The team at the Billy Barker Days Society is eager to set off some fireworks!
In co-ordination with the Quesnel Downtown Association (QDA), Dec. 2 has been chosen for good fun.
First, wander down to Spirit Square for the Santa Extravaganza event, hosted by the QDA, from 3 to 5 p.m.
That will give you time to then wander down to the east side of the river by 6 p.m. to witness a spectacular fireworks show hosted by the Billy Barker Days Society.
The Billy Barker Days team began working on the 44th version of the Family Event long before the July fires.
Donations that were collected have been directed to this December event. So, now, the group wishes to celebrate all of the good will and give back to our community.
This display will have all the delights of the typical show plus more.
Unfortunately, two of the last three years have gone without a fireworks display. However, that will make for an even better winter spectacle.
The technician from Kamloops, Steve Blackmore, is a Pyro professional who has worked on Symphony of Fire displays in Vancouver.
As with the summer event, Steve and his crew will spend most of the day transferring shells from the pallets to the grid structure located on the west bank of the river.
Using a predetermined pattern, the fireworks are launched from the mortars using a control box that electronically ignites each shell. After ignition, there will be a two- to four-second delay before the centre of the shell splits to release the burst of fire and colour.
The best viewing will be on the east side, town side, of the Fraser River. There will be a 10-minute and a five-minute warning shot before the start of the fireworks, so spectators can find the best view, looking west and down river. As bonus — the sun sets earlier and reflections off the snow will be beautiful.
Please remember that security will be tight and the fireworks will not proceed if anyone enters the secure area. This area will be clearly marked with yellow tape and will be monitored for intruders.
Ron and the team are excited to share this fireworks event with the community, so please mark these times on your calendar and join us there: Dec. 2, Santa Extravaganza, Spirit Square, 3-5 p.m. and fireworks over the river at 6 p.m.
– submitted by Liz-Anne Eyford
