Craig Gilbert | [email protected]
There will be no fireworks on Canada Day in Jasper.
Organizers are erring on the side of caution with an outright fire ban in place in Jasper National Park.
It’s the first time fireworks won’t ring out in the Three-Valley Confluence since at least the mid-1980s when the “Queen of Canada Day” Linda Anderson started revitalizing the festivities in Jasper.
Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce general manager Pattie Pavlov has become somewhat synonymous with the fireworks display herself. The Chamber stepped back this year from running the entire festival, but she was still in charge of the fireworks display.
The fireworks, bought at a discount through a connection of hers in southern Ontario, would have to be ordered by June 15 to arrive on time.
“We don’t want to add to any of the angst some people are feeling right now,” she said Wednesday. “Having a very serious discussion surrounding the complete fire ban currently in place in JNP, we looked at all safety issues, all the emotional issues, that become part of having a display. We’re as disappointed as anyone. It’s been a tradition (but) we respect that this is our community, our businesses, our homes. The unpredictability of wind, particularly, could affect where one stray ember goes and we’re not willing to take that risk.”
Anna Marie Couture is the Canada Day committee chair. She doesn’t have much time or budget to fill the gap in the entertainment. The loss of the 18-minute pyrotechnic display translates to needing up to an hour of material.
“I’m sad but I understand,” she said. “We’re up against a time deadline right now. We’ll try to go out with a bang just not with fireworks.”
The restivus of the festivus should remain unchanged, with the exception of not needing to bring your own dishes to the pancake breakfast to get a discount. It’ll be $5 for all.
The Jasper community is chipping in, as usual. The prohibitively costly sound system for the live entertainment is being donated again by PSAV. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is donating the use of the stage and tents, the Jasper Redfins are doing traffic control for the parade, the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives is running the beer gardens and barbecue.
A patriotic who’s who of other dyed in the wool Jasper businesses come out of the woodwork to make it happen, too.
“It’s a family event,” she said.
More volunteers are always welcome. See what’s going on and register at jaspercanadaday.com.
