Fire sculptures dazzle in Fahrenheit Festival
By Alanna Magri
Lance Writer
September 23, 2009
 Back for its 7th annual display of one of the most breathtaking and captivating art forms is the Fahrenheit Festival of Fire.
Once again, Artcite and Control.Burn Collective, with generous support from the town of LaSalle and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, present a festival like no other.
The festival will not only display numerous sculptures that will be burned for our viewing pleasure toward the end of the night, it also includes daring performances by the Bacchanal Fire Performers.
Artists create their sculpture using wood for a frame, and then add straw which serves as the fuel for the fire. Wires, nails, and cement blocks are all used as fasteners for the sculptures.
When creating their works of art, the artists need to consider lines, shapes, sounds, and smells to create a good fire sculpture. The materials that the artists use will determine the burn pattern of the sculpture.
To control the burn, clay slips are used as a fire retardant. Materials used in the sculptures are controlled to limit the length of the burn and to prevent unnecessary toxic substances from being released.
To make the fire sculpture even more exciting, the artists will create their masterpiece with moving sections, enhancing the shape and the size of their sculpture.
A unique burn pattern is created so that the sculpture does not end up engulfed in flames or burning out of control.
The Fahrenheit Festival continues to gain success year after year. The festival was the first one of its kind in North America, and still stands as Canada’s first and only fire sculpture festival.
The display of fire sculptures emerged in 2001, when Artcite held the Autumnal Equinox & Bucolic BBQ Bacchanal event. It was not until 2002 that Artcite hosted the first Fahrenheit Festival.
By attending this festival, you are also supporting the local artists from Windsor-Essex County and across Canada who have spent long hours to amaze us with their burning statues.
Other entertainment for the night includes Detroit’s Bacchanal Fire Performers, who will give a daring and fiery performance.
Come join in on the festivities on Sept. 26 from 7-10 p.m. at the Vollmer Recreation Complex, 2121 Laurier Parkway in LaSalle. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Scheduled performances from the Bacchanal Fire Performers will take place at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and the burning of the fire sculptures is scheduled for 8 p.m.
If need arises, the scheduled rain date for the performance is Sept. 27.
Tickets are available to be purchased at Artcite, located at 109 University Ave. W., in advance or at the door. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $1 for children under 10 years of age.
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