Because of our ties with The British Empire and in honour of Queen Victoria.

In 1845 the Canadian Parliament made it a holiday because of her birthday.

In 1901 after her death it became officially known as Victoria Day.

When I was a child in Toronto Ontario we called it firecracker day.

Most families had their own fireworks in there front or backyards.

The day seemed filled with pink smoke, the scent of lilacs and excitement.

This is thought of as the begining of summer the proper time when you can wear,

white shoes and sandals and summer clothes.

People will open up their summer cottages or go camping,

or just have picnics and barbeques in the local parks or their own yards.

Because of the excessive beer drinking it has also become known as,

2-4 weekend after the beer cases with 24 beers.

Some campgrounds have banned alcohol in their parks that weekend.

Hoping to cut down on the excessive partying.

There are still fireworks displays, but most don’t have their own anymore,

especially in their yards due to fire regulations.

Here in the Near North Ontario, July 1st Canada’s Birthday,

is our big celebration.

So on this Long weekend we will enjoy the nice weather, and a family barbecue.

We hardly remember that great Monarch, Happy Birthday Queen Victoria.

There was a liitle ditty we said as school kids,

The 24 of May is the Queen’s birthday if we don’t get a holiday,

we will all run away.

Jun 30 Fourth of July Carlyle Lake Fireworks Spectacular (Clinton Co). On the Saturday before the Fourth of July, all day event will have live music, a sandcastle building contest, volleyball tournament and fireworks show that can be viewed by boat, at the Dam West or Dam East Recreation Areas. 618-594-2484 http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/projects.cfm?Id=B302700 Carlyle

Jun 30 Granite City Festival and Fireworks (Madison Co). At Wilson Park, with carnival rides, carriage rides, food, music, foreworks at 9:15pm at Coolidge Middle School grounds. Free admission. 618-877-3059 Granite City

Jul 2 Mississippi River Fireworks Festival (Madison Co). Grounds open 5am at Alton Riverfront. Food, beer tent, entertainment, fireworks at 9pm. Sponsored by Alton Exposition Commission. Admission free. 618-465-6676 Alton

Jul 2-4 Steeleville Fourth of July Celebration (St Clair Co). At American Legion Park and City Park, Carnival and rides, food stands, live music, beer stand and poker stand. Craft stands 7/4 before and after parade. On 7/4 parade at 10 a.m. fireworks at 10pm. Free admission. http://www.steeleville.org/ Steeleville

Jul 3 Emerald Mound Fire Protection District Fireworks (Madison Co). At Lebanon’s Homer Park. Bring a lunch or purchase lunch on-site. Lebanon.

Jul 4 Nashville 4th of July Fireworks Display (Washington Co). At Memorial Park Lake ponds. Refreshments will be available. Free. although they customarily pass the hat for donations.

Jul 4 Liberty Bell of the West Patriotic Celebration (Randolph Co). Mid-day ceremony with speeches, music, salute by French Marine reenacters, tours at the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site on Kaskaskia Island. On July 4, 1778, the Kaskaskia Bell was rung by George Rogers Clark after his Long Knives seized Kaskaskia from the British. Free Admission 618-826-2667 Kaskaskia

Jul 4 Dupo Picnic in the Park (St Clair Co). At Dupo Community Park featuring live music, food, games, softball tournament, washers tournament, craft booths, wine tasting and a large fireworks display at dusk. Free admission. 618-286-3280 Dupo

Jul 4 Greenville Fireworks (Bond Co). Music, food, fireworks at Patriot’s Park. 618-664-4969 http://www.greenvilleusa.org/ Greenville

Jul 4 Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration (St Clair Co). At Scheve Park. Softball and kickball tournaments, rides, kids games, good & drinks, raffle, poker, artisans, fireworks, local bands andFree admission. the US Air Force Band of MidAmerica. Free admission. 618-566-2964 Mascoutah

Jul 4 Family Fun Day and Fireworks (Madison Co). 5-9:30pm at Glazebrook Park Activities include rock wall climbing, zip lines, inflatables, vendors, fireworks at 9:15pm. 618-466-1483 Godfrey

Jul 4 Goreville Freedom Fest (Jackson Co). At Goreville Park. 11am-3pm car show (registration 9am), 4pm parade, music BBq, 9pm fireworks. Free admission. 618-995-2157 www.forevilleillinois.com Goreville

Jul 4 Eddyville 4th of July Celebration (Pope Co). Free admission. 618-672-4287 Eddyville

Jul 4 Rosiclaire Independence Day Parade (Hardin Co). 10:30am. Free event. 618-287-3271 Rosiclaire

The event was held on the seventeenth of December, 2011. Although there were rains in the morning, it cleared and the weather by the evening was fantastic!

The highlight of the evening is definitely the grand finale – a brilliant fireworks display on the banks of the River Torrens. 

This video is just a few minutes of the fireworks shot with an iPhone.

Hope you enjoy it.

At least 561 people, including 76 children burned hands and face were injured by firecrackers or fireworks in this country where the festive tradition remains strong, especially in the south.

To avoid accidents, authorities in four cities, Bari (south), Milan, Venice and Turin (north), have banned the sale of these materials. Elsewhere, police seized nearly six tonnes of firecrackers and fireworks, especially in Naples.

Near Naples, the Casandrino, in a region where New Year is welcomed pulling shots into the air, a man was killed by a bullet that ricocheted.

I found this on Google search and couldn’t resist.  May you have

a rock’n end of “11″.  And, even better “12″.   Please party carefully,

and responsibility,.  Knowing you can set excellent examples for

those around you and the younger generation.  By not drinking

and driving.  In my opinion booze (cocktails) doesn’t always have to

be the main attraction or etc. 

Suggestion:  potluck feast..  by your guests/family,..  Creating festive

punches,.  That can help your body/immune system.   Real fruit juice

with minimal sugar content.  Being also careful of the fat content in your

meat choices.   And, how to cook it as well.  Consider avoiding frying,

or any type of oil base to your meat.   Oven,.  And cutting out the fat if

you see it in your meat.  That can add to your body,. 

If you plan on driving to a ball drop.. consider waiting where you will go

and ways of getting home safely.  And, avoiding boozed up drivers,.

If you can find a hotel close to where you are, go for it.  ALso, never take

a short cut.  It may be dangerous, depending on traffic lights,.  Drive where

there are “lots” traffic lights and the area is still busy,.  And, making sure your

cell phone is charged up ready to use.  And, with lots of minutes,. 

And, you see lots of Law Enforcement on the road,.  If the crowd looks tooo

rowdy. You may want to consider going some where else for the ball drop.

Children in your family should never see a drunk or etc person/’s driving

or etc,.  On the road,.  Protecting them from unexcepted situations is vital,.

Not to mention the rest of your family, friends,. 

Keeping your evening stress free is vital,.  Safe and healthy, etc food, beverages,.

Is importation as well.  And, keeping your family pet safe for unexpected situations

as well. If they come in contact with foods,.  That may harm them or worse kill them,.

Please be as proactive as possible.  You will be glad you did.

Thank you for check’n out my blog. Please share it would other websites you may be on.

And, leave a positive comment on this and other blogs I have.  thanx..

never have an ordinary day..

Image via Wikipedia

You don’t need to don your kilt or dance the highland jig to party like the Scots, but there are a few traditions that you can partake in to ring in the New Year in style.

Before Midnight on December 31st,

·         Make sure you have eaten a hearty steak pie, or stew for dinner.  A quick internet search will provide ample tasty recipe ideas. This will help to soak up the alcohol excess which is mandatory for any Scots celebration.

·         Shortbread and black bun (rich fruit cake) are also traditional fare for this festival.

·         Be prepared for an all-night celebration.  Scottish revelers take to the streets of the major Cities, and Edinburgh holds one of the largest and most spectacular street parties in the world. 

·         Wear weather appropriate attire, no kilt necessary. 

After Midnight,

·         Share the moment with your loved ones, but also strangers too.  Learn the words to the Scottish Bard’s rendition of Auld Lang Syne.  The Scot’s just adore Robert Burns, and this is one way of honoring him.  The song encourages everyone to let go of the problems of the year gone by, and look forward to the new year.

·         Wish as many people as you see, a very happy New Year, even the strangers who have not yet made your acquaintance.

·         It’s customary to have a wee dram of whiskey at the stroke of midnight, but not sure how feasible this is if you are celebrating on the streets.

·         Fireworks at the stroke of midnight are a tradition that originated with the pagan celebrations of using fire to ward off evil spirits.

Since celebrating the New Year is related to the hope of better times ahead, the Scots – a historically superstitious population, have a few rituals to prevent bad luck in the coming year.  For those who do not participate in the street celebrations in Scotland’s cities, it is customary to visit with friends and neighbors.  But you must NEVER visit without presenting your host with a gift, a bottle of whiskey, shortbread or a black bun is the norm but symbolic items including salt and coal.

·         It is traditional to clean house on Hogmanay, to cleanse the home of last years’ dirt.  It is also expected that everyone will pay off all their debts before the New Year arrives.

·         Visitors will be sent away if they arrive before midnight to prevent bad luck.  First-footers are made welcome after midnight.

·         Traditionally, the man of the house will open the back door of the house to let out the old year, and then open the front door to welcome the new into their home.

·         Your first-footer will ideally be dark-haired and this is probably where the fantasy of a “tall, dark handsome stranger” originated.  Lighter haired first-footers were deemed as unlucky because they resembled the Vikings, which usually meant trouble for the Scots.

One final note, Hogmanay celebrations must be LOUD. Whether you use traditional Scottish music, your favorite contemporary band, or play your own instruments, the noisier the party the farther away you will scare away evil spirits. 

Feel free to share your Hogmanay Stories in the Comments section below.

Happy Hogmanay, A guid New Year to ane an’ a’!

 Lyrics to Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne: http://www.robertburns.org/works/236.shtml

Other Articles by Donnah Clark:

The Positive Effects of Caring:  http://healthmad.com/alternative/the-positive-healing-effects-of-caring/

The Scam Artists are at it Again:  http://socyberty.com/crime/the-scam-artists-are-at-it-again/

The Next Outbreak:  http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/the-next-outbreak/

Looking for a New Planet to Inhabit?: http://scienceray.com/technology/looking-for-a-new-planet-to-inhabit/

Gullible Gossipmongers: http://donnah-clark.quazen.com/arts/gullible-gossipmongers/

The Scottish Interpretation of the English Language:  http://socyberty.com/languages/the-scottish-interpretation-of-the-english-language/

Human Trafficking:  The Fastest Growing Illegal Enterprise:  http://socyberty.com/issues/human-trafficking-the-fastest-growing-illegal-enterprise/

10 Steps that will Ensure you have a Successful Semester: http://donnah-clark.quazen.com/kids-and-teens/college-life/10-steps-that-will-help-ensure-you-have-a-successful-semester/

Mexico’s Children and the Pursuit for Profit:  A Double Tragedy: http://socyberty.com/society/mexicos-children-and-the-pursuit-for-profit-a-double-tragedy/

Social Media and You:  Don’t Become The Prey: http://webupon.com/social-networks/social-media-and-you-dont-become-the-prey/

Sleep Patterns, Fussy Eating and Behavioral Problems:  What’s the Connection?: http://healthmad.com/mental-health/sleep-patterns-fussy-eating-and-behavioral-problems-whats-the-connection/

Insightful Child: http://socyberty.com/society/insightful-child/

Managing your Diet without Soy: http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/managing-your-diet-without-soy/

10 Money Saving Tips for Students: http://donnah-clark.quazen.com/kids-and-teens/college-life/10-money-saving-tips-for-students/

1.   Your girlfriend no longer gives you a kiss.  You get a cold handshake from her instead.

2.   Your girlfriend complains about your hygiene.  She insists that you stay at least six feet away from her.

3.   Your girlfriend talks about you in the past tense. 

4.   Your girlfriend finds that the only thing attractive about you is your wallet.

5.   Your girlfriend sees all the faults in you.  In fact, she says that your faults are deeper than the San Andreas Fault.

6.   Your girlfriend compares you to a poor imitation of Justin Bieber.  Your girlfriend cannot stand Justin Bieber.

7.   Your girlfriend gives you a 600 page manual on how to lose weight.  She complains that your love handles are more like Silly Putty.

8.   Your girlfriend says that having sex with you is like having a root canal.  It is very painful.

9.   Your girlfriend says that she wants fireworks, but only gets duds instead.

10. Your girlfriend says that she is getting an allergic reaction to you.  She then shows you the rashes.

Image via Wikipedia

We are talking fireworks here. A display that was set to take place in Scotland, as usual on bonfire night. That’s November 5th and the annual celebrations commemorate the foiling of a plot to blow up the British Parliament hundreds of years ago.

Back in 1605 a gang of conspirators planned to blow up Parliament because they were unhappy that the new king, James 1st, wasn’t planning to give catholics better treatment. Today they would be called terrorists or extremists.

A man called Guy Fawkes was the leader and his plot was betrayed by fellow conspirators who had second thoughts about blowing up so many innocent people. Guy Fawkes was caught in the act of preparing the gunpowder. He was tortured and executed and ever since there have been bonfires which burn an effigy of him – and fireworks are let off too.

The annual celebrations in Oban, Scotland are a big event, keenly anticipated. $4000 worth of fireworks had been bought and were due to be let off in a fantastic display that would last 30 minutes.

But disaster struck. There were fireworks alright but the pleasure was all too brief. The excitement had only just got started when it was all over. Anything sound familiar?

Whole load shot – prematurely

What happened was that the $4000 worth of fireworks went off prematurely. What should have lasted at least 30 minutes – was all over in 30 secs and ended in a limp finish.

A sad sad story but one that happens all too often . . . Whether it was inexperience, too much excitement, poor technique – we don’t know.

But the good news is the local council is having another go. More fireworks have been bought and more care will be taken. Let’s hope everything goes with a bang. A longer lasting bang . . .

One premature happening may be forgiven – but not two!

Ever since this day, people have celebrated his failure and his capture by building a human like sculpture of guy Fawkes and burning him on a bonfire, with fireworks going off as a celebration. This has attracted people’s imagination of how guy Fawkes can be portrayed and some people have wild ideas. Sometimes their sculpture of Guy Fawkes has fireworks inside him, so when they burn him on the bonfire, they also see more fireworks coming from the sculpture.

Other things people do to celebrate are to have stalls that sell food and soups to keep people warm in the cold night air. They also celebrate by selling sweet foods such as cotton candy and sometimes popcorn. They will also sell firecrackers and sparklers to children to play with while they wait for the show of the fireworks and the bonfire.

This is one of the nights to go and celebrate with family and friends and enjoy a spectacular show.

This all started as they bought a house next door to parliament,and started plotting. Guy Fawkes was actually given the job of watching over the barrels of gunpowder. The group of men led by Catesby left Fawkes overnight with the gunpowder barrels. Upon the morning soldiers found Guy Fawkes hiding amoung the barrels. He was arrested and taken to the tower of london. Fawkes was then questioned and tortured until he eventually told all . When King James discovered the men wanted to blow up parliament and kill him, he was releived to be alive. So much so he ordered that on november the 5th people of england should burn bonfires to celebrate him not being blown up! Guys were thrown onto the bonfire in distaste of what the group of men had planned, with Fawkes being the one who had been caught they named the figures after him.

Fireworks which date back almost 2,00 years and began in China,started being used as a reminder of the gunpowder hidden in parliaments cellars, and what could of happened if Robert Catesby and his men had been successful. And this is why we celebrate bonfire night today!