Fireworks will light up the sky over the Ottawa River in Ottawa-Gatineau for six nights over the next two-and-a-half weeks.
Les Grand Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy kicks off Wednesday night at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que. The event runs from July 31 to Aug. 17.
“I think it’s an explosion of flavour, rhythms because of the music that goes with the fireworks and, of course, the sky getting lit up every night for our festival-goers,” CEO Julie Moffatt told CTV Morning Live.
Each night of the festival includes four hours of special entertainment at the Canadian Museum of History, with culinary experiences, music, artistic creations and more.
Moffatt says Les Grand Feux aims to “create experiences for families and for foodies” with culinary experiences and artistic displays. There will be seven local street food trucks and chefs on site every evening, along with digital art and entertainment.
Speaking to CTV News Ottawa Wednesday, ahead of the grand opening, Moffatt said the team has been planning for nearly a year.
“Tonight, with the grand opening, we are doing a show with Royale Pyrotechnie called A Sky of Our Own,” she said. “The place to be is here at the museum. It gives you a different vibe for sure, because the music, of course, but also there are a lot of fireworks that are closer to the water that you don’t get to see if you’re looking at them from anywhere else.”
Royale Pyrotechnie technical director Ross MacKeen says he’s part of a team of 10 pyrotechnicians who work to put on the show from a barge on the water.
“It’s the most fun. While we sometimes have the worst seat because we don’t see the fireworks as well, we have a different experience and it’s quite, quite interesting.”
Here is a look at the schedule:
Wednesday, July 31: The Grand Opening by the Royale Pyrotechnie Firm.The theme is: “A sky of our own,” showcasing the musical genius of Quebec through the decades.
Saturday, Aug. 3: China – Dancing Fireworks Firm. The theme is: “Mulan – demonstrating a universe where humility, bravery, and dedication are honoured.”
Wednesday, Aug. 7: Spain – Pirotecnia Zaragozana Firm: The theme is: “My Universe – a musical experience representing our journey through various life situations.”
Saturday, Aug. 10: Barbados – Caribe Fire FX Firm: The theme is: “Pyros of the Caribbean – a dynamic show that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean.”
Wednesday, Aug. 14: United Kingdom – MLE Pyrotechnics Firm. The theme is “Harmonies Without Borders: A musical journey through Canada, the United Kingdom, and France.
Saturday, Aug. 17: The Grande Finale by the Royal Pyrotechnie Firm. The theme is “Champions a fiery sports contest highlighting strength, skill, and discipline in the glorious fireworks display.”
Tickets are required to access the grounds of the Canadian Museum of History for the event.
“Everybody becomes a child when we’re watching fireworks,” Moffatt said. “To forget about everything and just focus for those 22 minutes on a magical show.”
The City of Gatineau says parking and vehicle traffic will be prohibited from 8:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 31, Aug. 3, 7, 10, 14 and 17 on the following streets
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La rue Laurier, entre la rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville et le boulevard Sacré-Coeur; -
La rue Victoria, entre les rues de Notre-Dame-de-l’Île et Laurier; -
La rue Papineau, entre les rues de Notre-Dame-de-l’Île et Laurier; -
La rue Élisabeth-Bruyère, entre les rues de Notre-Dame-de-l’Île et Laurier; -
Le boulevard des Allumettières, entre le boulevard Maisonneuve et la rue Laurier; -
La rue Saint-Étienne, entre les rues de Notre-Dame-de-l’Île et Laurier; -
La rue de Verdun, entre les rues de Notre-Dame-de-l’Île et Laurier; -
La rue de Notre-Dame-de-l’Île, entre la rue Élisabeth-Bruyère et le boulevard des Allumettières.
The Pathway along the Ottawa River will be closed between the Portage Bridge and the Alexandra Bridge from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
–With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Peter Szperling