Edmontonians can expect an explosive day of Canada Day festivities throughout the city Thursday, capped off by a colourful display of pyrotechnics.
"The show should be a touch up on the intensity side (over last year). It is more fireworks in the same time," said Brad Dezotell, spokesperson for Edmonton's Canada Day fireworks show.
The two 16-inch shells that wowed crowds last year — among scores of other, smaller ones — have been replaced with two 12-inch shells that still promise to pack a punch.
Dezotell boasts Edmonton's Canada Day show as one of the top five Canada Day fireworks displays in the country.
"It has the sight, it has the budget and it has the community to put on an event like this," said Dezotell.
The show is set to dazzle crowds at 11 p.m. sharp.
With road closures beginning at 9:30 p.m. near the river valley and 7:30 p.m. in Mill Woods, drivers should expect traffic delays two hours before the fireworks and up to 90 minutes after.
When scouting out the best locations to take in the spectacle of light coming out of Kinsmen Park, Ellen Finn, spokeswoman for the Civic Events office, recommends the legislature grounds, Walterdale Hill, the Government House Park, and other places along the river valley, like Saskatchewan Drive.
Finn also recommends taking transit when taking in many of the festivities.
"If you do get your car into those places, you can't get them out," said Finn.
Edmonton Transit will also be amping up their services to ensure everyone will make it out to their favourite event throughout the city.
ETS officials say some bus routes will have extra late night service and extra services will begin around 9 p.m.
LRT frequency will be increased before and after the fireworks.
Transit security will also be beefed up to ensure everyone arrives at their destinations safely.
Just before midnight last year on July 1, a 42-year-old man was stabbed to death at a bus stop on 100 Street near Jasper Avenue after a man had been assaulted in an altercation. The Canada Day fireworks show in the river valley had wrapped up just minutes before.
Despite the shocking display of violence last year, police will not be increasing their presence throughout the streets Thursday.
"We have contingent in place that will address any potential crowd issues," said Insp. Joel Whittaker.
EPS will however be making a stronger presence on the North Saskatchewan River this Canada Day.
"We will be patrolling and looking for intoxicated people," said Whittaker. "I just ask for people who are going to use the river just to abide by all the laws."
For a list of Edmonton's Canada Day festivities visit www.edmonton.ca.
Some Canada Day events:
-Alberta legislature: Free pancake breakfast and a 21-gun salute, alongside other activities; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-Fort Edmonton Park: Dominion Day celebrations, including live music and birthday cake; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-City hall: Face painting, petting zoo, live entertainment and tours; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-Borden Park: Music, free barbecue and more; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
-Silly Summer Parade: The parade will start at Queen Alexandra school, 7730 106 St., and will head west on Whyte Avenue to 108 Street and back to the school; 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
-Louise McKinney Riverfront Park: Live music, crafts, activities; 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
-Mill Woods Park: Music, dancing and fireworks; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-Canada Day fireworks: Best viewing place is the Legislature; 11 p.m.
-Edmonton Garrison: Live music including Jefferson Starship and fireworks; 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
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