Monday morning the new Canada Day committee formed by Tourism Moose Jaw called a conference to share an exciting announcement - the fireworks are back.

It was at the beginning of June when the board had to announce that they didn't have the funds to support our own show since the longstanding community-based committee that held the event had disbanded a couple months ago.

Donations came in from:The Crushed Can Sports Bar & Nightclub $1,000, The Mad Greek $1,000, Silver Star Salvage & Recycling $1,000, Moose Jaw Kinsmen $1,000, Huseini's Concrete & Paving Stones Ltd. & Zumba with Britney $1,000, Ultimate Auto Detailing & Accessories $500, Syngenta $500, Conexus Credit Union Moose Jaw $500, Royal LePage Landmart $500, Apex Electric Ltd $250, Family Fun Foods $100, Folgizan Insurance Inc. $50, Individual donations $60.

Having only since April to put the funds together for another show, they managed it with a little outside help.

It started with the new committee putting a call over Facebook that they were accepting donations. It started slow, but it definitely picked up speed after local business Apex Electric actually put a challenge out to other businesses and organizations after they submitted their own donation, and the challenge was accepted.

A total of $7,460 was raised by our local businesses and organizations, and with the help from reserve funds left to cover the bill and Paradise Fireworks allowing the board to keep the regular spot even though the booking came in so late, they managed to grab the spot. They just missed the music machine though, with it already being booked somewhere else. Since the 150th funding from last year beefed up the firework show for every community with a show, including Moose Jaw's,  this year's will be a little shorter compared to the last.

The whole situation was troublesome and long, especially with a wave of disappointment coming from the community, but one thing to come out of it was the spotlight it puts on our everyday citizens that organize these events themselves.

"The largest problem is people take the conception that Canada Day is done by the City. It is not done by the City, it has never in my knowledge been done by the City; it's been done by private individuals." Ernie Penney, a member of the past committee explained. "[...]The mindset of the people are saying 'the City does this, the City does it,' no. The citizens of Moose Jaw do it, the citizens of Regina do it, the citizens of every city put on Canada Day."

So, with dedication from our businesses and the committee members, co-chairs Krista McDonald and Jackie L'Heureux-Mason, Jeremy Hanses, Jody Chell and Darlene Guy, the fireworks will return for the year.

"It's awesome, when push comes to shove people do get together and come through for things that are important," L'Heureux-Mason said.

Canada Day events run from 12:30 pm to 6 pm in Crescent Park with a focus being on community. You can find more info on the day on their committee's Facebook page, and as always, they'll be happy to take on more board members for next year.