Last Friday was Canada Day, a holiday that celebrates the Constitution Act signing on July 1, 1867 and is celebrated across the country. This year the Canada Day celebrations in Fort McMurray were missing something though, and that was the usual fireworks display. Residents in the area were treated to numerous musical acts and events which were high profile the Regional Recreation Corporation nixed the pyrotechnics due to logistical issues as well as concerns over safety. Usually the fireworks can be seen far beyond MacDonald Island Park, but with the recent wildfire and evacuation there are some who are probably not sad that the typical pyrotechnics will not be seen this year. An alternative was found by having all of the musical artists who were performing to sing the national anthem together.

When discussing the lack of fireworks at MacDonald Island Park on Canada Day RRC communications coordinator Theresa Wells explained “The time that that decision was made, the fire ban was still in effect. We really had to be very cognizant of that, as well as the fact that we’ve had a community that’s been through a very difficult spring. So we’re going to end the evening a little bit differently this year. ʺ Amateur enthusiasts were reminded by Hunter Langpap, the acting Wood Buffalo fire marshal, that the Alberta Fire Code must be followed. “It mandates that anyone who wishes to sell, store, or discharge fireworks must have written consent from the fire department in order to do so. If someone wants to put on a firework show in the RMWB, they must apply for a permit through the fire department. Low hazard is the stuff that you might see for sale at the corner store. High hazard are the pyrotechnics that you’d see at the New Year’s Eve display at Mac Island.” Even with the proper permit Langpap reminded people that “Only adults over 18 years of age should handle fireworks. No alcohol or drugs should be used when discharging fireworks, obviously. Wear protective eye glasses and gloves.”