The Big Bang Theory

Have you ever wondered about the true meaning of Victoria Day? It’s a holiday that’s been around for ages, but its significance has kinda faded over time. Nowadays, it’s more like the unofficial start of summer, with all the festivities and celebrations.

This blog post started as a bit of a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I wanted to share my childhood experiences growing up in Bronte during this special weekend. But as I wrote, I realized that this wasn’t just about remembering the “good old days.” It was about understanding how things have changed and how social media has impacted our lives.

Growing up, the lead-up to Victoria Day was filled with excitement. It was a long weekend, an extra day off school, which was rare compared to today. We only had a week off at Christmas and four days at Easter, and summer vacation was still months away.

Just like today, it was the unofficial start of summer. The weather would warm up, and we’d bring out our bikes, shorts, and organize games of scrub. It was time to be out and about with our friends, enjoying the fresh air and the summer vibes.

In Allan’s Drug Store, we’d see displays of firecrackers and fireworks. We’d spend hours trying to figure out what each one would look like, sound like, or do. There would be pinwheels, sparklers, 5&10 ball flares, the good old burning schoolhouse, fountains, and more. In a separate area, we’d find firecrackers wrapped in a special red paper.

Victoria Day is a holiday that holds a special place in my heart. It’s a reminder of the past, a celebration of the present, and a glimpse into the future. 

You started thinking about which display your parents could afford, whether relatives would come, and sometimes, even neighbourhood or community fireworks would be organized.

It was also time to do some odd jobs, maybe pick at Cudmore’s farm to earn some extra cash to buy firecrackers. Even with the money, you had to find an older brother or friend over 16 to make the purchase.

Fast forward to Victoria Day 2025, and everyone’s buzzing with excitement. Bronte residents are on edge, town officials and police are making plans: on social media, keyboards are buzzing. Today’s excitement, will kids gather in Bronte? Will there be another “Fireworks Riot”? Are police ready? And what can we do to prevent this from happening in our beloved village?

Not far behind, there will be posts about fireworks, how they mess up the environment, hurt pets, and what about people with PDST. There will be calls for even more rules, maybe even outright bans, and enforcement. 

So, you’re curious about how things have changed since the 1960s? Well, let me tell you! Back then, Victoria Day was the ultimate party day, right up there with Halloween. We didn’t have all the fancy gadgets we have now, like cell phones, Face Time, or even 100-inch colour TVs. Imagine trying to contact your friends with a rotary dial phone! That would’ve been like magic!

Victoria Day was all about coming together as a family, neighbourhood, and community. We’d set up a backyard display, have lawn chairs, blankets, and grilled burgers. Pop and ice cream were a must-have too! It was a time for sparklers, black snakes, and the grand finale of the display. I remember one year, the Westbrook Parents and Teachers hosted a display, and one of the highlights was the burning schoolhouse! Talk about a memorable moment!  

Back in the day, when we were newlyweds, we’d organize neighbourhood fireworks in one of the parks. It was a total blast! We had food, a baseball game, music, and more. The whole community would come together and put on a display that seemed to go on forever.

When our daughter was born, it was taking her to the store to pick out the perfect fireworks display. It was like a little tradition, with our aunts, uncles, and cousins all gathered on our deck, enjoying food, games, and the wonder of the fireworks.

Now, I know it sounds a bit like something out of a classic sitcom like Leave it to Beaver or The Brady Bunch, but let me tell you, there was definitely a mischievous side to Victoria Day. As we entered our teens, we had more freedom. Our world expanded from our backyard and street to Bronte, Hopedale, our high schools, and downtown Oakville. And yes, firecrackers were definitely part of the mix!

Being a teenager meant doing some silly things, especially for boys. We’d drop firecrackers off the Bronte Bridge to hear the echo, or watch them explode just under the water with a little thud and puff of smoke. We’d blow up tulip gardens, or stick a cracker in the mouth of one of the dead shiners on the Bronte Pier. Remember, we didn’t have video games, 100-inch TVs, 100 channels, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or any of the latest social media apps. Sometimes, the stupid meter would go to 10 when we’d get into 10-ball flare fights.

