Summerfest postpones Big Bang Fireworks

The Summerfest Big Bang Fireworks presented by Menards and WISN-TV that were scheduled for tonight, the first night of Summerfest, have been postponed until Thursday at 9:30 p.m.

Because of the heavy fog and limited visibility forecast for later today along Milwaukee’s lakefront, the fireworks would have been difficult to see, Summerfest operator Milwaukee World Festival Inc. said in a statement.

The festival organizers also expressed concern for the safety of employees at Bartolotta Fireworks, which is presenting the show.

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“In order to provide viewers and visitors with the best experience, the decision by Summerfest to reschedule the fireworks show will provide the festival with the optimum opportunity to put on the very best show possible,” the statement said.

All other opening day events will take place as scheduled. The Big Gig opens at noon today at the Henry Maier Festival Grounds in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

All patrons arriving between noon and 3 p.m. who donate three non-perishable food items for Hunger Task Force will receive a free weekday admission ticket.

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A parade will be held at 3 p.m. Summerfest will give away 25,000 free weekday admission tickets at 5 p.m. to fans who approach a participating employee and say “Let’s paint the town red!”

New this year, the Wheel in the Sky, a large ferris wheel on the north end of the grounds, will operate each day from noon to 11:30 p.m.

Bruno Mars will headline the Marcus Ampitheater with special guest Aloe Blacc at 7:30 p.m. Other headliners include Arctic Monkeys, Neon Trees, Rick Springfield, Clay Walker, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

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