4th of July with Tosa Tonight

Wauwatosa fireworks & an ABBA Salute

Is there anything more patriotic than an ABBA cover band on the 4th of July? The lead singer kicking off the first set donning a Swedish flag, gold lamé gogo boots, and a blond wig? Followed by a costume change involving red and blue capes? 

This is my America: Land of the Dancing Queens. Sure, some in the crowd like my curmudgeon uncle (his words) thought they looked like they were wearing giant ruffled diapers — and he's not necessarily wrong. But gee whiz, let's celebrate our freedom to wear ruffled diapers while impersonating Swedish popstars, gosh darn it! 

We have the people who organize Tosa Tonight to thank for this spectacle, as well as for coordinating all of the food vendors that lined Hart Park. Options included Belair Cantina, Gilles Frozen Custard, Ruby Tap for all the winos, Maxie's Southern Comfort (if you're willing to brave the long line), and Leff's Lucky town, where we picked up burgers and hotdogs for dinner. 

The green around the Rotary Performance Pavilion was packed when we got there, which was about 6pm. We parked at the top of 70th street and Milwaukee Ave, walked down, then weaseled our way between some folks on the lawn. In the future, I'd say get there closer to 5pm and hope for more open green space to pick from. And while I'm all for a blanket-style picnic, chairs would certainly help if you're hoping to catch a significant glimpse of the musical act. 

Almost immediately following the ABBA Salute, Wauwatosa set off its fireworks. They shoot 'em off on the right side of the stage, as you're facing it. So if you can get a spot on the right-hand side, that's the place to be. When the evening was over, we followed the mobs back to our car. Word of the wise: Do not attempt to drive through the Tosa Village after the fireworks; park on the south or north side of State Street, depending which way points home.

Do you have a favorite Milwaukee-area fireworks show? Sound off in the comments! I'd like to try something new next year — provided another ABBA Salute doesn't reel me back in.