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Photographers were out in droves and kids were out far past their bedtimes last night, as crowds gathered at vantage points around the city to witness the Pan Am Games close with a bang, or in this case, a series of bangs. At 10 PM, right as the Closing Ceremonies wrapped up at the Rogers Centre, fireworks launched from the CN Tower illuminated the night sky, creating a show visible for kilometres in every direction.
A similar display marked the start of the games, though secrecy in the lead up to the Opening Ceremony kept many in the dark about when the fireworks would be launched. The start time for last night's display was publicized late last week, stirring conversations and excitement on social media sites. With plenty of people in the know this time around, pretty much any place with a view of the CN Tower was abuzz with photographers and people looking for a good spot to witness the spectacle. We were at the foot of Bathurst Quay last night, and several other photographers shared their photos from other vantage points on the UrbanToronto Flickr Pool, allowing us to share the display as seen by UT staff and our fantastic Flickr contributors.
The image above gives an idea of how many photographers were lining the dockwall on the east side of the Canada Malting Silos last night, a scene likely repeated at popular skyline vantage points like Polson Pier, the Islands, Humber Bay, the Bathurst Bridge, the Leslie Street Spit, and Riverdale Park.
Others flocked to close-up vantage points near the foot of the 553-metre tower.
A lucky few took to elevated vantage points from high-rise buildings around the city.
Back on the ground at Ireland Park, we were busy capturing shot after shot, while anxiously awaiting the grande finale.
The finale was difficult to predict, and even more difficult to properly expose. We did our best though, and despite the exposure issues, the massive amount of pyrotechnics that went into just this short burst is evident.
After the finale, we were left with a fast dispersing cloud of smoke, and an emboldened sense of civic pride. The success of these fireworks displays has initiated a discussion on future displays from the CN Tower, and idea we certainly endorse.
For those looking for more fireworks, PANAMANIA celebrations will return to Nathan Phillips Square on August 7, to celebrate the Parapan Am Games.
