"Hats off to them:" In the wake of the July 3rd fireworks comes one massive cleanup job



MILWAUKEE -- Not long after thousands of people were dazzled by the US Bank Fireworks along Milwaukee's lakefront, a massive team of people from Milwaukee County began an unenviable task -- the job of cleaning up the mess left behind.

Cleanup after US Bank Fireworks



The parks crew was tasked with picking up about 200 tons of garbage that was left behind from the celebration at Veterans Park and all points surrounding it.

"It looks like they are making a very good dent in it and it looks like they've been at it for quite some time. You bet, hats off to them," said Todd Palmer of Whitefish Bay

Veterans Park is more than 100 acres. Guy Smith, the chief operations officer of Milwaukee County Parks told FOX6 News that one of their saving graces is trash bags were handed out to lots of people as they arrived at the lakefront.

The goal for the crews on the site was to get everything picked up before 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 4th. By 6:30 a.m., you could see more green than garbage.

Cleanup after US Bank Fireworks



"It seems like they did a great job this morning," said Palmer.

US Bank balloon flies over Veterans Park



Meanwhile, Matthew McClinton was thankful for the work of the cleanup crew. In town from Louisville -- McClinton was piloting the US Bank hot air balloon. On Monday morning, there was a light breeze -- which was good.

"It's about like flying a plane. It's an acquired skill. It's a little bit more challenging on morning like today, but that's what makes my job awesome," said McClinton.

McClinton said he is always impressed by the sheer size of Milwaukee's holiday celebration. He said this was the first time he was around for the massive cleanup.

"I thought I've seen fireworks shows before -- but Milwaukee does it big," McClinton said.

US Bank balloon flies over Veterans Park