One of the area's best fireworks display has been postponed by high water levels on Lake Nipissing.
The fireworks portion of Callander’s biggest community event, FunFest, slated for this Saturday, has been postponed by the town council based on recommendations from Callander’s Fire Chief, Todd Daley.
“The water is still high and a significant portion of the Centennial Park beach where we set up the fireworks is under water. The part that is not underwater does not provide enough room to set up and safely discharge the fireworks”, said Daley.
Callander’s Mayor Hec Lavigne supports the decision.
“We are naturally disappointed that we have to postpone the fireworks. They have been part of the FunFest celebrations for decades and people love them. But we have to respect the Fire Chief’s assessment. If we can’t keep a safe distance we can’t go ahead at this time.”
Lavigne told BayToday a number of things need to be kept in mind and it's not just as simple as moving the show.
"There is the distance to buildings and the area you need to do it. The sand in front of the breakwall provided that room along as providing a backstop. We couldn't just put it on the grass which could be wet and you couldn't have the show that we want. We'd have to shorten it, but I don't want half a display I want the full effect that Callander is known for.
"If the wind came up and the water splashed it has a tendency to go over the breakwall and onto the grass and that's not conducive to a really good show."
The new date for the fireworks is Saturday, August 17 during the Sirens in the Park event in Centennial Park.
The rest of the FunFest program is not affected by the water levels and will take place as scheduled between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
It kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 7:30 – 10 a.m. at the Community Centre then Callander’s FunFest parade will leave the south end of Main St. at 11 and proceed northbound, ending at Centennial Park between 11:30 and noon. The mayor’s welcome, with cupcakes and O Canada, will take place at noon in the Park.
In the Park at various times throughout the afternoon will be artisan market vendors and community groups, food vendors, bouncy castles, face painting, and farm animals.
The Park’s stage will feature dance demonstrations and music from 1 to about 6 p.m.
The Community Centre will host artisan and food vendors, coffee and beer areas, music, climbing wall and demonstrations of axe throwing, pickleball, and falconry from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event program is available here.
