Hey Paul, I was checking out your competitons page and it looks pretty cool and interesting. I might consider participating there. I just need a few more details, anyway, that's besides the point.

I just want to know, how many countries usually participate in the competition annually on average? I figure looking at the past years, since I've been going since 1990, I observed around 8 to 9, 7 at least, but in recent years it's been steady at 9 countries if I'm right.

And another question, how many people actually showed up at La Ronde fireworks this year? (estimation). And how many usually show up on regular displays, not taking the weather conditions into consideration? At the end of the competition, there was an artical in the newspaper, I don't know if you saw it, about the winners and I noticed in the artical that there was a statement saying that police anticipate that 2 million spectators showed up in all the displays, around ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 for each, except the last one where much more showed up. I estimated for the last one, taking into consideration the Old Port, Jacque-Cartier Bridge, La Ronde, and where I am and probably Mont-Royal, an estimated 750,000 to 800,000. I could be way off, but that's what it felt like, the place was packed!!! Oh yeah, I think a lot of people were from out of town like Ontario or any other part of the country, also some Americans could have showed up as well. Maybe I'm way off in my estimation, but it's possible.

After the competition was over, the next day I was delighted to see an artical about the final display, so I cut it out and read it. I read all the details and I looked back and said, that was a real tight competition indeed. Like you said, people will be dissapointed with the results and yes it is sad that only 3 can win when 6 displays all deserve an award. But, I wasn't all that sad, because Canada won and I was rooting for them all the way, I'm only dissapointed a little because Italy did not make it, unfortunately. They were my second ffavorite next to Canada, that's where my dissapoinment wwas in the results.

So please reply soon about what you think about the estimation of people for the last display and the others in general, and how many countries play each year on atverage, it's pretty interesting to know these facts and to actually see the popularity of the competition. Oh yeah, I just need some more detail for the competitions page, but you mentioned you were going to do that in the coming weeks, so no big rush.

If you guys want to talk about fireworks until the next competition, please don't hesitate. It can be about anything, and we can keep making conversations,etc. This message is for Paul, Enkil, Frederick and any other fireworks enthusiast. It can make you stop feeling depressed about the summer being over, as well as the competition. You guys reply soon!

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Trav.