In previous years, the Canada Day fireworks display in Airdrie lasted for approximately 15 minutes. However, this year, the showtime has been extended to 20 minutes. And while the five-minute extension may not seem like too, too much, it is based on feedback from the city's residents.

"Our residents really love fireworks as part of their traditions and celebrations and with the duration - it was actually recommended to extend a show longer than 15 minutes but to keep it to 20 minutes," said Kristen Shima, a Community Planner for The City of Airdrie.

Shima explained that fireworks that are upwards of 30 minutes are much too long for many spectators, while 15 minutes seemed slightly too short; hence the 20-minute length was a happy medium. She also added that currently, there have been no discussions within The City of Airdrie for adopting models such as what The City of Calgary had initially planned for on Canada Day - a pyrotechnics show instead of fireworks. Calgary did however reinstate Canada Day fireworks and is planning on going forward with the fireworks on Saturday as well.

Airdrie was awarded a grant from the federal government totalling a little over $34,000. Shima said that the funding has gone to both the free music festival that will be featured on Canada Day after the parade, as well as the fireworks display. And while the Airdrie Fire Department works in tandem with the City to ensure the fireworks meet safety standards, Shima said that The City also keeps an eye on the weather, especially when it comes to windy conditions.

"We have a contractor that monitors the winds and we do have to communicate if we are unable to have the fireworks happen that day. In that event, we would be communicating online as well as our other communications channels through social media that the fireworks would not be occurring at that time."

As of Monday, June 26, Airdrie's extended forecast into the weekend is calling for cloudy periods and 11 Degrees Celsius on Canada Day evening. During the day, it will be quite warm, reaching up to 26 Degrees, with a mix of sun and cloud and a small chance of showers. However, the forecast may change in the coming days.

For Shima, she said that one of the most nostalgic parts of Canada Day is seeing young and old, decked out in red and white and that the fireworks are the perfect way to end Canada Day. 

"The fireworks are actually a really good closer for the evening as nostalgic because it's just part of our annual traditions that we do with celebrating the community."

The fireworks commence at 10:45 p.m. at Chinook Winds Park, however, residents can come as early as 8 p.m. to the park to enjoy music and dancing. 

"City of Airdrie Transit will offer a free bus ride as part of their shuttle service. Residents can park and ride at the South Transit Terminal, 2985 Main Street South," the city's website stated.

Parking for the fireworks show in the evening will be offered at the Croxford High School Parking Lot, the Rocky View Schools Parking Lot as well as the Chinook Winds Regional Park East Parking Lot. 

Parking for the Canada Day Parade and concert will be offered at Nose Creek Regional Park as well as the Off-Leash Dog Park at Nose Creek Regional Park, AE Bowers School Parking Lot, and the Murial Clayton School Parking Lot.

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