In Our View: Big Bang Returns

When the local fireworks show returned last year after a one-year hiatus, we editorialized that “Vancouver feels like its old self again.” At the same time, though, there was no certainty that the new-style show with an admission charge had succeeded to the extent that it could return this year. That editorial last year noted that “there’s no guarantee (the fireworks show) will be back (for 2011), although the outcome appears promising.”

That uncertainty has been resolved and, as Tom Vogt reported in Sunday’s Columbian, this year’s “Independence Day at Fort Vancouver” will offer much more than just the 10:05 p.m. fireworks show. Festivities will include almost 10 hours of entertainment and activities. Exact figures from last year’s show have not been finalized, but Cara Cantonwine, director of programs for the Fort Vancouver National Trust, said: “Last year created the financial stability that enabled us to bring it back.”

That’s great news. What the local fireworks show really needed was stability. Used to be, though, many people — especially show promoters — thought what it really needed was more of everything. That mind-set led many locals to deploy dubious claims about “the largest fireworks show west of the Mississippi.” Corroborating evidence was difficult to come by, though, kind of like boasting about an “original” George Washington ax that’s on its third handle and its fourth blade head.

The bigger-is-better strategy worked well for awhile, with an estimated 60,000 attendees, $450,000 in productions costs including $120,000 spent on fireworks, $30,000 on security and $25,000 on liability insurance … all, mind you, for a free show. But then came the Great Recession, and the vaunted fireworks extravaganza collapsed under its own weight. In 2009, sadly, there was no rockets’ red glare over the Fort on the Fourth.

To the rescue a year later rode the Fort Vancouver National Trust, led by the outstanding organizational leadership of Elson Strahan, president and CEO of the Trust. Bank of America pitched in as prime sponsor, and the show was back for 2010 … and now for 2011.

It’s important to remember that this is more than just a fireworks show, indeed it’s a daylong celebration with enough festivities to justify the ticket prices ($7 at the gate for ages 13 and older; $5 when purchased in advance). The 250-seat Waste Connections’ Fireworks Prime Viewing Area — including a dinner buffet — is available for $50 for ages 21 and older, $25 for ages 6 to 20 and free for younger children.

The Heritage Stage will showcase the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, with heritage fashion shows, black-powder shooting demonstrations and handicrafts and games from the Civil War era. Live music will be featured at the Main Stage, and the Parade Ground Bandstand will offer children’s games and live music for teenagers.

For more information, visit http://www.fortvan.org.

Gone are the days when fireworks were detonated on a large barge in the river. A smaller show seems to work better, and especially to Vancouver’s benefit. Back in the bigger-is-better days, Hayden Island residents were treated to a fireworks mega-show through no effort on their part. Now, if their view is not so close, well, they’re welcome to come on over, buy tickets and join us for the fun.

The birth of the United States warrants full celebration, no less so now, more than two centuries later. Patriotism has always been a basic component in the collective personality of Clark County residents, and this year we’ll be treated to the second episode of the smaller but still spirited fireworks show. Thanks to the Fort Vancouver National Trust for making it all happen again this year.