Hanging out in Bronte has always been a part of its identity. My brother grew up there in the 1950s and earlier, and it’s been a tradition for the kids of Bronte ever since. For the kids of Bronte, it was way more exciting than playing on your street or in your backyard. It was their social environment to meet boys, girls, and new friends. It was where they felt and expressed their freedom of being on their own, even if it was just for a few hours.

Let me tell you about our childhood hangouts in Bronte. We had this awesome spot called the Riverside Restaurant on West River and Lakeshore. It was the perfect place to gather with friends, enjoy some delicious fries, and sip on a cold Pepsi. And let’s not forget the jukebox! It was the ultimate party spot.

In the summer, we’d head to Core Park on Bronte Road and Lakeshore. We’d spread out on the grass, listen to our transistor radios tuned to Chum Radio, and just chill. Bronte Beach and the Piers were our go-to places on hot summer days. We’d swim across the creek, dive into the Lake at the diving board, and have a blast.

As for cars, they were a huge part of our culture. Many of us left school in our teens to pursue careers at places like Ford, GE, Mack Truck, and St. Lawrence Cement. The first generation of muscle cars emerged around the same time as the opening of the A&W and Dairy Queen in Bronte. These places became our go-to hangouts, meeting spots, and places to catch up with friends. And let’s not forget Sir Pizza, a legendary pizza place that was a must-visit for us.

Now, I know some folks from outside Bronte might have seen it as a bit of a rough neighbourhood. But for us, hanging out in Bronte was a rite of passage. It was a part of our freedom as teenagers.

Did our parents ever talk about us hanging out in Bronte? I’m sure they did, but I can’t remember them being too worried. In fact, Bronte was a small town, and everyone knew each other’s kids. I remember hanging out with my friends, and they’d see me and say hi. They’d let me know if I was doing anything my parents wouldn’t approve of. That was our way of communicating back then.

Growing up, we had dogs and cats, and after we got married, our daughter grew up with them too. And guess what? They never seemed bothered by the sound of fireworks. In fact, they’d be out on the lawn with the kids or sitting on the deck enjoying the party. It was amazing! 

I’ve been thinking about the whole fireworks thing, and I’m a bit confused about why people get so worked up about them. You know, our furry friends, especially dogs, are super sensitive to our emotions. So, if we’re freaking out about fireworks, are they picking up on that and getting anxious too?

Bronte is such a vibrant community, and we’ve all embraced different cultures and traditions. Some of these celebrations include fireworks, and it’s always a blast to see families, friends, and groups coming together to watch the show.

Sure, there’s the noise and the flashes, but that doesn’t stop thousands of people from Oakville and all over the world from coming together for this shared experience. It’s like a big hug from the community, and that’s exactly what I grew up with in Bronte.  

So, what’s the deal with this whole fireworks thing? I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve got a few thoughts.

First off, kids these days don’t have the same freedom they used to. It’s all thanks to over-programming, the stress of the world, and social media. It’s a tough time to be a kid, no doubt about it. And parents seem to be holding the leash a lot tighter, maybe for good reason.

Then there’s social media. It’s a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s a great way to stay connected with friends and family. But on the other hand, it can be a breeding ground for anger and frustration. It’s like a megaphone that amplifies everything, from fireworks to social media complaints.

But here’s the thing: social media can also be a powerful tool for good. It’s a way for people to come together and share their experiences. It’s a way for kids to get involved in their communities and make a difference.

Now, I’m not saying that social media is the cause of all the problems. But it’s definitely a factor. And it’s up to us to use it responsibly.

So, what do you think? Should we let the kids have a little fun with the fireworks? Or should we put a stop to it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!  

That experience of a parent and child going out to find the right display is long gone.  The gathering of your family on a cool damp May night waiting for it to get dark is disappearing.  The gathering of families, organizing and neighbourhood event harder with busy schedules, other distractions, activities or not even knowing the family down the street. 

Maybe the real noise and disruption is social media and not the fireworks!