MILWAUKEE, Jun 28, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

U.S. Bank will host the largest and longest Midwest holiday fireworks display on Sunday, July 3 beginning at dusk. The hour-long Milwaukee lakefront show will be launched from three barges located in Lake Michigan, just off the shore of Veterans Park. The fireworks will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will not be rescheduled if there is severe weather.

According to Bill Bertha, U.S. Bank Wisconsin market president, for the past 36 years U.S. Bank has sponsored the spectacular show, noted by enthusiasts as the biggest and best in the Midwest.

"There is no bigger, better night in Milwaukee than July 3," said Bertha. "The lakefront is glistening as families gather to enjoy time together at this fun, free event that celebrates our nation's birthday. This premier summer show draws nearly a million people to Milwaukee's lakefront and has been an economic generator for the City because many often stay here over the holiday to enjoy other treasures Milwaukee offers."

He noted that more than 10,000 pounds of fireworks will be used, with 5,000 igniters lighting more than 20,000 shells. An art electronic system will ensure for proper timing of the colorful booms, strung together by more than eight miles of wire.

This year's fireworks show will feature four distinct sections, the first showcasing a synchronized firing of shells to highlight precision timing, followed by simultaneous mass effects, a build-up toward the finale and finally, the grand finale which will feature a barrage of both low level and high level effects.

Best seats can be found in Veteran's Park and Juneau Park. Handicap parking is available at the north end of Veteran's Park. As parking is at a premium, going further out and catching a number of downtown buses to the lakefront, or taking the Summerfest shuttle along Wisconsin Avenue may be the best option. For details on the best bus route, please call the Milwaukee County Transit System at 414-344-6711.

Due to pedestrian congestion, drop offs are discouraged along Lincoln Memorial Drive as it will be closed to traffic as the crowd gets increasingly large.

Restricted boating areas on Lake Michigan will be enforced during the fireworks show.

Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

SOURCE: U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank
Lisa H. Clark, Media Relations, 608-877-7517