As fireworks exploded over Vancouver’s English Bay, a radio station broadcast of the music to go with the display was playing “”Something’s Happening Here.”
It was the official theme song and catchphrase of Expo 86, back when fireworks were happening every night at the 1986 World’s Fair.
Fireworks continued after Expo as a once-a-year multi-day festival, the Celebration of Light, but that was ended by the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society due to rising production costs, no federal funding, and reduced provincial and corporate support.
Vancouver approved a scaled-down single-night fireworks display at English Bay on July 31, Summer Lights in English Bay, which took place on Friday, July 31 at 10 p.m.
Organizers estimated the event drew 230,000 to 250,000 spectators, down from the more than 300,000 people each night of the three-night festival.