A local credit union is making sure Vernon’s Canada Day fireworks go off with a bang.
VantageOne Credit Union has donated $5,000 to the event, now known as the VantageOne Canada Day Fireworks, set for around 10:15 p.m. July 1 at the army camp.
“VantageOne’s generosity will provide us with additional funding to expand this year’s fireworks show by five-to-10 minutes,” said Terry Schmauder of Vernon’s Canada Day fireworks committee.
Schmauder was joined at the Vernon Fire Department Tuesday in making the announcement by VantageOne chief executive officer Glenn Benischek, Mayor Wayne Lippert, and area firefighters.
Benischek said the donation will help enhance the fireworks display.
“Thousands of our members watch the fireworks, and I think Canadian pride is still at the forefront after the Olympics so this is a great way to celebrate Canada’s birthday,” said Benischek. “I’m looking forward to a great time this year.”
Lippert called the fireworks a great community event.
“The fireworks show is something we all look forward to each year, as citizens and Funtastic vistors alike celebrate a great day to be Canadian,” said Lippert.
The show is held in conjuction with the annual Funtastic Sports Festival. President Brett Kirkpatrick was also on hand for the announcement Tuesday.
Lippert gave special recognition to BX-Swan Lake fire chief Bill Wacey, who serves as the pyrotechnician for the fireworks show and helps set up and dismantle the site.
Deputy fire chief Lawrie Skolrood was mentioned for organizing the volunteer firefighters that help with the show, and Tremel Lambrecht of Vernon Moving & Storage was singled out for donating a trailer for the event.
Free public transportation will be provided from the Vernon Rec Centre to and from the army camp to reduce traffic congestion.
Traffic, parking and crowd marshalling will be in effect for the fireworks show.
The VantageOne Canada Day Fireworks display is made possible through the annual commitment of the Vernon Fire & Rescue and operations staff, volunteers including the BX-Swan Lake, Okanagan Landing and Coldstream Fire Departments, and representatives from Funtastic.
“We’d also like to recognize the co-operation and assistance of the Department of National Defence, RCMP, community policing and BC Forestry Service,” said Schmauder.
