Things that go bang in the night
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I guess they’d call them “pyrotechnics” these days. We used to call them fireworks.
As Hallowe’en approaches, so does the annual argument over the local sale and use of fireworks.
In responsible hands, a good show of fireworks can be exciting and fun. But more often than not, responsible hands aren’t the ones buying and setting off the explosives.
When I was a child growing up in Ontario, we used to celebrate Victoria Day with fireworks. (Hallowe’en was a candy grab - who had time for fireworks?) Firecrackers and sparklers were readily available in many different sizes. Since Victoria Day marked a long weekend, we’d usually be visiting relatives or friends, adding our firecrackers to the sulfer-scented mass combustion.
I won’t detail some of the stupid things I and my two older brothers did with firecrackers - I wouldn’t want to give anyone any ideas - but suffice to say we’re all lucky to fingers, toes and eyes still intact.
Those are the “little injuries” you never tell your parents about because you know you’re going to hurt worse after they get finished with you.
Ashcroft Mayor Andy Anderson commented at a council meeting last week that he and his friends did some pretty stupid things with firecrackers, as well, when they were young.
Because we’ve all been there, we know what really happens.
We don’t treat fireworks with the respect we should. Fireworks aren’t toys, any more than guns are. Neither are they weapons. They are explosives and should be used with caution.
Whenever I hear one of my neighbours setting off fireworks - at Hallowe’en or New Years - I pray that it’s not going to land on my roof.
Use some common sense this year if you’re setting off fireworks and do it away from houses and dry material that could burn..
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