New Year's fireworks at the Tillsonburg fairgrounds
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Tillsonburg's annual New Year's Eve Family Fun Skate at the Community Centre has expanded this year to include 9:30 p.m. fireworks at the fairgrounds.
An organizer was needed for the $4,000 fireworks display, said Rick Cox, director of the town's Recreation, Culture and Parks Department, and they were able to step into that role. And that's good news for families and friends who enjoy ringing in the New Year with flashy fireworks put on by Tillsonburg volunteer firefighters.
Last December the Tillsonburg BIA and Town of Tillsonburg set up a committee, with support from local service clubs, volunteers and sponsors, that was able to bring back the Rotary Clock Tower fireworks after a one-year hiatus. There was interest in doing it again this year, and the town was approached for funding, but there was a question as to who would organize and run it.
That's when the decision was made to combine the New Year's Eve skating and fireworks into one Family Fun Night at the complex.
"Our sponsors are supporting the event as a whole," said Cox, noting the sponsor list that includes the Town of Tillsonburg, the Recreation, Culture and Parks Department, Tillsonburg Fire and Rescue Services and the firefighters who put on the fireworks display, Rotary Club of Tillsonburg, Knight of Columbus Tillsonburg (Council 3212), Tillsonburg Lions Club, Tillsonburg Kinsmen Club, Tillsonburg Town Centre, Coffee Culture, Beres Snack Bar, Tim Hortons, RE/MAX Realty and Frank Cowan Company.
"I'm excited about the 'family feel' of the event. It's nice to have everything at one place, and it's something we can build around in future years.
"It's nice the town is able to do this and that the Service Clubs are continuing to support it. The fireworks are a big expense, but they certainly are an important part of celebrating New Year's. I would love to see it continue to grow as we add to the event. But it's going to build toward midnight, not build from midnight back towards 'family.' That's what makes sense for us."
He said the earlier 9:30 p.m. fireworks makes it a fun package for families to skate from 7-9 p.m., enjoy refreshments, then watch the free fireworks. The town's free public skate, which has been offered on New Year's Eve since 2012, will be held on both rinks this year.
"Last year we had a couple hundred people skate at the one rink and it was a lot of fun."
The key message, said Cox, is that fireworks will be at the fairgrounds (9:30 p.m.) and NOT at the Rotary Clock Tower.
"I have heard people still thinking there will be fireworks at midnight in addition to ours at the fairgrounds. That is not true. We are not having fireworks at both locations. The message we need to get out is 'no fireworks downtown... fireworks are at the fairgrounds at 9:30 p.m.' And by all means, come out and skate first, have some fun."
Long term, Cox said he would like to see the event grow.
"We're starting small, starting simple, and I'm excited about the future of the event as a New Year's party for all folks in Tillsonburg to come and enjoy. It's something to enjoy here in Tillsonburg as a family-friendly event. "
People going to the fireworks are encouraged to gather in the Memorial Park area from the pavilion to the Crystal (green) Palace at the end of Sanders Street. The track area, where firefighters will be launching the fireworks, will be off limits.
"We have to stay outside the track," Cox noted. "South and west of the track is fine."