Amidst divided opinions, City of Merritt enjoys Halloween fireworks display in Central Park

MERRITT — After a lengthy night of trick-or-treating for Merrittonians, children, tourists and families gathered by Central Park to enjoy the annual Halloween fireworks display. The theatrics ran from about 8:oo p.m to 8:20 p.m (Oct 31) to an array of cheers and honking by the finale.

It’s a display that has some people divided as to whether or not we should partake in any fireworks celebrations at all.

For those in support of the fireworks, they feel that since COVID had cancelled gatherings all together for years, it was a welcome sight to see the fireworks go through. Some major cities including Calgary have cancelled them in recent years.

For others not in support of fireworks, it comes down to the negative response their pets get during the “loud celebration.” Some say the fireworks are too noisy and traumatic on their furry friends while others have reported their pets did “just fine” with a little bit of re-assurance and coaxing.

Merritt local resident Kathy Regan says “It was the first year my dogs had to put up with the fireworks. I just calmed them down a little bit and put on a Halloween movie and they were cool as a cucumber. They didn’t struggle with the noise too much although they showed signs of nerves at first.”

It’s definitely a polarizing subject that some feel strongly against while others are in full support.