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You'd be hard pressed to find another event that is loved by more Vancouverites, and which more accurately defines summer in our city, than the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks competition. For the past five years I've had the honour of sitting on the judging panel that chooses the yearly winner. The panel also includes city councillors and representatives from the event sponsors like Concord Pacific and Honda. We take in each of the shows put on by international pyrotechnic teams and choose the winners who walk away with a trophy and the honour of being the best of the best. I'm often asked “how do you even judge fireworks?”, and believe it or not there is an incredibly technical point system in place, broken down into five categories which help us decide the winner. Of course, the most important factor is which of the the teams put on the most entertaining show for those who enjoy what I think is the most awesome free event that happens in Vancouver every year. |
The fireworks have been a part of Vancouver summers since 1990, with an estimated average attendance of 1.4 million people each year. Residents and visitors gather on the shores of English Bay, across the bridges, in nearby high-rises, and all the way over in Kitsilano and UBC to be dazzled. If you've lived in this city for any amount of time I imagine you've watched them from many vantage points; as long as you've got a radio nearby and can tune into the simulcast in the company of friends, you're guaranteed a great time. In recent years the event organizers, BRANDlive, have added a few layers of awesomeness to the event including a free concert series with multiple stages, and performances by Red Bull stunt planes and professional fly boarders. They've even added bleacher seating which you can pay a little bit for and be sure that you'll have one of the best views of the show.
Photo: Christine McAvoy
This is one of our Editor's Picks! Check out all of the winners of Most Awesome Awards from the Readers Choice below.
2014 Most Awesome Awards - Readers Choice
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Nominated by the readers of VancouverIsAwesome.com. Click the links in each slide to learn more about the winners!
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Most Awesome Building Manager
By Vancouver Is Awesome
John Davis!
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Most Awesome Teenager
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Tomas Lang!
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Most Awesome Amateur Sports League
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Terminal City Roller Girls!
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Most Awesome Sharing Advocate
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Joni McKervey!
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Most Awesome Good Will Ambassador
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Bif Naked!
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Most Awesome Graphic Design Advocates
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Ross Milne and Grace Partridge!
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Most Awesome Doctor
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Doctor Julio Montaner!
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Most Awesome Charitable Entrepreneur
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Ken Lyotier of United We Can!
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Most Awesome Sports Fans
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Vancouver Whitecaps FC supporters!
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Most Awesome Librarian
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Sheila Mclean!
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Most Awesome Free Thing
By Vancouver Is Awesome
The Vancouver Public Library!
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Most Awesome Walking Bridge
By Vancouver Is Awesome
The one in East Van featured in The Raymur Mothers!
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Most Awesome Place to Regain Faith in Humanity
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Sol Convenience Store!
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Most Awesome Public Park
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Stanley Park!
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Most Awesome Knitters
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Knit Social!
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Most Awesome TV Show
By Vancouver Is Awesome
My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic!
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Most Awesome Soup
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Peaceful Noodle's Spicy Tangy Dumpling Soup!
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Most Awesome FREE Music Event Series
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Playground.is!
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Most Awesome Ocean Conservation Program
By Vancouver Is Awesome
The Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise!
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Most Awesome Local Food Advocate
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Chad Brealey from Salt, Fresh & Field!
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Most Awesome Animal Rights Organization
By Vancouver Is Awesome
The BC SPCA's Vancouver branch!
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Most Awesome Kitchen Rescue Organization
By Vancouver Is Awesome
VOKRA!
We're excited that TELUS is helping us bring you the Most Awesome Awards. A longtime friend of V.I.A., TELUS is passionate about giving back to the community by recognizing, celebrating and supporting great community partners, friends and neighbours making a difference in the lives of others. Watch in the coming weeks as we roll out all of the Most Awesome Awards presented by TELUS.
