Canada Day without fireworks
written by LShandler , July 04, 2009 (05:45:41 PM)

Shame on you Ms. Pollard, you seemed to have missed the fact that we are indeed in a recession coupled with numerous lay-offs, restricted economies, increased homelessness and high unemployment. Spending 50,000 for fireworks may not be justified in these days and times. As a citizen, I would much rather the monies be used to facilitate more supportive programs for my community or perhaps even improvements in and around Prince George. Many families enjoyed the festivities without fireworks and still held the pride that we do indeed live in the best country in the world.
And just a note Ms. Pollard, many communities in the United States are foregoing fireworks this fouth of July because of the cost and the lack of justification that the cost of one night of fireworks would pay the salary of a city employee who has just lost their job.
To the many who helped make Canada Day a wonderful event, thank you from those of us who know that to appreciate our country and know what a wonderful diverse city we live in doesn't necessarily mean we need a light display.

fireworks
written by gsnihur , July 04, 2009 (09:04:40 PM)

Am I mistaken..or was there not fireworks last year at the exhibition grounds?My son took numerous pics and even a video of the lightning storm during the show.

I'll play the worlds smallest violin for you Karena,
written by Vogel , July 04, 2009 (10:53:55 PM)

Its unfortunate you didn't get to see fireworks on Canada Day and niether did I,but I am still a proud Canadian fireworks or not.
I had to work on the 1st but took some time out in the afternoon to go to Fort George Park for some food and was pleased to see the turn out of people, if I could of stayed the entire afternoon I would have liked to because I like some of the selections of food that is offered up to try,,,
Sorry that your an embarrassed and disappointed Karena Pollard but you are probably one of very few that aren't proud to be a Canadian,,,I feel sorry for you,,,

???
written by Max the cat , July 05, 2009 (01:25:51 AM)

We do not need fireworks to celebrate our Nation's day. Try flying the Maple Leaf, (our flag) if you want to show that you really are a PROUD CANADIAN!

Is it all about the fireworks?
written by Oceana55 , July 05, 2009 (01:31:28 AM)

I agree with the other comments particularly the issue of where we put our money in times of recession. Being Canadian isn't about fireworks, its (at least in part)about how we treat each other and present ourselves to the world. I somehow don't think the rest of world is looking at Prince George going "Oh, look at those poor pathetic things, they have no fireworks!" Personally I would be more embarrassed that there are people in my city or country who would be more concerned about fireworks than whether or not the money could be better spent. It's just plain silly to get upset over such a thing.

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written by MustBMe , July 05, 2009 (07:44:17 AM)

There was an awesome display of fireworks last year at the exhibition grounds during the lightning storm. So, unless someone else put them on besides the city, the editors note is wrong.

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written by ryveraulk , July 05, 2009 (08:16:44 AM)

it was 2 or 3 years ago that there wern't any. there was another year, anyways. they are missed, but its not the end of the world. dogs all over are rejoicing!

Karena Pollard
written by bummer , July 05, 2009 (07:27:25 PM)

If you need to have pyrotechnics explode in your butt to appreciate Canada, you chose the wrong lifestyle or the wrong country to live in.

LShandler
written by pgboy , July 05, 2009 (09:09:50 PM)

be carefull with saying the government couldn't justify 50 thousand, they justified their pay raises didn't they?....this 50 G's would have been spent to entertain hundreds instead of the millions being spent to piss off hundreds of thousands of BC'ers...while i do admit i dont' need fireworks the kids sure love em and we just did a very small show of our own for the kids.

FireWorks???
written by Thoughtful , July 05, 2009 (09:42:47 PM)

As a truly proud Canadian, I do not need fireworks to be Canadian. I take pride in the fact that Canada is the only country where foreigners can come, create gangs, murder innocent people, and get lenient sentences. There is nothing more enjoyable than paying taxes into a system of giveaways that cater to those whom come to Canada and laugh at Canadians for not taking advantage of all the free money the government has to give away, such as grants, fake divorces, welfare, unemployment ripoffs, fraudulent book-keeping for write offs, and so on.
Where else can you come and ply your crimes in total carefree fashion, except Canada, nope, Canada is the greatest place to live, after all, the police in Somalia and Afghanistan don't have Tim Horton's franchises to patrol, or a law system that rewards the criminal while victimizing the victim.

...
written by One Happy Camper , July 05, 2009 (09:48:20 PM)

Couldn't have said it better myself Thoughtful, well done!

To True...
written by Carly , July 06, 2009 (07:40:18 AM)

Well said thoughful...

Save our fireworks !!!
written by simply pine , July 06, 2009 (10:15:53 AM)

I am a 5 year veteran Professional fireworks supervisor who has volunteered in providing family oriented firework shows for Prince George, Vanderhoof, and Fort St. James. The starting costs for a professional show at a large venue is only about $5000. All the workers who set up the show (with the exception of the head supervisor) volunteer their time and do it as a service to their community. A typical show utilzes about 100 person hours that are provided free of charge. A spectacular show may cost double that, however fireworks have always been about celebration.

I recognize that as a result of the recession it has been difficult getting one sponsor to pay for the entire event, however I believe that there is grass roots support for events such as these that could come about with some organization. The college heights halloween show is a great example of an organization working together to create an event that benefits the entire city of Prince George. I personally believe that a large fireworks show can bring a community together and help us recognize that we have more in common with our fellow citizens. During a recession we need more of these opportunites for celebration and coming together as a community.

I should note that without sponsors, the fireworks show for the PGX will also not occur. With some organization and some grass roots support we can have a spectacular show during the PGX.

