With a boom and crack, they light up the night sky, exploding cascades of colour across the horizon.
Fireworks are the centrepiece of many big summer celebrations.
And for John Adria, their allure is undeniable.
“They’re really exciting. It’s in the moment. There is really nothing else like it,” Adria said during a Wednesday morning interview on CBC Radio’s Edmonton AM
“I like the smell. I like the excitement, the beauty, the action.”
Adria is the owner of Uncle John’s Fireworks in Edmonton, where he’s been selling Roman candles, skyrockets, comets, flying fish, and bangers of all shapes and sizes for more than a decade.
He also creates shows for communities across Edmonton and Alberta, and indoor pyrotechnic displays for galas and weddings.
And business is booming this summer.
“To be honest, its kind of overwhelming,” Adria said.
He hasn’t always been in the fireworks business.
He worked as a computer programmer for more than 30 years, before one Canada Day celebration changed everything.
“One night I was watching the fireworks show, and thought this is way better than computer programming, so I just sort of gradually worked into it.”
But Adria admits he’s always had an affinity for fireworks.
John Adria, the owner of Uncle John’s Fireworks, has been selling fireworks in Edmonton for more than a decade. (John Adria/Facebook )
Growing up in the ’70s, he remembers his mother’s dismay when he would come home with singed clothes and scorched fingers.
“I used to go myself to the corner store and for 10 cents a pack, buy some firecrackers and get crazy,” Adria said.
“And me and my brothers, we used to experiment with making our own so I did know a fair amount about the chemistry before I got started.
“But it was illegal and dangerous then, and it’s illegal and dangerous now.”
Ensure a safe spectacle
Adria says his fellow firework aficionados would be wise to remember that safety regulations aren’t quite so lax as they were decades ago, and it’s best to carefully research local bylaws before lighting up.
“I still have all my fingers, and no scars on my face. Fireworks don’t cause many injuries but we would like to keep it that way.”
Fireworks are not allowed within Edmonton city limits without a permit. City regulations require 400 square metres of open space, so backyards wouldn’t fit the bill. City parks are also out of bounds.
To ensure a safe spectacle, Adria advises shooting off fireworks in rural areas, well away from homes. Wear safety glasses and ensure the fireworks point safely to the sky, he said.
“When these things shoot off, they kick around quite a bit, you should have a good way to make sure they point up, because if they tip over it will ruin your fireworks show, embarrass you in front of your neighbours, and the kids, and you may even hurt somebody,” Adria said.
“And people are often telling me these stories of how they’re half snapped when they’re shooting their fireworks. That’s probably not a good idea.”
Fireworks fans can check out Adria’s handiwork at the Canada Day celebrations in Onoway this long weekend.
“We’re going to pound the skies for 20 minutes with all your favourites and celebrate what a great country we have.
‘It’s going to be great.”