Thousands gather for Milwaukee's lakefront fireworks
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Annie Scholz reports Video by tmj4.com
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MILWAUKEE- This is what everyone has been waiting for: 10,000 pounds of fireworks creating a light show like no other in the area on Milwaukee's lakefront.
Several people braved some brutal conditions to be front and center for it.
A sizzling sun and downright torrid temperatures didn't do much to keep a huge crowd from lining up along Milwaukee's lakefront to see the fireworks. It did make them think about how they'd handle the heat.
"We went down by the fountain...and got wet," said Megan Markowski.
Spraying it or drinking it -- water was a must. One woman, just days from her due date, was overcome by the heat. Emergency crews got her feeling better, but it hit her before she knew it.
So the Milwaukee Fire Department deployed special bicycle units armed with basic medical supplies.
"On the days like this when people typically think they they can hydrate right now, they would have had to hydrate hours and hours before the event happens," said Milwaukee Fire Department Battalion Chief Spencer Vassel. "Ranging from band-aids to IV fluids and medications for asthma, difficulty breathing, bee stings."
It was so hot, rescue crews themselves had help staying cool, thanks to the volunteer Fire Bell Club.
"They're out in the heat and they're tending to the emergencies at hand and they can't worry about the weather," said Gary Schmidt of the Fire Bell Club.
The only thing left was to figure out how to pass the time before the first big bang -- eagerly anticipating every sight and sound.
The show should last until 10:30 p.m.
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