The Acton Firefighters Association will be the ones lighting things up this weekend as it holds its annual fireworks display at Prospect Park for Canada Day.
Of course as is usually the case with firefighters, safety is the number one priority for those putting on the display.
“We’ve moved to an all electric firing system, so we no longer have to light the show by hand,” said Al Scott, Halton Hills Fire Department captain and chair of the Canada Day fireworks committee.
“When we first started the fireworks display, shells were loaded into mortar tubes and the team had to light them individually with butane torches.”
Nowadays, an electronic system is connected to the fireworks so they can be set off at specific times, which leads to a much smoother show for operators, and a better viewing experience for spectators.
The fireworks display is expected to kick off between 9:30 and 10 p.m. on July 1, Scott said, depending on how quickly it gets dark. The show should last anywhere from 25 to 35 minutes.
Outside of the fireworks display, the Downtown Acton Business Improvement Area will have a tent set up at the pedestrian entrance to Prospect Park at 7 p.m., offering cupcakes and Canada Day gear free of charge, and a playlist of modern Canadian music to enjoy as people arrive for the fireworks.
“Families are also invited to arrive at the park to get the perfect spot for viewing, and we remind them to bring any necessary blankets, chairs, bug repellent, and refreshments they may need for an enjoyable evening,” said BIA co-ordinator Matthew Galliford.
The Action Legion is also getting in on the action and is holding a barbecue starting at 5 p.m., with free hot dogs for children 12 and under. The Acton Citizens Band will be at the Legion from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and guests are invited to stay and watch the fireworks.
The fireworks are the centrepiece of Acton’s Canada Day festivities and serve as a community celebration, since so much of the funding for the show comes from donations from locals and businesses.
Parking at Prospect Park is limited, though there will also be some space available at St. Joseph’s school and on the surrounding streets.
