With Milton’s annual 4th of July celebration approaching, we would like to touch on some legal and safety-related topics.
The actual 4th of July can be a long day for the entire family. It is filled with activities all day long, beginning early in the morning with the Independence Day Run and Walk. This is followed in the afternoon by the annual parade on Madison Avenue, and wraps up at sundown with the fireworks display. Mixed in with those events are generally family gatherings, picnics, and backyard BBQs. Officers with the Milton Police Department are required to work on this holiday, and we do our best to make your day safe and enjoyable. To achieve this goal we would like to ask for your cooperation in regards to a few things;
- You need to be aware that very few fireworks are allowed to be discharged within the City, unless you have a permit. Essentially, anything other than snakes and sparklers are illegal, and discharging of them can result in a $114.00 forfeiture.
- No fireworks of any kind are permitted on the grounds of Schilberg Park. This includes sparklers and snakes. Possession of these materials at the park can also result in citations being issued.
- While all children enjoy grabbing up as much candy as possible along the parade route, please keep them close to you, and out of the way of parade vehicles. Although the parade moves slowly, the danger is still very real when near moving vehicles. Only people on foot can throw candy during the parade, and it is not permissible to do so from moving vehicles. However, that does not eliminate the risk, and attention to your little ones is paramount. Due to problems in the past, we will also not be tolerating large squirt guns, water hoses, etc. along the parade route. Please leave such items at home.
- Be patient with traffic congestion after the fireworks. We do as much as possible to move traffic along, and out of the congested areas quickly.
- As always, drink responsibly. If necessary, arrange designated drivers ahead of time.
- Keep track of your children, especially in crowded areas. Children can disappear in crowds quickly, and you must help keep a close eye on them.
- We would also ask that you be respectful of others. As the night winds down, we are invariably dispatched to numerous loud music, fireworks, disorderly conduct, and alcohol related incidents. Please understand there is very little tolerance for any of this. If you are disturbing people in their own homes, at unreasonable times, citations will be issued, and if necessary, arrests will be made.
- Remember the legal drinking age in Wisconsin is 21. Distribution to underage persons, and consumption by underage persons will not be tolerated. This includes the beer tent at Schilberg, where Officers are assigned, as well as any other type of gathering where alcohol is provided.
- Respect the posted No Parking areas. These areas are not posted to be an inconvenience, but rather for safety reasons. Violators will be ticketed, and quite possibly have their vehicles towed should they park in restricted areas. There is a handicapped parking area in front of the Milton Middle School for parade attendees. That lot will be monitored by a police intern and only those vehicles with the necessary stickers will be permitted to park there.
- Have Fun! If you cooperate with your police department, and we all work together, this will undoubtedly be another festive and successful Independence Day celebration for our community.
