Starting the Holidays off with a Bang

Fireworks mark the lighting of the Holidays at Pere Marquette Park on Nov. 17, 2011. Photos by Brian Jacobson.

Milwaukee loves its fireworks, and it loves the illumination of the holidays. Both were joined with a variety show and special guests like the Weinermobile, Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus. Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Chris Abele were on hand to declare tomorrow “Radio Disney” day in the city, and folks lined up down the block for a special G4S Jingle Bus tour of the city.

While guests took part in free cookies from Milwaukee Downtown and hot chocolate from Starbucks, acts like Anita’s Dance Center, Danceworks, Christopher’s Project, Studio VIA, Jennifer Thiel, and the Pius XI High School’s Madrigal Ensemble and Band took the stage. Finally, the switch was flipped and the night became aglow with fireworks over the river. Afterwards, many attendees hoofed it over the bridge to check out the official Christmas tree. Lit up in a deep blue, we now await the beautiful ice rink at Red Arrow Park to once again re-appear.

See our slideshow from the event below, or visit the set on Flickr here.

Check back soon on TCD for video documenting the life of the Milwaukee City/County Christmas Tree, and for TCD’s 2011 Holiday Fun Guide, click here.