"Remember, remember the fifth of November."
John Lennon
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
November 5, 2013
There happen to be certain folks right here in Saint Paul, MN who, at an undisclosed location, celebrate a holiday that may be unknown to you. Each November 5th, lots of people of British origin, and many, many who are not, celebrate Guy Fawkes Day. Again this year, the GPS coordinates are being "leaked" to a select group of revelers.
It seems in 1605, this chap and some co-conspirators tried to burn down the Parliament. The celebration is to commemorate either their unsuccessful effort, or the saving of the Parliament and King James I, depending on whose version of history you rely on.
Either way, it's loads of fun as we gather for another wonderful nighttime Event.
Traditionally the holiday includes a feast, fireworks, a bonfire, and the burning of an effigy of Guy Fawkes, but with the year 2000 came a sad command from state officials. Due to extremely dry conditions, for the first time ever in the history of mankind, the celebration was held with no bonfire and no fireworks. All seemed bleak as the edict was announced in our community. Normally fires aren't allowed in the city limits, but this celebration was grandfathered in years ago when it was first celebrated here in Saint Paul.
Then there was the year when no less than 20 kids were running around the park as firetrucks invaded our celebration. An out-of-state visitor called them in a panic at the sight of the fire, and children squealed with glee as the host scrambled to locate the burning permit.
While we were all certain the year 2000 edict presented the end of an era, it didn't turn out that way. We are allowed our complete celebration, weather permitting. Will there be a bonfire this year? Of course!
This event is organized by geocachers and
open to all geocachers:
past, present and future.
No permit is required from the Division of Parks and Recreation or the Fire Department for a bonfire on park property as long as the following requirements are met:
- All recreational bonfires shall be in designated fire rings only.
- Fuel area can be no larger than 3' in diameter and 2' high.
- Cut fire wood permitted only. All other materials are prohibited including rubbish, paper products, construction materials, pallets, and processed wood.
- Any condition which could cause a fire to spread to within 25' of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
- A means shall be provided to extinguish the fire. This can include buckets, shovels, garden hoses (if a water source is available), or a minimum 4-A fire extinguisher.
- Fires shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of the fire-extinguishing equipment provided.
- Fires shall not be ignited if the wind speed is 10 mph or more.
- Wood to be burned shall not be brought to site prior to an event.
- All unused wood must be removed from the park.