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economist suntribune canada day saturday june 29 2002 canada day time to set the ni on fire by mitchell brown staff writer just ask any fireworks aficionado theres no better way to celebrate the birth of your country than set ting a piece of it on fire people come in here and its not like theyre buying a suit and it doesnt fit says ann rastin owner and operator of thornhills victory fireworks we have customers that i see once a year who get so excited they hug and kiss me and say they cant wait to see me next year the stores showroom has the pungent aroma of gunpowder which after 15 years in business mrs rastin says gets in the blood it should be a fabulous display smoking is definitely not recom mended as hundreds of fireworks of every shape and type line the walls and dozens more are in boxes awaiting shipment sporting such colourful names as wild thing jumping jack flash thunder king big bertha and land of the midnight sun fireworks are popular yearround for weddings parties and religious festivals but the two biggest days of the year are victoria day and canada day canadian pride and northern lights are favourites for the july 1 weekend although examweary students might also enjoy lighting up a burning schoolhouse or two a perennial favourite at 230 a pop literally despite the fun that comes with firecrackers partygoers should remember theyre dealing with explosives mrs rastin says her staff makes sure all customers are aware of some basic safety rules before leav ing the store the most important thing is to watch where your crowd is she said do not light fireworks 10 feet away from your audience keep them back a safe distance they will enjoy it more because theyll get to watch it and they wont be afraid its also a good idea to buy fire works suitable for the space in which theyll be set off a tiny sub- urban back yard for example might not be the best staging ground for a huge display a shortage of space will definite ly not be a problem for mrs rastin and her husband joe on canada day theyve been invited to do the fireworks display for the july 1 cele brations at downsyiew park it should be a fabulous display she said staff photomitchell brown thornhills victory fireworks owners joe and ann rastin and their staff teach customers basic safety rules when selling them fireworks safety tips keep your audience back at least 30 feet for displays of fountains wheels and strobe lights and at least 100 feet back for other fireworks always read and follow label directions dont leave fireworks unattended or close to the staging area always have water handy garden hose and bucket never experiment or make your own fire works and buy from a reputable dealer light only one firework at a time never relight a dud wait 15 to 20 min utes and then soak it in a bucket of water never give fireworks to small children dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water first never point fireworks at other people never carry fireworks in your pocket never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers always wear eye protection when lighting fireworks make sure your staging area is an open space with no overhead wires or trees fireworks displays in your community markhamstouffville markham and stouffville are planning a chain of events to cele brate the nations birthday monday markhams celebrations start at 330 pm with a parade organized by the town it starts at the intersection of heritage and mccowan roads and goes south of hwy 7 to milne park there look for singing and danc ing performances kung fu demon strations and steel drum entertain ment the younger set can enjoy arts and crafts face painting games and clown performances canada day events in stouffville are part of the strawberry festival taking place in or around memorial park this weekend festivities include bands music a picnic and celebration with cake at 9 pm in franklin park marquee fireworks of course are the main attraction stouffvilles starts 945 pm in memorial park markhams kick off 15 minutes ear lier at milne park richmond hill richmond green at 1300 elgin mills rd will hold july 1 celebra tions starting at 11 am rides attractions and performances are planned throughout the day children can engage in healthy competition with the dubble bubble gum contest the three- legged race the balloon toss sponge throw basketball shoot and other games they can also enjoy face paint ing clowns pony rides a petting farm and crafts exhibitors vendors demon strations and live performances will take place in the centres main building from 1130 am to 6 pm entertainment will be provided by lou moore and friends and beavie the mascot from 1 to 11 pm in the bavarian gardens midway rides will be open from 1 1 am to 1 1 pm and hot air bal loon rides will be available all day a free skate in the richmond green arena will be available from 130 to 3 pm there willbe a food pavilion and ice cold beer in the bavarian gardens the second largest municipal fireworks display in canada starts at 10 pm admission for the day is 2 for adults and 1 for children seniors and children under two are free