Multiple festivals expected to draw thousands to Milwaukee's lakefront, may cause difficulties parking
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Multiple festivals are expected to draw thousands to Milwaukee's lakefront this weekend, but driving in and around downtown could create some headaches. Officials say pack your patience.
Street signs are already going up in anticipation of the crowds.
With so many big events in town parking this weekend could be tough.
This weekend, only motorcycles will be allowed to park along Lincoln Memorial Drive just outside Veterans Park for Harley Fest.
Who won't have a difficult time parking this weekend? Scooters because they can be left anywhere.
The Air and Water Show's website is selling reserved parking. Saturday parking is sold out, but right now, Sunday is still available.
"On Bradford Beach, McKinley Beach, McKinley Park we have reserved seating. We have our box office open, get here early," said Paul Rogers, President, Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show.
The water part of the show starts at 10 a.m., then at noon, they'll be flying.
"So, this is a unique weekend because of Harley Fest, German Fest and Brew Fest, Milwaukee County Parks wanted us to do all of these events together. We all said yes so now we have a great weekend with all these events. It's working out great," said Rogers.
The Thunderbirds will be zooming overhead about 3:00 p.m.
"This is an F16 C model with a block 52 variant which means it has the pratt and 22 engine and gives us a bit more thrust, a bit more power," said Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa, U.S. Air Force, Thunderbirds Commander.
Eight F16's are already lined up at the 128th Air Refueling Station, but only six will fly in the show. Two are backups.
"So, when you see the four jets flying together, I'll be the one in the front and then when we rejoin the six jets together, the delta, I'll also be the one in the front," said Lt. Col. Malafa.
"And on Friday they're gonna practice and do at least one, maybe two full practices down there so that's another opportunity to see just about a full show," said Col. Merkel.
Col. Charles Merkel says in addition, visitors will see a possible replacement for one of Milwaukee's fleet that the 128th is hoping to get in the near future.
"We obviously love our KC135s but they're 60 plus years old and it's time to modernize and we want to have the opportunity to do that," said Col. Merkel.
For now, consider this weekend in Milwaukee a one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs.
"Oh, you're gonna hear us absolutely, I'll bet you'll hear us taking off from here all the way over to the beach as well," said Lt. Col. Malafa.