Firework displays and gatherings are traditional celebrations on Victoria Day and Canada Day in Canada and the 4th of July celebrations in the US.  Elsewhere in the world, the night sky sparkles on Australia Day, Singapore’s National Day, Diwali in India, and many large cities welcome a New Year with a spectacular light display. 

I have fond childhood memories of our mostly failed attempts at lighting the Burning Schoolhouse in our backyard and attending our small town’s extravaganza at the baseball diamond.  When my daughter Elsa was young, we were always excited to watch the fireworks with a group of friends and picnicked while oohing and awing at the array of colour. 

The last time I attended a firework display was in 2012 with Ben, along with Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla.  We obviously didn’t sit next to them but saw them arrive. 

It was a lovely evening, but I started to question this ingrained tradition for the first time.  I wondered about the cost, pollution, traffic madness, and my desire to continue this tradition evaporated that night. 

It wasn’t until the following Victoria Day weekend that I read about how harmful the thunderous sound of fireworks is to pets and wildlife.  Recently, I learned about the impact it has on individuals that have PTSD, especially anyone that has been involved in combat or has fled a war-torn country.   

I wasn’t planning on writing about fireworks for this week’s blog, but after reading endless threads on Twitter and Facebook arguing the pros and cons of continuing with this annual event, I felt I had to say something. 

We’re lucky that our sweet girl Peggy is not bothered by the sound of fireworks or thunder.  However, many pets are especially dogs.  I was sad to read many posts of individuals describing the impact that fireworks have on their pets, the terror they experience during the fireworks and how rattled they are for days.  I read about people whose dogs jumped fences during the fireworks and still haven’t been found. 

Fireworks terrorize wildlife and cause separation between parents and babies, often leading to death.  Farm animals have been injured or killed while trying to escape. 

The magical display of colour is really an explosion in the sky that can produce sparks, flames and fumes, impacting air quality and increasing the risk of fire during summer.   In addition, firecrackers are poisonous, and their explosion releases harmful particles that disperses on the ground and in water and can kill animals and fish. 

I read posts that insisted that maintaining this tradition was too important, and anyone with an animal that’s bothered, or individuals dealing with PTSD, should go for a drive when fireworks explode in the sky.  This is a ridiculous expectation and impossible because of the endless unannounced and unplanned fireworks being set off for days before and after a holiday at all hours.  Leaving is not possible for wildlife or farm animals.  

I also saw posts arguing that many things are loud and can scare animals, trigger PTSD and pollute the air. This is true. Many things can’t be controlled like loud thunder, but fireworks can be.

Traditions are important.  They bond and connect us, provide us with memories and give us something to look forward to.  Annual firework displays were cancelled due to the pandemic, and many communities haven’t participated since 2019.  It’s understandable how we are all yearning for a return to gatherings that we have greatly missed. 

However, we need to get creative and find other ways to celebrate holidays that involve fireworks that will honour tradition, bring us together and not harm any animals, persons, or the environment.

Many communities are moving towards banning fireworks altogether or ensuring regulations for their use.  Others have suggested silent fireworks or have replaced the classical firework shows with spectacular laser light shows. 

As much as I love traditions, they should never cause harm to others in such horrific ways.  

I would love to attend a laser light show on Canada Day in 2023. 

Be well.

Anita