The City of Kamloops says fireworks will not be a part of Canada Day celebrations at Riverside Park this year.

Events Supervisor Sean Smith says they did wrestle with the decision a bit, noting the decision to scrap fireworks this year was due to concerns about wildfires.

“It was one of those decisions was that was easy to make and not so easy to make,” Smith said, noting fireworks are a long-standing Canada Day tradition in Kamloops.

“We know that people love fireworks, but its not worth the risk to the community and public and property and the land in and around the downtown area.”

Smith says there is still a full-day’s worth of festivities planned as Canada Day celebrations return to Riverside Park after two years of COVID-19 cancellations.

“It is a pretty exciting event right from 6:30 in the morning when people start showing up through until the last few notes of Music in the Park season opener played in Riverside Park,” he said.

Canada Day – which falls on a Friday this year – will also see a pancake breakfast followed by Art in the Park, culture displays presentations, community activities, and food.