A fireworks company that has won two HSBC Celebration of Light competitions in Vancouver will fire off pyrotechnics at this year's Canada Day party in Coquitlam.
The city has hired Archangel Fireworks Inc. to top off the July 1 event at Town Centre Park, which will include a 20-minute light spectacular set to music. The city's aim is to increase participation in the event by 20%, Lori MacKay, Coquitlam's general manager of parks, recreation and cultural services, said at Monday's rec committee meeting. The city plans three entertainment stages for Canada Day as well as an expanded cultural village, a new artisan zone and adventure activities.
Last year's July 1 fete was criticized for being too small for the 20,000 participants. In December, city council responded by allocating $95,000 in the 2011 budget for the holiday celebration.
City hall is also looking for $35,500 from businesses for the event while spending $10,000 for a consultant to retain sponsorships and in-kind donations, MacKay wrote in her report.
Winnipeg-based Archangel represented Canada when it clinched the English Bay competition in 2007 and 2008, and placed second the next year.
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