St. Albert's fireworks display on New Year's Eve will continue as usual, after responsibility for the light show transitioned to the city from the Victory Life Church. The church had put on the show for more than a decade but a troubled economy made it too tough for its congregation to foot the bill.
"The City of St. Albert expresses its sincere appreciation for the leadership that the (Victory Life) Church has provided for the past 13 years with respect to the fireworks on New Year's Eve," Mayor Nolan Crouse said in a prepared statement, adding that its volunteers, financial resources and co-ordination have been "remarkable."
The value of the display had been estimated at approximately $25,000 although the church only had to pay $11,000 of that. City grants and some major in-kind donations brought the actual costs way down, the most significant of which was by Rob Kowalyshyn, the owner and operator of local fireworks company Thunder FX. All of his team's time and the actual fireworks themselves were offered at no cost to the delight of the crowds, which generally ran in the 4,000 to 5,000-attendance range.
Pals Geomatics and the St. Albert Gazette also made generous donations.
Victory Life's Pastor Scott Debrecen said that it was always the church's pleasure to offer the fireworks as a gift to the community as a way of bringing people together.
"(We did it) so that there would community synergy initiated through the fireworks. It was an opportunity for people who don't normally rub shoulders with one another to all come together and enjoy an event," he stated.
Although a decision hasn't been made about which company would take charge of the fireworks display this year and going on into the future, Kowalyshyn said that the city had not yet been in contact with him about it and that the contract would likely be put out to tender.
"It's a big undertaking. I'd like to keep going for them. I'm there."
Pancake breakfast
Instead of its regular Sunday service, the church is having a Celebrate Life pancake breakfast for its parishioners and for others who want to stop by. In keeping with its Western theme, there will be family activities including live farm animals, face painting, balloon animals, and much more, plus a live performance with country music band Flat Broke. Dressing Western is encouraged.
The free brunch is set to take place on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10:30 a.m. Victory Life is located at 90 McKenney Ave. Call 780-460-5772 or visit www.victorylifechurch.ca for more information.
