WOW.. this is all I can say after viewing such a magnificent display of fireworks. That was breathtaking. I don't think there are any words or even images that could describe the beautiful images which are fresh in my mind even after a week of seeing those spectacular views.
Find Some Images of the Event here.......
To give you guys a little background of what I am talking about? I am talking about the Annual International Competition of Fireworks display which takes place in summers in Vancouver in Canada. To give a little History on this, This competition has been hosted in Vancouver since 1990 earlier known as "Benson & Hedges Symphony of Fire". But in year 2000, when Canadian Government banned advertisement of Tobacco in the country, Benson & Hedges pulled out from this million dollar event, later to be rescued by HSBC Bank. So, from 2001 the event was rechristened to HSBC Celebration of Light.
Generally 3 Countries participate in the contest. All the participating countries get one day each to display their stuffs for 30 mins based on a theme chosen by them. Then there is one finale where each country displays their skills for the last time and the winner is announced. The firework display is supported by Music on the beach. The fireworks and music are so synced that you would be amazed. for more details you can get information here.
This is my first year in Canada and I try not to miss any chance to view anything unique. But I had my other reasons to go to this event and that was my new Camera Canon EOS 40D. After failed attempt to capture beautiful images of fireworks on Canada Day on July 1 2008 on Canada Place, I had to get the fireworks images worth viewing else I would have stopped believing in my own photography skills. But more on that later.
This time I made sure I would be on English Bay quite before time to book a spot to set up my tripod and camera. But unfortunately Life is not as you plan it and it always manages to give you surprises, no matter how much you plan. So, even though I planned to reach English bay by 7:00 pm, I could manage to reach there only by 8:30 pm. I did not expect such huge crowd to turn up. The road were blocked by Police, even for Public Transports and thus we had to walk a long way to actually get there.
But after all the hiccups, My wife and I did manage to get a nice spot which gave a good view of the Ships in middle of the sea from where Fireworks were suppose to happen. Now it was period of long wait of 90 mins as Fireworks were scheduled to start by 10:00 pm. It was July 23 and was turn of last years winners Canada to show off their skills in front of their home crowd whose strength of presence was estimated to 100,000. Thus the crowd was excited and so was I.
Then the clock struck 10:00 pm and the music for the fireworks started and so did the fireworks. And it was so mesmerizing that people were just awing at each firework. I was busy clicking images from my camera, having my fingers crossed, hoping atleast a few pictures turn out worth the pain that we took. But leave aside the pain, the display was so majestic that we were lost into the view before us. It was a feeling which only be felt and not described. Everything was so synchronized that it seemed it was godly. You can view some images here.
When the display finally concluded, We were left with hoping it would have continued a bit longer. Those 30 magical minutes passed in a dash and we were left asking for more and more and more. I could not wait to come back again to see the rest of the country's fireworks. USA presented on July 26 and China on July 30. I already missed the USA's presentation and am most likely to miss China's presentation. But for nothing on this earth I am going to miss Finale on August 2nd. And will surly share my views on it soon. Till then take care.
Find Some Images of the Event here.......
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