pulanco of Milwaukee. 

It wasn't even 6 a.m. when Pulanco's family fired up the grills. Milwaukeeans celebrate July 3 fireworks like a Brewers tailgate with games, lots of food and fun.

"We tried to make some brownies on the grill it didn't turn out great," said Anthony Evans. 

This was the Evans' family's first time camping out on the lakefront. 

"Pretty much everybody talks about it a lot so we just kind of wanted to get the experience our self," said Evans. "This morning we're going to make French toast on the grill." 

Milwaukee County Parks consider the Independence Day festivities one of the biggest events in the county. 

"Between here at Veterans Park, Juneau Park, Lake Park, at least 100,000 folks," said Guy Smith, executive director of Milwaukee County Parks. 

Smith recommends showing up as early as possible. Cars can park in the lots off Lagoon and Lincoln Memorial Drive for $25-- until they're full. The sheriff's department plans to close Lincoln Memorial Drive a couple of hours before the firework show.

For Sarah and Emma Walkowiak, this is a bucket list item. They showed up at Sunrise to stake out a spot. 

"So we were like, 'we gotta get here early. we need a tent to stake out some space and some chairs," said Emma Walkowiak.

"The basics, some essentials," said Sarah Walkowiak. 

Anyone who comes to the park on July 3 is asked to take their trash with them or make sure it finds its way to a garbage. Gift of Wings Kite Store will be handing out free trash bags to those who need it.