Fireworks fun

If you live in or around Vancouver, chances are you may be checking out the amazing fireworks spectacle with the Celebration of Light in English Bay. To help you enjoy a fun and safe night at the fireworks with your crew, we have some cool tips and recipes to share. If you don't live close by, you can easily use these recipes and tips for that special summer occasion!

Quick tips

Dig out the old portable radio and a few extra batteries for your adventure. Tune in to SHORE 104.3 FM at 10 p.m. to enjoy the synchronized music.
Make sure to arrive early, but beware of claiming a spot too close to the water. High tides could quickly erode your prime viewing locale.
Choose a well-lit landmark as an emergency meeting spot just in case someone gets separated from your group.
Visit www.celebration-of-light.com/competition/ for some great information on the different types of fireworks and facts about how the show is executed. Play a quiz game to keep children occupied before the show begins!
Don’t forget to pack the following: damp cloth sealed in a reusable container for all those sticky picnic finger, large garbage bag for fast and easy clean-up, and flashlight to navigate your route home after the sky goes dark.

Time to eat

To help you avoid unhealthy, greasy fast food while at the fireworks, Whole Foods Market has created a special fireworks picnic menu featuring a variety of fresh salads and kid-friendly entrees and desserts. The best part is that they are prepared and packaged so that you can easily bring them to the beach. However, if you're interested in making your own picnic, here are a couple of recipes suitable for any one.

Classic Summertime Potato Salad

Fresh twist on the summer staple that compliments any picnic meal!Serves 6 to 8

2 pounds new red potatoes, scrubbed
1 to 2 eggs
2/3 cup Whole Foods Market canola mayonnaise
3 sprigs fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon coarse ground Dijon mustard
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/3 cup chopped green onion
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 dill pickle, chopped
1 tablespoon pickle juice
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Salt to taste
Paprika for garnish

In a large pot, cover potatoes with cold water and a tablespoon of sea salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain well. Once potatoes have cooled, cut into bite-size cubes.

While the potatoes cook, place eggs in another saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil one minute, then remove from heat and let sit, covered for 15 minutes. Drain and run under cold water. Refrigerate until needed.

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise with dill, mustard, red onion, bell pepper, green onion and celery. Fold in pickles, pickle juice, celery seed and salt to taste. Stir in potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Peel eggs, slice or chop and arrange over the top of the potato salad. Garnish with paprika. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Deli-Style Turkey Rollups

Avoid the pitfalls of soggy sandwiches by trying these easy and kid-friendly alternatives! Serves 2 to 4

1 cup arugula or baby spinach leaves
4 slices all-natural nitrate-free deli peppered turkey breast
4 slices of havarti cheese or Rustico with Black Peppercorns cheese

Lay 1/4 cup baby spinach or arugula on each slice of turkey. Top each with a piece of cheese. Roll up and cut in half before serving.

Picnic Drumsticks with Orange-Mustard Sauce

Pre-grill these finger-food favourites and chill overnight for an easy and tasty snack at the beach! Serves 8

4 pounds chicken drumsticks
Salt and pepper to taste
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Zest of 2 oranges
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

In a large dish arrange the chicken, pricked in several places with a fork, in one layer. Season with salt and pepper and brush with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small glass bowl, make the sauce by whisking together the remaining 1/4 cup oil, mustard, zest, cumin and fennel.

Heat grill. Brush chicken with sauce, arrange on grates over moderate heat and cook, turning it often and brushing it with more of the sauce, for 16 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a platter as done and garnish with cilantro. Serve hot or chilled overnight.

Easy parking

For families looking to get close to the action, Whole Foods Market on Robson is providing a safe and easy place to park and it's located just a short walk from English Bay. Parking starts at 6:30 p.m. on the remaining two nights July 28 and 31. The $20 fee goes straight to a local charity.

Thanks to Whole Foods for the recipes and tips.

Fireworks fun

Quick tips

Time to eat

Easy parking

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