Photo Essay: Milwaukee celebrates America’s birthday

Tens of thousands of people attended the annual July 3 fireworks show along Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Launched from barges on Lake Michigan, the night sky was filled with colorful explosions that were reflected on the dark water. Some families camped out in Veteran’s Park overnight from July 2 as an annual tradition.

These images highlight the pyrotechnic display and event crowds around the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its iconic architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava.