Montreal
proudly presents...
The Benson & Hedges International Fireworks competition
The festival has been a part of Montreal since 1985. It is held at Parc-des-Iles; more specifically, at La Ronde, Montreal's fixed-site amusment park. La Ronde is situated on Ile Ste. Helene, an island in the St. Lawrence River. On the island is a small lake, Lac des Dauphins, and between this lake and the river is where the fireworks are set off from.
The fireworks competition is not just random firing of explosions. Competitors must co-ordinate the fireworks to music, and this can be difficult. If one firework misfires, the whole show is off, and its almost impossible to get everything back on track. They also must try to "show" the music with the fireworks; if there is a quiet part, low soft fireworks, and huge displays for the more upbeat music. Competitors can use any music they want, and there has been many themes, such as movie music, music from around the world, or just a collection from different composers and singers.
There is seating for 7,000 people around the lake, which is an excellent vantage point, for you can not only see everything, but also hear the music to go along with it. But if you don't want to pay, you can join the crowd of 100,000 that gathers on Jacques Cartier Bridge or along the banks of the St. Lawrence River facing La Ronde. To hear the music, bring along a portable radio, and tune it in to 107.3FM. And don't worry if you get too hot, there are plenty of ice cream vendors around.
Dr. April Wootten's International City of Festivals Montreal Canada
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