Although Canada day has come and gone already, you can still fit fireworks in your budget for next year, should you have interest in these sort of activities. This past weekend the final fireworks show of 2010 took place at Ontario place. It's a spectacular performance of explosions choreographed to music. If you attended last Saturday the weather was perfect, low 20's, no humidity and clear skies. If you want to avoid the $15 price tag for admission, just stay outside the park and view the show for free (you won't be able to see the ones close to the water though). If you stay by the entry gates you can hear the music as well. Don't pull your car on the side of the road though or you'll get a ticket; cops set up camp all along lakeshore and were ready when we pulled in.

If you like to set off your own fireworks, buy them NOW and store them for next year. A lot of independent shops (most are) have virtually no business now and must sell everything to return to their usual day-to-day business (which doesn't involve fireworks). So buy now the leftovers at prices like 80% off and store them in a cool dry place. Next year you won't have to pay premium prices.