Oh my freakin’ God, you guys…
Posted on
May 25th, 2010by Patrick – 6 great comments. Room for one more!
No, I’m sorry, but the fireworks at Ontario Place suck serious donkey balls. So much so that even my photos of them suck.
I’m usually not a sucker for fireworks anyway, but when I went to see them last year at Ashbirdge’s Bay I accidentally stumbled on a spot that literally knocked my lid off. I mean, I’m sure they look great from the beach; the reason I know is because I heard the mighty cheers that arose from there with every new volley of thunder. I do not exaggerate when I say it sounded like a rock concert or a horde of vikings, and I was sitting entirely elsewhere.
But H-O-L-Y F-U-C-K, pardon my Belgian – this is an experience not to be missed, and I’ve been in those crazy Asian fireworks festivals where they shoot fireworks at you. No one at walked away from the shore of Lake Ontario without beaming about the experience. From the spot I and a small group of people were at (someone complained that 20 years ago they were the only ones there), the explosions were just incredible. The thuds of each missile – oh, they’re missiles at that proximity – would actually knock me in the chest. I’d watch the flaming embers of some of the more intricate rockets fall to the shore and explode into balls of fire as they hit the rocks a mere 30 meters (about 100 feet) away. WOW!
By the way, if you’ve got problems with explosions, do not come. Oh my God, though, if you like this kinda stuff you hafta go next year! But I’m not giving away the location, you’ll have to R.S.V.P. me or something. (I like my cards scented.)
After each volley, when my hearing would return, I’d hear the crowd on the beach raised in a unison cheer – something I don’t remember last year. That told me they approved as I did.
And, I think, the fireworks probably had a lot to do with it. There was a lot of play with symmetry, sometimes creating the effect of 3D objects being cast into space.
Sometimes it felt a bit like a stage production. The timing on these things must’ve been amazing.
There were also other times where it became a bit of a free-for-all. They usually have these shows choreographed to music so that must be where the solo kicks in or something. My seating spot was no place for music though.
There were a couple of times when I almost burst out laughing. The guy behind me, startled by how close some of the explosions seemed, repeated with increasing intensity, “no, no, NO, OH NO, NO NO NO!” When I spun my head around, he was in a state of readiness, prepared to leave his date, his coat, everything that wasn’t necessary, presumably for a dash to safety.
Okay, so I guess it’s not for the faint of heart. But seriously, if you want a true fireworks experience, you have to be prepared to actually get it! Ha!
So on top of this one overwhelming aspect of the fireworks at Ashbridge’s Bay, the overall length and variety of the presentation were also both much broader. Just a hands-down winner in the fireworks department as far as I’m concerned. There’s plenty of room to plunk your ass on the beach where people are putting on their own displays. I was a little shocked at how many people were on the boardwalk afterward, and that I had decided to trudge my bike through there. I guess it’s become quite a festival. But for good reason.
No, seriously. When was the last time I was this enthused about something? It’s a serious show. Feel free to flip through some of the archives of this blog to see some of the events I’ve attended. And this one blew my socks off. Almost literally.
... with pictures
... with sounds
... with videos
... with opinions
... that's shorter
... that's longer
May 25th, 2010 5:35 pm
I love fireworks! We didn't go see them at Ontario Place but we hear 'em!
May 27th, 2010 2:47 am
Don't go to Ontario Place next time, Teena. Ahsbridge's Bay is the place to be!
May 26th, 2010 2:33 am
Hi Patrick
Wow, beautiful pictures of fireworks, very spectacular. I also wanted to say thank you for your lovely comments yesterday re: my health blog. I will take your advice on board about updating the design of my blog and adding a custom header etc., This was actually my very first blog so I don't feel it's quite up too speed with the design and layout but what's most important is the content and I'm always chuffed when I get great feedback and I am able to help others.
I really like the layout of your site and wondered what software you use – could you please let me know. Any tips greatly appreciated. I'm also now following you here.
My best wishes and kind regards
Catherine :-)
May 27th, 2010 2:48 am
Well thanks, Catherine. I'll be sure to share any tips I have as soon as I've learned 'em myself! :D
June 30th, 2010 7:42 pm
Hey Patrick,
I'm planning to see the Canada Day fireworks at Ashbridge's Bay tmr with my friends, can you tell me where this "secret location" is on the beach? We all came from Vancouver, so we miss watching the fireworks from the beach!
July 1st, 2010 3:37 pm
I've sent you an email, Colin. Hopefully it'll reach you in time.