Lights, cameras, and action means more lights in the sky than one would normally see in the dead of a frost-nipped Alberta winter night. Yes, Virginia, the New Year's Eve fireworks display is going to send 2021 off with a bang, then several more bangs, a few whistles, and a city-load of "Ooohs" and "Aaahs."
Representatives from the city confirmed on Dec. 22 that the show will go on, despite cancellations of similar fireworks in Edmonton and other communities.
"Decisions around hosting this event have been made specifically with COVID-19 safety in mind and as such, the city feels confident moving the event forward as scheduled," offered Kristen Schopper, event and facility scheduling supervisor for the department of recreation and parks.
The New Year’s Eve fireworks display will commence at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31 from the Meadowview Ball Diamonds.
The decision to move the event from its long-served spot on Mission Hill (aka Seven Hills) was made following discussions that the city engaged in for the postponed Canada Day fireworks event. These discussions included consideration of the location as it relates to local Indigenous groups, not to mention COVID-19 safety concerns, and general operations of the event.
"The city is happy to be able to provide an opportunity for residents to safely celebrate the new year and enjoy the fireworks. We are happy to be able to bring [the] community together while still adhering to provincial public-health measures and find ways to celebrate our resilience together," Schopper added.
Though the Meadowview site will be closed off, the city recommends several prime viewing locations in the nearby vicinity:
- Red Willow Trails near the Children's Bridge.
- Lions Park at 21 Sir Winston Churchill Ave.
- Millenium Park at St. Anne Promenade and Tache Street
- Morgan Park between Mission Avenue and Morgan Crescent.
- Larry Olexiuk Field parking lot at 47 Riel Dr.
There is ample street parking downtown, at Lions Park, and at Larry Olexiuk Field. There is street parking available as well for other locations.
The city encourages residents in attendance to keep safety in mind and to follow all provincial publi-health measures at the time of the event.
For more details, people can visit the event page on the city's website. Go to stalbert.ca and search for "New Year's Eve fireworks."
