By Corey Fischer

Early Blast Off For Fireworks

Jul 3, 2018 | 4:33 PM

The producer of Vernon’s Canada Day fireworks says the decision to start the show early came down to safety.

Terry Schmauder says Sunday night’s display from Kin Beach started around 10:20 — about 10 minutes early — which is when he says there was a lull in what had been a windy night.

“I had to make the call because I only have a certain wind speed window dictated by the Ministry of Forests this year because of fire season, and I took the road that better safe than sorry,” Schmauder told Beach Radio News.

Pictured: Terry Schmauder

He stands by the decision.

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“In hindsight, we could have waited until 10:30, but at that time, you don’t know, and I think I’d rather have shot the show than having the unknown of possibly having no show at all.”

Schmauder, a financial advisor, says he’s had lots of positive comments about the show which was centered at Kin Beach.

“I don’t have a number (of attendees). I saw a lot of vehicle lights and tons of people on the beach, so I think it was well attended.”

It was Schmauder’s last year of organizing the event — he’s been involved for 15 years, the last 12 years as the producer, meaning he orders the colourful explosives, choreographs them to music (on Beach Radio), and fires them off

“I’ve put in my time. We’ll get some fresh blood in there, and fresh ideas, and someone that has a lot of energy to do the work.”

by Corey Fischer