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Etiquette 101: Vancouver Celebration Of Light Do’s and Don’t’s

Vancouver Waterfront Events

Photo: Colin Knowles / Flickr

Thousands of locals and visitors from across the globe will descend upon the waterfront of Vancouver to view the Celebration of Light this year.

While the attendance makes for a great, lively atmosphere, it also creates a bit of chaos. The best course of action to enjoy the fireworks? Plan in advance!

We got in touch with Sunita Padda, an expert in social and dining etiquette, to get the scoop on how to best enjoy the fireworks this year (and not ruin anyone else’s experience!)

Check out our interview below:

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What is the best way to prepare for the fireworks with your family? What tips
would you recommend for helping young children enjoy their time and not ruin
anyone else’s?

Selecting your location is an important aspect of preparation since the main viewing location, English Bay, is anticipated to be the busiest and most crowded location. There are family friendly spots, however. If you have young children, or are opting for a more low-key atmosphere, perhaps consider having a picnic at Kitsilano Beach or Second Beach where there will be a REMAX family-friendly zone. Further, you will want to plan your transportation accordingly, especially with small children. Be sure to find out information on open or closed streets and designated parking areas.  

Once you have settled in your prime viewing spot, you want to leave little reason to have to leave! I recommend preparing kids with activities and snacks to keep them occupied until the show starts. Try and keep snacks mess-free, some great examples include: tortilla rollups, baby carrots, apple slices, and granola bars. Remember, if your children bring toys, ensure these are not sentimental and can be easily be enjoyed with other kids who may want to join your little ones while they also wait. Also, keep an eye on where that soccer ball is headed! Remind kids that others are also enjoying their time at the beach. There’s nothing more unsettling than wondering if someone’s soccer ball is going to hit you!

Further, consider taking down daytime volleyball or badminton nets so that others can start to set up their spots for the show. And lastly, if you plan to enjoy food from one of the numerous vendors on site, be patient and considerate. The last thing needed in a big crowd is pushing and shoving. Take a scan to see if there are children, strollers, elderly, or disabled people around you and act accordingly.

Is there proper etiquette for date night at the fireworks? How should a couple behave in a large group, and what are some tips for planning?

You will want to be prepared so that you can enjoy your date night experience and not have to deal with delays, avoidable traffic, or overly-crowded areas. For those opting for a more romantic environment, I recommend purchasing tickets to one of the lounges or decks reserved for guests to experience a more private accommodation with great food and drinks.

By the same token, would etiquette be different with a large group of friends?

While in a large group, it can be easy to focus on your friends and forget about those individuals around you who are also trying to enjoy the event. I recommend being aware of how your actions could impact others. Examples include, playing loud music, smoking, or using foul language. You wouldn’t want to be enjoying yourselves at the expense of ruining someone else’s experience.

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What about for the solo-celebration goer? Is there proper etiquette for someone
on their own, or ways they can plan ahead to have the best time?

If attending solo, I recommend deciding beforehand on the type of atmosphere you wish to experience. Generally individuals in this group would prefer a more low-key environment, which is why Kitsilano or Second Beach would be great alternatives to English Bay. Keeping in mind, however, that any location will likely be loud and somewhat busy with event-goers.

Further, bringing some activities such as a great novel to read, snacks, and music, will keep you busy until the show begins!

 

Sunita Padda is a masters-level B.C.-Certified teacher and the founder of TableSmarts.

Check out some pics from Japan’s fireworks 2017 presentation, take a look at the 2017 Fireworks music lineup and see a list of the best places to check out the fireworks.

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