Wednesday marked the first night of the HSBC Celebration of Light. For a while there, we didn’t think the firworks were going to happen. But I am proud to say that some Vancouver/Canadian businesses pulled through and the Celebration of Light is lighting up the summer night sky once again.

For those unfamiliar with the event, this is an annual fireworks competition with which is free to watch from public parks and beaches. Music simulcast begins at 10:00 p.m. on a specific station (Shore 104 FM in 2009). The estimated annual attendance is 1.4 million people. The main viewing area is English Bay, with the fireworks-launch-barge anchored 300 metres off shore. English Bay is in the heart of downtown and also has speakers set up to broadcast the music to the audience. Other prime viewing points include Kits Beach, Vanier Park, and Jericho Beach (where I usually go).

July 22, 2009 was Canada night, sponsored by London Drugs. The theme was “There’s No Place Like Home” with music from The Wizard of Oz.

First we enjoyed dinner on the patio of the Jericho Sailing Club.

Knitting as the sun goes down, with my feet in the warm sand.

Sun setting

English Bay is across the water

Tin Man: If I only had a heart

We were sitting on the pier

I love the reflection on the water.

If you missed the show, you can view the fireworks video compliments of GlobalTV BC. Don’t miss the rest of the fireworks: Saturday, July 25th – South Africa night sponsored by The Keg Steakhouse; Wednesday, July 29th – United Kingdom night sponsored by Shore 104 FM; and Saturday, August 1st – China night sponsored by Concord Pacific.

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