Saskatoon Fireworks Festival 2009 Friday Night
As our ‘wheat king' farmers continued gathering our prairie crops last night with the naturally bright aid of a full harvest moon, we city folk swarmed to the river's banks to see an extravagant show of artificial light by fireworks set to music. I had heard a lot of hype leading up to the firework show so I expected a great turnout, but I was still taken aback at the depth and density of the crowd. It was a real marvel to see the draw that fire in motion has for residents of all ages and apparent walks of life, and as fascinating to me as the show itself.
Before and after the show, second avenue sidewalks were brimming with people and I even eavesdropped on one fellow pleasantly comparing the bustle to his experience of Shanghai. "Indeed!" I thought to myself, "There was bicycle valet parking available at the end of Second Avenue." Okay, Shanghai comparisons may be a stretch perhaps, and I think I would prefer to remain the ‘Paris of the Prairies, but nonetheless it was the busiest I have seen this little avenue that I live on and I am told the eastern streets of the river were equally bustling.
The firework show itself was a caliber and notch above anything I have seen in Saskatoon for sure. They began somewhat sublime and steadily became grander as the tempo of music increased. It was mesmerizing to see the windows of downtown and Saskatchewan Crescent lit up with explosive blasts of all colors. As embers continually sparkled into the river I got lost in the music. It was a real pleasure for the senses, including the bass of the explosions reverberating against my chest. It was my first experience of fireworks set to music and I was pleasantly surprised at the hypnotic nature the music adds. It truly turns the show into much more of an artistic medium as advertised.
Yes, perhaps I am getting a little esoteric about a few explosives, a big crowd, and a little rock-and-roll, so I will get back to my Robert Frost meditations. I will be heading back down to the river this evening, however, to enjoy the next show and innocently eavesdrop on some more of your conversations. If crowds don't make you squirm come share yours. It is, at the least, an energizing experience of the senses and you might get to hear your thoughts here tomorrow.
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