Fireworks over fireworks: Brent Zvonarich is packing up at a crucial point in his temporary business of selling fireworks, this year located at the entrance to the former site of the Okanagan Game Farm. Zvonarich was asked to leave by the Penticton Indian Band after discussions regarding ownership of the land Zvonarich was renting.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

PENTICTON  - Fireworks salesman Brent Zvonarich was starting to see sales light up like a roman candle at his new location at the former entrance to the Okanagan Game Farm, but a dispute over property ownership has resulted in his enterprise fizzling out like a dud firecracker.

Zvonarich, who last year had set up his shipping container just south of the turnoff to Skaha Hills subdivision, made a new deal to locate several kilometres south of the city after his former location wasn’t available this year.

Unfortunately, it turns out his new location is also off limits.

"I was renting from (a man who) claimed he had rights to the land, but that’s not the case according to the Penticton Indian Band. In fact, they provided me with papers that claim they are the actual owners of the land, so I’m renting from the wrong guy,” Zvonarich said today, Oct. 24.

Brent said he would be gone tonight.

“I guess I could stay and fight. There was heated debate already, with a meeting that included (the man who claimed ownership). Anyway, they provided me with documents, so there’s nothing I can do,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot of stock, and no place to sell,” he added.

“There were things going on down there last year, and I guess they just didn’t want to get into it,” he says of the former location.

“I like business to be simple and easy, just like me. I just want to come here and sell my stuff,” he says, adding he’s not the type of guy to fight and argue.

Zvonarich arrived at the site last Wednesday, and by Thursday had received a visit from the band police.

“The meeting took place shortly after that and that’s when the big argument took place over my being here and who owns the land,” he said.

Zvonarich said business had been good, even at a location six kilometres south of the city.

“Sales were decent. Basically the first week and a bit is strictly public relations. Now there’s going to be people coming and saying, “Where did he go?’” he said, adding Oliver sells fireworks, so if people really wish to purchase them, they can still get them down there.

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