Preparations underway for Tuesday's U.S. Bank fireworks show

MILWAUKEE -- All eyes will be on the skies on Tuesday, July 3rd for the annual U.S. Bank fireworks show along Milwaukee's lakefront.

For one hour Tuesday, the sky will light up with sparkles and booms. On Monday, it was all about making final preparations in advance of the show -- preparations that began last Wednesday, June 27th.

"We start laying out the equipment, clamping everything together, dropping off the shells to get the display ready," Tim Zurmuehlen of J&M Fireworks said.

Zurmuehlen's crew is in charge of 10,000 pounds of fireworks, which is 20,000 shells and 5,000 igniters. They're launched from three barges in Lake Michigan.

Zurmuehlen said at showtime, even the crew members get chills!

"It is like a big present to open up because we get to sit on the barge and watch it up close and personal. The best part is hearing the crowd's reaction afterwards," Zurmuehlen said.

One group had their tents and sleeping bags ready for the night -- over 24 hours in advance of the show starting!

"We have our camping stuff all set to go and we just load up the car and the bikes and out we come," Michelle Hagen said.

Just feet from the lake, Hagen's group has one of the best seats in the house.

"It's unbelievable because you're sitting right there, you're right underneath everything. The booms and the noise and you hear all of the music and the sounds and it kind of sends shivers through your body. It's awesome," Hagen said.

The U.S. Bank fireworks begin at dusk, Tuesday -- approximately 9:25 p.m.

If you can't make it down to the lakefront on Tuesday, watch the entire U.S. Bank fireworks show on FOX6 -- in high-definition! Coverage starts at 9:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE for additional information on Fourth of July events in the City of Milwaukee.