By Stephanie K. Baer

Tradition was the word most used to describe Fourth of July celebrations Thursday in Milwaukee-area parks.

While some made their way to various parades in the city and surrounding suburbs, others camped out at Milwaukee County parks — some as early as 5:30 a.m., just "to get the spot."

"That's part of the tradition," said Daniel Ray Daul, 53, who set up at 7:30 a.m. at Jackson Park to barbecue with former bandmates and friends from high school. "We've been around here since we were kids."

During a game of sheepshead, Daul and his friends reminisced about the times they would come to the same park in high school and hang out at the same spot under the trees on the south side of the lagoon, only to get chased out of the park by the police for drinking.

"We're telling bad jokes, eating good food and playing cards," Rick Kordash, 52, said.

But at the same time, celebrating Independence Day meant more than just enjoying good food and company.

"It's all about freedom," said Daul's brother, Tom Daul, 50.

"Our fathers," Kordash chimed in.

"And the cops won't bother us," Tom Daul joked.

"Honoring what other people sacrifice for our freedom," Scott Zambirski, 54, said.

"It's a day off work," Tom added.

"It's about honoring those who came before us. That's why this baby's up there," said Kordash, pointing to the American flag hung high between the trees.

Over in Whitefish Bay, it was raining candy as Little Leaguers, gymnasts, clowns, a drum corps and other local groups marched in the town's Fourth of July parade, one of many held across southeast Wisconsin to celebrate the nation's birthday.

Hundreds lined Silver Spring and Lake drives to watch sons, daughters, sisters, brothers and friends mark Independence Day.

Danielle Burgess, 36, of Milwaukee, and her 4-year-old daughter, Yanara, waited along the sidewalk to watch Yanara's older sister march with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee cheerleading squad.

"I'm excited about my sister in the parade," said Yanara, adding she wanted to march in the parade someday, "because I want my sister to see me."

Children ran into the street to shake hands with firefighters and local officials and to collect the candy flying toward spectators.

"Chucking candy at people" was 8-year-old Carter Schmidt's favorite part about marching in the parade with his Little League team, the Sea Dogs, and he wasn't alone.

"One of my friends threw a candy really high and it hit a mom," said Carter's teammate John Campbell, 8, of Whitefish Bay.

Several elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, participated in the parade Thursday.

"I got you, Whitefish Bay," Moore said into a megaphone as she rolled down Lake Drive in a blue Corvette.

At Lake Park, Lisa Perkins, 32, cooked up a storm for her family, who has been coming to the same park to celebrate Independence Day for the past 20 years.

"The kids really enjoy Lake Park," Perkins said. "The Fourth of July, it's all about independence, and you can't be independent without your family being there as they continue to nurture you. That helps us be independent."

"It's also about celebrating family and getting everyone together."

Nakia Williams, 38, spent the afternoon at Gordon Park playing football with his 11-year-old son. Williams said his family has made a routine of spending the Fourth at Gordon Park.
"I'm here for the kids," he said.

His son, dressed in swim trunks and a short-sleeve rash guard, went back-and-forth between running through the water park at the playground and playing with his dad.

"I like just hanging out with my family," said Nakia Williams Jr. "It's a nice day outside, the sun is shining...everybody can just get along and have fun."

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