Pyrotechnic showdown to explode in Hamilton

[SteelTown]

Pyrotechnic showdown to explode in Hamilton

April 19, 2010
Jenni Dunning
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/754502

Talk about an event with a bang.

The Canadian Fireworks Association is hosting its fifth annual convention in Hamilton Friday -- promising more than two hours of fireworks for the public.

"It'll be the biggest fireworks display they'll ever see in Ontario, hands down," said Sean Morris, CFA's vice-president. "People will be mighty impressed when they leave. They're going to see some cool things that aren't normally done."

The event begins in Bayfront Park with military re-enactors from area forts firing cannons.

After two fireworks product demonstrations, a consumer contest will pit Eastern and Western Canada against each other. Two individuals from Calgary and Ontario were both given $3,000 from the association to purchase consumer fireworks, Morris said.

They'll compete for the title of best display. Organizers are still looking for judges.

Four professional displays and a pyromusical show will end the night.

The event started to get industry leaders together to learn about new products.

It costs the CFA $3,000 to 5,000 to open the event to the public, Morris said. Though the event is free, he said he hopes people will bring donations to help cover the cost.

One display can take about 20 hours to design and complete because organizers use consumer fireworks. To get a high-grade show, they must shoot nine of one product to get a big effect, for example.



What: Canadian Fireworks Association convention

Where: Bayfront Park

When: April 23; 7:30 p.m.

Cost: free; donations encouraged

[bigguy1231]

It doesn't sound like much to me.

They are using consumer fireworks. These are not the commercial fireworks we see on Victoria day or Canada day.

But then again it is a free show and probably wouldn't make much difference for the kiddies.

[thistleclub]

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

It doesn't sound like much to me.

They are using consumer fireworks. These are not the commercial fireworks we see on Victoria day or Canada day.

I originally read it as having a consumer fireworks "showdown" segment as part of an evening of professional pyrotechnics, but reading closer, yeah, the Spec's phrasing invites inflated expectations.

[Gurnett71]

I was thinking Symphony of Fire, only bigger and better when I originally read the article. Was planning on heading over to Sam Lawrence Park with the family for a good view of the show. Maybe not.

[pyrochick]

I just wanted to let you know that the article in the Spec. Is kind of mis- leading. There will be both Professional & Consumer Fireworks at Bayfront Park Friday Night.

The Professional Level ("four different displays" as quoted in the Spec.) IS the stuff you would see on Victoria Day & Canada Day. These are high level displays.

The Consumer Level Displays/Family Fireworks - there will be 2 Displays (these will be like nothing you have ever seen before - these teams have spent 20 hrs+ building these displays. Worth watching!

There will also be Local Forts - re-enactment - firing their canons at the park as well. For those who may be interested in this - the schedule is on cfa2010.ca

Hope that you all make it out - There will be about 2hrs of Fireworks Fridays Night.

Regards.
Getting Very Excited!
CFA Member

[bigguy1231]

Originally Posted by pyrochick

I just wanted to let you know that the article in the Spec. Is kind of mis- leading. There will be both Professional & Consumer Fireworks at Bayfront Park Friday Night.

The Professional Level ("four different displays" as quoted in the Spec.) IS the stuff you would see on Victoria Day & Canada Day. These are high level displays.

The Consumer Level Displays/Family Fireworks - there will be 2 Displays (these will be like nothing you have ever seen before - these teams have spent 20 hrs+ building these displays. Worth watching!

There will also be Local Forts - re-enactment - firing their canons at the park as well. For those who may be interested in this - the schedule is on cfa2010.ca

Hope that you all make it out - There will be about 2hrs of Fireworks Fridays Night.

Regards.
Getting Very Excited!
CFA Member

Thanks for the additional info.

[bluevue]

Kids loved the show. Big turnout. Good to see the park being used for such perfect events. As a note...it isn't far at all to walk from downtown (stadium).

[Jon Dalton]

I was there. It was a good example of what happens when we don't overbuild parking capacity for an occasionally used downtown venue: People just deal with it.

[pyrochick]

What an awesome City Hamilton is! The support from all who attended this free event was great! Thank You People of Hamilton!! (And I am sure that there were people from all areas around Hamilton - Thank You!!) I think that 10,000 people showed up to watch our shows and demos.

I believe our next stop will be in Halifax - September 2011 -

I hope that everyone enjoyed the evening at Bayfront Park - I know that all attendees (from all across Canada and the US) of our Convention enjoyed Hamilton! Thanks!!! Perfect weather for April too!

J. Morris
for the
Canadian Fireworks Association