Sunday, May 04, 2008

Uncertainty takes flight for air show, fireworks

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - May 04, 2008

Two high-profile summer events in Vernon face an uncertain future. There is still no guarantee that either the Father’s Day Air Show or the Canada Day fireworks will proceed this year. “It’s still up in the air,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert of the air show, which takes place at the airport.It was recently decided that a non-profit society should be formed to plan and operate the air show instead of using city staff.At this point, a new society has not been established.“We will just have to see if people are willing to take part,” said Lippert.“We know it’s a transition year so the city would stay involved this year.” If the air show doesn’t occur on Father’s Day in June, Lippert says something may still be possible for this fall.

In terms of Canada Day, efforts are underway to ensure that fireworks blast off after being cancelled in 2007. But July 1 fireworks will depend on an organizing committee and sponsors coming together. “There are people interested in doing it,” said Lippert. “We need to get people together to put it on.” One of the primary tasks of a committee would be to raise funds to to purchase the fireworks, but Lippert says some money is already in place. Fireworks were cancelled last year because of organizational issues and a specific committee not being in place. Lippert is hopeful that fireworks can still be organized for Canada Day. “The time frames are short so we’ll see if we can get it together,” he said.

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