Celebration of Light 2010: Are you prepared!?

Today is the much anticipated fireworks day.  The Celebration of Light is a 4 show fireworks display that spans over 2 weeks, every wednesdays and saturdays done over English Bay, starting at 10:15pm sharp; just long enough for daylight to subside.  3 countries compete for sky supremacy and creative light-show prowess.  The winner is usually announced on the last saturday, and does a encore mini of the show they previously performed.

I used to live for this event...going to the beach with friends and relaxing while waiting for the fireworks to start..If we decided to go on a saturday, it would be a day at the beach, which usually wears me out but good.  Going to a few of these myself, I thought I'd share what I've found to help curb the boredom, heatstroke and generally be problem-free!

The downtown core will generally shut down around 6pm, so it's good to be in the general vacinity if you want a good seat.  For those not wanting to go to English Bay, there are other spots where you can see the fireworks, if not the low ones, then the higher ones.  Kits Beach or even Lonsday Quay.

I believe in being prepared for an event that is crowded as this event...

Here are essentials:

• Sunscreen-I can't stress this too much, a good sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher is needed, especially if you're planning on being at the beach for the day.
• A big bottle of water - There are plenty of stores to buy water from, 7eleven and other corner stores..I know right!? but why pay $2 or more for water that would essentially be free if you bring from home, or better yet, bring a small cooler and some other drinks!  It's important to hydrate in the heat!
• A beach towel - I would say bring two, one to put over the sand, and the other to keep you warm when the night falls.  It's nice and hot during the day, but you never know how cold it's going to be..plus if you swim, you can use the extra towel for drying up in a flash!
• change of clothes-always bring a jacket or an extra pair of pants or a sweater to layer on or change into...Again, it does get cold at night so it's smart to have something to keep you warm at night and on the way home!
• Ipod/MP3 player - I realize that being with friends will provide hours of fun in itself, but for moments when you want to just enjoy the beach and have a moment to chill, it's good to have music to chill out to.
• Fully-charged phone - again, I can't stress this enough! There are hundreds of people in the area for the fireworks, so it's good to have a charged phone for two reasons, in case you get lost and also if you are meeting up with people!
•  Hand sanitizing gel/wipes - out and about, it's going to be hard to get to the washroom, or even get a moment in the bathroom sink to wash your hands.  It's good to always have a hand sanitizer to keep germs from invading your personal space and health! lol.
• Food - there is a guarantee that at some point in time during the event, you will get hungry.  If you plan ahead and buy food outside of the downtown core, chances are you won't be paying an arm and a leg for your food! Any events that come to the downtown area gives the local businesses a chance to make extra $$$ and so there are times that they will be hiking up prices for special events, if they aren't pricey to begin with...even outside vendors that are conveniently at the beach will over-charge you for food you could get for way less!
• Cash - yes, you could just use your debit/credit card for all purchases, one swipe and you're done right!? Wrong! Special events like these also bring out the scammers and skimmers, not the stores themselves, but those looking to skim off of the legitimate stores.  I urge you to use cash for anything that doesn't absolutely require using your plastic, it will save you the hassle of dealing with the bank later!

Important tips throughout the day:

• any important items, keep it guarded, busy event means lots of people and more chances to lose your stuff.
• Hydrate but don't over-do it, bathrooms are jam-packed, porta-potties are gross--you get the idea.
• be smart-don't stay out too long in the sun, bring an umbrella or a hat...heat stroke can happen to anyone!

 Important tips for after:

• Before going down to your destined spot, set up a meeting place for friends, in case you get separated from them and vice versa--choose a spot everyone knows how to get to.
• If possible, wait out the crowds, it's easier to walk back to your car if there aren't hundreds of people squeezing with you.
• clean up after yourself! the beaches are public places, people will be there the day after so whatever garbage you incur during the event, throw it in the garbage!

I hope this helped out in some way....Enjoy the Celebration of Light!