A debate over fireworks erupted in Slave Lake council chambers last week after Exhibition Association representative Kevin Walker asked council to consider sponsoring – or co-sponsoring the fireworks at the community’s Riverboat Daze celebrations next month. He said various community groups and companies have spent as much as $7,500 on fireworks in the past.
Walker had a list of requests for council, and even though they wouldn’t grant his every wish, councillors debated at length when the subject of fireworks arose.
Less than 48 hours after the community’s Canada Day celebrations, some councillors said they’d received complaints there were no fireworks at the event. That hasn’t happened in recent memory, but Mayor Ray Stern said he received several calls on the weekend with callers asking about fireworks.
“Everyone assumed it’s the Town’s responsibility” to see that Canada Day celebrations include fireworks, he said.
Stern said in his former term on council, the municipality did help pay for fireworks at Riverboat Daze, but added his belief that helping pay for fireworks on July 1 might be more fitting for council’s participation.
“During Riverboat Daze, I think we could use $7,500 elsewhere.”
Councillor Valerie Tradewell, however, didn’t agree with a two-way split of the price tag – or the date.
“Riverboat Daze has a big draw, and Canada Day (celebrations are) just two hours,” she said. She added that organizers might look for corporate donors to get involved.
Agreeing with the assessment, Councillor Lisa Brown said “unless you’ re going to make it big, don’t even waste your money. It’ll give more bang for your buck.” She suggested council could spend as much as $2,500 on fireworks.
Councillor George Snider, however, said he prefers getting involved with Canada Day celebrations “and finding a way to bring more people in.”
Challenged to find a source to help pay for the Riverboat Daze fireworks this year, Snider suggested council take half the money it had set aside for the Japanese student exchange in September. He said Town office had just received written confirmation that fear of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus prompted the delegation to cancel its visit.
“But in the future, let’s work with companies to partner” in picking up the fireworks tab. Adding her vote to the Canada Day supporters, Councillor Shirley Torresan-Chykerda said Riverboat Daze is already filled with events. Speaking as a mother, she said after a day filled with events and fun, she finds it difficult to keep youngsters awake long enough to see the display. Agreeing, Councillor Elaine Carmichael said hosting fireworks is all about “Town pride. Let’s do it for the kids.”
Putting a final stamp of support on the Canada Day celebration, Stern said it is all about pride of country.
“Sometimes as Canadians we forget to celebrate the good.”

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