In anticipation of the annual fireworks display at Kewaskum’s River Hill park, the tarps have officially arrived.
Each year the locals make an early trek out to the park to stake their claim on a prime spot for the event. If you’re lucky, and not a local, you’ve been let in on the seating secret and have taken part in the tradition as well. The tarps are allowed by the Village to be set in place any time after 6 a.m. today.
Every July 3rd at dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.), the Village of Kewaskum’s fireworks are set off on the west side of the park over the Milwaukee River. The steep incline on the east side of the park becomes a patchwork of tarps and blankets as early as days before the event. It starts as a handful of color and becomes an entire quilt of reserved seating without a blade of grass to be seen come event time. The positioning allows for comfortable and spectular views of the fireworks display both in the air and on the ground over the river that winds through the park, separating the appreciative audience from the Kewaskum Fire Department that offers their expertise in not only producing the illuminations, but also in maintaining a parameter of safety around the event.
If you can’t get there well in advance, no worries. Kewaskum folks have been noted to share their waterfront views by inviting others to sit alongside them, shifting about to make openings for more blankets and chairs, and sharing snacks, cold beverages and bug spray. When all is said and done, only the sight of excited adults and children alike are visible as the quilted backdrop disappears beneath the throngs and the Independence Day celebration begins.
Fireworks begin at dusk. Concessions are available at 5 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, the rain date is July 4.