Prince Albert residents will finally get the fireworks show they missed earlier this summer.
The display, originally planned for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, was cancelled after a citywide fire ban left organizers with no choice but to pull the plug. With conditions now safer and restrictions lifted, the long-anticipated fireworks have been rescheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. on the city’s riverbank.
“Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the show,” organizers said in a release.
A Delayed Celebration
The original event was set to cap off National Indigenous Peoples Day, a holiday recognized annually on June 21 to celebrate the diverse cultures, heritage, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. Prince Albert had planned to mark the occasion with a community gathering on the riverbank, but wildfire risk across Saskatchewan forced the city to impose strict fire bans in June.
That decision aligned with similar restrictions across the province as fire crews battled a hot, dry start to the summer. While disappointing to many residents, the cancellation underscored the heightened danger posed by fireworks and other fire-related activities during the dry spell.
Now, with fire bans lifted and conditions more favourable, the rescheduled fireworks display offers an opportunity to bring the community together to close out the summer season.
Boost for Local Events and Economy
For Prince Albert’s hospitality and retail sectors, the rescheduled event is expected to provide a welcome late-summer bump in activity. Large-scale community events such as fireworks displays typically draw not only residents but also visitors from surrounding areas, benefiting restaurants, hotels, and shops.
“Events like this are more than just entertainment,” said one local business owner not affiliated with the city’s announcement. “They help keep people downtown, they bring families together, and they give us an opportunity to showcase Prince Albert as a vibrant community.”
The August 29 fireworks coincide with the final weekend before the Labour Day long weekend, often considered the unofficial end of summer. That timing could help boost attendance, particularly if the weather holds.
Safety Still a Priority
Although the fire ban has been lifted, safety remains a top concern for organizers and the city. Fireworks displays are regulated events requiring permits, fire department oversight, and safety precautions to protect both spectators and surrounding property.
In recent years, Prince Albert has faced growing pressure to balance traditional community celebrations with the realities of climate change, which has led to more frequent and severe wildfires in Saskatchewan. City officials have emphasized that decisions to cancel or proceed with events are always based on the latest safety guidance.
The rescheduling of this show, they noted, reflects improved conditions but also highlights the challenges organizers face when planning large-scale outdoor events in an unpredictable climate.
Looking Ahead
For many residents, the fireworks display will serve as a chance to gather on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, celebrate community spirit, and mark a summer that has been defined as much by fire risk as by sunshine.
“Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the show,” the release said, underscoring the city’s aim to turn what was once a disappointment into a late-summer highlight.
The fireworks are free to attend and open to all ages. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the riverbank, where crowds are expected.
For details about the fireworks and other events happening in Prince Albert over the weekend, residents can visit paevents.ca.
