Preparations underway for Milwaukee's Fourth of July fireworks spectacular

MILWAUKEE -- It's going to be a blast this Fourth of July weekend in Milwaukee, as thousands gather along the lakefront to watch one of the biggest fireworks displays in the country.

Breathtaking bursts of color -- the amazing U.S. Bank fireworks display creates magical moments, memories and tradition.

"Just plain, simple joy, remember what it was like to be eight-years-old again," said Matt Newhouse, J&M Displays.

Matt Newhouse is part of the crew with J&M Displays that has been putting on the show along the lakefront for the last six years.

"We really enjoy coming up here," said Tim Zurmuehlen, J&M Displays.

The crowd loves it -- but pleasing them takes a lot of preparation.

"We are pretty much planning the next year in advance. We are always looking for new ideas on product new ideas on how to present the product," said Zurmuehlen.

"We are still loading the fireworks in the mortars, wiring them to the electronics," said Newhouse.

Since Tuesday, crews have been preparing the display and loading up each of three barges, mortar by mortar each one of those barges is packed with more than 1,200 tubes.

It's then launched with a high-tech system.

"A fireworks firing systems called 'Pyrodigital,' they have their own software you put in -- works out of our database. It is choreographed so each barge is shooting the same product or shooting in succession," said Newhouse.

Creating stunning visuals that evoke such an emotion as we reflect on our nation's independence.

"It's a type of art that doesn't exist in any other format, it's experimental you have to be there to see it and feel, and be a part of to really appreciate it," said Zurmuehlen.

For a list of fireworks displays happening throughout southeast Wisconsin, CLICK HERE.