Bring back night-time magic
Sadly there is now practically a whole generation of Kiwi kids who have never enjoyed the magic of a fireworks display.
There was a time that Guy Fawkes night was a big deal but those days are long gone and rightly so. We have moved well past celebrating an event in British history in which the main plotter, Mr Fawkes, failed miserably in his attempt to blow up Parliament. While we could sympathise with his aims, it seems ludicrous to celebrate failure. (Let’s not mention Dunkirk).
However, that doesn’t mean we can’t have fireworks. Well it shouldn’t but once again the few have ruined the fun of many.
And before the objections begin, for most of us Guy Fawkes night, November 5, was fun. Indeed it was magical. The sky was lit up with myriad colours and shapes. An almighty whoosh signalled a sky rocket shooting upwards with its starry tail and the final explosion of coloured lights cascading out into the night drew oohs and aahs.
For the younger fans there were the pretty fireworks, the candles and the sparklers, while the more adventurous (mostly male) got their kicks from loud bangs and spectacular explosions.
So what has happened? Well, the cup half empty people (the pessimists) won the day. If there is anyway someone can hurt themselves, then nobody is allowed to do that.
Nowadays we don’t even have a public display, where safety is paramount and everyone enjoys themselves. A few years ago some enterprising New Plymouth people tried to resurrect the event but the weather actually ruined the attempt.
This year, November 5 falls during the Taranaki Garden Spectacular and what a great opportunity that would have been to hold a display – making the region even more spectacular.
In a district that prides itself on being family oriented, a district where people want to live, work and prosper, a fireworks display would have a big appeal. And it is hardly likely to break the bank. If you can increase the cost of an airport from $9m to $28m (and rising) surely a few pretties and bangers will be OK.
When displays are public pet owners can rest easy and the idiots will be controlled. What’s not to like about this idea?
Have your say on public fireworks display in the poll at https:/ /www.neighbourly.co.nz/publication/north-taranaki-midweek