FIREWORK FUN

Victoria Day is one of the biggest holidays in Canada. It is also one of only a couple of times each year you can legally purchase (and set off) fireworks in Ontario. Last year we had a bit of an event here, with a group of parents each chipping in some $$$ for a package of fireworks which we then set off on the corner while all our kids (14 in total) sitting in lawn chairs and cheering along. This year we had 16 kids and 8 adults and I bought the fireworks from a wholesaler in the big city instead of the local corner store (and thus getting twice as much for the same price). We also planned the show a little bit, starting small and working our way up to a big 50-shot cake called the "Grand Finale". The kids loved it, and I can honestly admit I just like blowing shit up, so the kids are just an excuse. So I propose a toast to Queen Victoria, who in her day truly ruled the civilized world, in a time when the sun never set on the British Empire. If you are planning a holiday fireworks display in your area here are a few words of advice.

1. Lots of kids. Nobody is going to complain about a bunch of kids having a good time. A bunch of 20-somethings mixing fireworks with alcohol is another situation entirely.

2. Do it early. We had our show just after the sun went down at 9pm. Our little display was only about 10 minutes in duration, but it also wasn't at 1am.

3. Warn everybody. For the most part all the neighbours in the immediate vicinity were not only informed but invited to setup their lawn chairs and take in the display.

4. Safety first. No need to elaborate on this one. I launch my fireworks from a large planter filled with sand which I use to bury them for stability.