Many youngsters enjoyed themselves on the inflatable games or with face-painting and the very young could play on small inflatable games.
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Summerfest Goes Well Despite No FireWorks
Everything was going quite well at last Wednesday’s Summerfest just until the last and biggest event of the evening – the much-anticipated fireworks.
During the early evening there were the usual long lineups for the giant, inflatable games (such as Krazy Kong and Treasure of the Caribbean), and the concession stands to buy hotdogs, burgers, popcorn and cotton candy as well as soft and energy drinks.
Around 9 pm, more people started to arrive for the colourful celestial explosions, bringing their lawn chairs and blankets to the baseball field to get a good view. However, at about 9:30 pm, winds from the east started to pick up strength and nature’s own fireworks began to be seen from that direction over the arena about 15 minutes later.
“We lucked out with the weather. It was nice and sunny and there were lineups everywhere,” stated Chris Mandelos, the event coordinator and Sports and Recreation head. “We were extremely happy until we had to cancel the fireworks.”
It was the first time in 20 years that they had to be cancelled, he added, due to a concern over public safety. With the fireworks set up on the track field only 300 feet from Churchill and the wind expected to go in that direction all night, fire and Town officials decided that they couldn’t take any chances and have anything still lit landing on someone’s roof there.
“It’s a no-brainer. As much as we wanted to do it, you’re not going to play with the chance of burning down a house and getting anyone injured,” he explained. When the wind blows in the usual direction (from west to east), any lit fireworks land in the adjacent soccer field where they can be put out by the fireworks company staff.
New Activities
While many youngsters enjoyed themselves on the inflatable games or with face-painting, the very young could play on small inflatable games nearby. And for the first time, there were organized activities for pre-teens and teenagers.
In the roller-hockey rink, daycamp staff put on games where they could try their hand at ten-pin bowling (with plastic balls and pins, of course), sandbag, and a carnival-like knock-down-the 10-tin-cans game.
Just behind, kids could win small prizes by throwing out a certain number of coloured plastic balls (among hundreds) within 20 or 30 seconds while being shaken in a six-foot pool by four counsellors. Or they could joust with a counsellor dressed up as a medieval wizard or knight, using a giant, cushioned Q-Tip to knock each other off a small stand.
Another new feature was a tattoo table where certified practitioners could have “cool” designs painted on them. “While we usually had many activities for small kids, there hasn’t been something for kids 10-years-old and up,” Mandelos said.
In the meanwhile, many people were entertained in the large, white tent. Youngsters were thrilled by children’s entertainer Marie-Martine and by a Hip-Hop dancing show. Then came the lively sounds of the Kevin Mark Blues Band to which many adults enjoyed themselves.
Charities Do Well
Local groups also benefit greatly from the Summerfest. Challenging youngsters to hit the target with a softball, Public Security officers volunteered to get dunked in a tank of cold water to benefit the local Fondation de l’art publique that was set up last fall to promote more public art here. This year, they were able to raise $944, almost double the amount they usually raise.
Staffed by energetic kids aged eight to 14, the Volunteer Centre cleared almost $600 from the sale of chips and water. Friendly ladies from the Town Adult Centre sold out their entire supply of popsicles for their group’s activities. And the Minor Hockey Association did brisk business by selling hotdogs, burgers, and drinks for their charity – a home where children with intellectual challenges can stay while their parents can rest at home or enjoy a rare night out.
Fireworks in the Works?
For those disappointed by the cancelled fireworks, there may be some good news. Recreation officials will see if there’s another chance to have them another night – perhaps with an activity already in the works, Mandelos said.
Not having used any of its explosive materiel Wednesday night, the fireworks company have saved and put them aside. “If we can get a chance to use them, we just have to figure out how we’re going to organize that.”
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Météo: Montréal, 20 juillet 2008 / 22°C
/ Faible pluie
/ Vents: 9 Km/h / Humidité relative: 78 % 
Steven Guilbeault - Chronique environnement
Richard Cléroux - Le fouineur politique
