Families grill out, have fun in Co. parks for Fourth of July

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- On this Fourth of July holiday, we saw summertime weather -- with partly sunny skies and warm temperatures in the 80s, leading many to head outdoors to take in some patriotic celebrations.

The aroma of food being grilled up inside Milwaukee's Lincoln Park drew the crowds on the Fourth of July -- and fortunately, cooks weren't fighting the elements to prepare it.

Clint Hardy took care of the brats, while ribs cooked up on another grill.

But it's not just about the food. The Fourth of July is also about togetherness, being thankful to live in this country, and saying "thank you" to our service men and women.

“We come together and have fun. Come and relax and get things off our chest. Something we don’t normally do during the week because some of us running here, some of us running there, so this gives us time to sit down and find out about each other," Sammie Green said.

It was a family affair, with plenty for the little ones to do.

At Jackson Park, kids turned their bikes into patriotic displays, and won prizes for their effort.

Prizes were also handed out at Washington Park for game winners. Annie Posey has been organizing this celebration for 16 years.

"I love the children and I love the community and I have so much fun," Posey said.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Chris Abele visited several of the parks to share in some of the enthusiasm.

"Since we had such a late beginning to summer, I think it’s validation to summer -- that this is truly summer now. I think this is the time of year when everyone wants the clock to stop," Mayor Barrett said.