So much nay saying and disappointment,,,
written by Vogel , July 06, 2009 (11:15:18 AM)

I'm surprised the majority of you haven't hung yourselves yet.
If you don't set your expectations too high you will rarely be disappointed,its amazing how many people believe they are owed for some reason,,,how about these people that simply pine says it takes to volunteer and the sponsors like White Eyes mentions (THE FIRST LITRE PUB) that do not go out of their way looking for recognition.
Instead of waisting all your energy pissing and whining all day how about a little thank you for your effort to these folks,,,

...
written by Mayah , July 06, 2009 (04:28:38 PM)

I'm sure a good handful of business owners (local and box stores) would have been able to donate $$ had they been asked or known where to go to donate.
Maybe a little advertising in the paper would have made all the difference.
Well, we will never know.
I haven't gone to the fireworks for years, but I can see how it would brighten a small child's day. It used to amaze me as a kid.

...
written by Mooseheart , July 06, 2009 (08:46:04 PM)

Nice thoughts and nice title u invented for yourself simply pine but I doubt fireworks are the answer to world peace. I too have helped at these events and 5 years does not make u a vetran nor a professional. Everyone loves fireworks but it was a no win situation for the city, give no money and hear the backlash or give money and hear more backlash about spending the money. I would be happy to donate for fireworks next year if a suitable donation plan was in place but also realize that with the economic times having these extras can not always happen. Heres hoping for a bigger and better fireworks for next year.

Clarification
written by simply pine , July 07, 2009 (09:08:02 AM)

I don't believe that it is the responsibility of the city to pay for a large fireworks show. I think it makes more sense to have private sponsors and individuals help out, especially in tough economic times.

Mayah, I would like to follow-up on your suggestion. Maybe the citizen can do a follow-up article on this issue.

At least the pin heads stay home!
written by Nucker77 , July 08, 2009 (09:30:50 AM)

From my experience Canada Day fireworks is just another excuse for the pin heads to get drunk and start trouble. Nothing like going to a 'family event'and seeing groups of teenagers that are drunk and looking for trouble. Rowdiness, profanity, and violence are all reasons why i don't mind if these events are cancelled. I don't feel safe taking my family to events such as this anymore. Don't get my wrong, I'm am not labelling all teenagers and young people as trouble makers, but the small group as always is the case ruins it for everyone and paints everyone with a bad image.

hahahahahaha pg
written by cim2 , July 08, 2009 (12:47:30 PM)

we left PG (forever) on june 30 and broke down in our doug neal leased truck in cache creek. cache creek had massive canada day fireworks, and a huge party. last year too.
when we got back to the coast after the worst 15 months of our lives (in PG), we went to white rock and watched as countless american small towns set off july 4th fireworks for what seemed like hours from across the horizon.
PG has bigger problems than no fireworks, especially when all those people start coming there to live, like watching an american volcano erupt and hoping like h*** that a plane may be diverted and land at the new airstrip.
i opened our local newspaper this morning, and to my displeasure, a big rosy picture of PG's very own shirley bond telling 604 mayors how to run transportation. she should have stuck to education, and maybe helped pull PG's school system outta the gutter.
i still believe cameron stolz has the right ideas to clean up the city, but i think he is going to need more help.
the funniest thing i heard while living (barely) in PG was from a guy from vanderhoof said 'the problem with pg is the people don't even like themselves'
how about reaps garbage can community garden? nice
the air advisories are controlled by industry or government?
cops who look the other way, way too much, and need a 100 million dollar new office.
back on the coast, everytime i see a pothole, i am hallowed by thy name.......Prince George....ewwwwwwww

whoa
written by hoser , July 08, 2009 (04:01:45 PM)

Lots of people had their own firework show in their back yards this year. I think its sad that they didn't have the fireworks, but at the same time its not the end of the world people! Even when we did have fireworks a lot of people would complain that they were not good enough, damned if you do, damned if you don't.
cim2, I am glad to see that you have moved on to a different town after seeing how much you hate Prince George. Good luck to you

...
written by Katie McLeod , July 08, 2009 (06:15:35 PM)

Fireworks are usually sponsored by local businesses. With the current economy I suppose it's not in their budget to spend on fireworks.

How lucky for you cim2 that you got to see such mulitple displays. You sound that you're much happier where you are and I'm sure you're ex neighbours are happy you're gone. It doesn't matter where you live..you'll bring your disposition with you. If you weren't happy here I'm sure you'll find that you won't be happy anywhere given time. Thank you for leaving.

Good riddance Cim2
written by Nucker77 , July 10, 2009 (10:58:13 AM)

Cim2 - i'm sure I can speak for everyone in PG when I say we are thrilled that you have left our city and gone to spread your condescending tone, and arrogance elsewhere. A city is what you make of it, and if you are content to sit on your pedestal and bitch and complain, you get exactly what you deserve. You've got it great in the Lower Mainland as long as gang shootings, homelessness, and crack heads are what you treasure. Do us all a favor and stay away.

Hmmmm,
written by Vogel , July 10, 2009 (12:51:13 PM)

Cim2,,,I'm going to go out on a limb here and say,judging form your comment I'm thinking that your a professional dishwasher that has probably been fired once or twice,read way too much and never go outside.
I was born and raised on the west coast and have been living in Prince George for 4 years now and don't have a problem with it and also have visited or driven through almost every town and city in BC,,,haven't found a bad one yet.
I also wish you good luck and hope that some day you discover your nirvana,,,

lol vogel & nucker
written by cim2 , July 22, 2009 (11:53:10 AM)

if you pack up n leave now you can still make tonights Team Canada display at the HSBC Celebration of light on the waterfront in Vancouver. Take care fellow BC'ers!!