As the old slogan goes, Saskatoon Shines, and in particular this weekend, because it’s the 16th annual Nutrien Fireworks Festival Friday and Saturday. Organizer of the event, Shad Ali, from On Purpose Leadership, says whether you are looking for a food adventure, some night air, the bright sparks of the fireworks or a place to convene with family and friends, the Fireworks Festival has you covered.

There will be almost 40 food trucks on site, all along the Traffic Bridge and on both sides of the river in Rotary Park and at River Landing. Ali says Rotary Park is where all the family activities are including the Family Fun Zone, a petting Zoo, bouncy castles and Saskatchewan Science Centre experiments. There is also entertainment at the River Landing amphitheater.

The festival begins at 5:00 p.m. Friday and at noon on Saturday on both sides of the river and on the Traffic Bridge. The fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. both nights.
After talking with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Ali says wahkohtowin was chosen as the theme of this year’s festival. It means the interconnectedness of everything around us. He says, “I can’t think of a better way to get people connected and have them stay connected than through the Nutrien Fireworks Festival”.

As far as traffic goes, some road closures are needed for this event, beginning tonight (Thurs) at 5 when Spadina Crescent between 3rd Avenue and 20th Street will be closed. Then tomorrow beginning at 9 a.m., Spadina Crescent between 2nd and 3rd Avenues will be closed and 3rd Avenue from 19th to 11th Street, including the Traffic Bridge will be closed. As of 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday night and continuing to about 1 a.m., 4th Avenue between 20th and 12th Streets will be closed.