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Saturday is Independence Day, and the skies are going to light up with fireworks all across the city. There's events going on in many parks, including parades, concerts and games. For more information about park events and fireworks near you, check the Milwaukee County Parks website or the site of your local municipality.
The main MKE fireworks will take place July 3rd at Veteran's Park. There's many dedicated families that stake their spot out early in the morning along the lake, and make an entire day out of it. This year, there's also a kite festival near the Gift of Wings store starting at 11:00 a.m., great for keeping the kids occupied. If you plan to check out these fireworks at the lakefront (and you're not already in Summerfest), get there early.
An alternative to dealing with the crowds in the park is to buy a ticket for the fireworks viewing event at Harbor House. It's a ticketed event, and includes a buffet, live music by The Flood, a cash bar and a seat on their patio for prime fireworks viewing during the show. Call them at 414.395.4900 for tickets.
Heading to the parks for the day usually means picnics, drinks and revelry in the form of lawn darts, water balloons and a competitive game of bags. Be sure to double check if alcohol is allowed before you lug your huge cooler around; sometimes if there's a city-organized event, they may be selling beer or want to keep things family-friendly.
If you're looking for a drink that's delicious, easy to make and not beer, one of my favorites is the Mooncusser from Great Lakes Distillery. You can get it at their bar (and I definitely recommend visiting it, even if you don't take a tour), but it's easy to make on the fly and is made from all local ingredients. Start with a shot of GLD's Roaring Dan's rum, add a dash of Bittercube or Angostura bitters, and top with Sprecher cream soda. Don't skip the bitters as it tempers the sweetness of the soda. It's easy to make and everyone loves it.
If Jell-o shots are more your style (no shame, I won't judge!), check out this updated version: a champagne gelatin mold with peach schnapps, strawberries and blueberries. You will definitely get some 'oohs' and 'ahhs' unpacking this one from your cooler. Plus you won't have to suck the Jell-o out of those little plastic cups!
Upcoming Events
July 2: Surly Brewing tap takeover at Ray's Wine and Spirits in Wauwatosa. The Growler Gallery doesn't serve food, so Oscar's on a Roll food truck will be there for all your burger needs.
July 4: Independence Day Patio Party at SkyBox Sports Bar. $5 drink specials and $9 hookahs on the new patio.
July 8: Cakebread Cellars winemaker dinner at Bacchus. Five courses including seafood salad, duck breast and ribeye, plus wine pairings. Tickets are $95. Call Bacchus for reservations at 414.765.1166
Got the scoop on alcohol-related news or upcoming events? Contact me at lacey@shepex.com or on Twitter @BrewCityBooze.
