We attended the Fireworks Festival tonight in the Fireworks Capital of America, New Castle, PA. New Castle claims the title of Fireworks Capital of America because two large fireworks companies' headquarters are in New Castle. Zambelli Internationale and Pyrotecnico. Each year after the 4th of July these two companies take turns putting on a huge fireworks display for the enjoyment of thousands of appreciative spectators. [As a side note, when viewed large, you will notice what appears to be noise on the right side of the shell break. That is smoke from a previous shell. The wind was blowing right at us, so most of the show was obliterated from our view because of the smoke.]
Beautiful...agree it looks like a flower! How nice to live close to such a place. That would be awesome to see the companies showcase their finest (I assume).
@lynnb - You are very kind Lynn! Thank you!! There definitely is some competition between the two companies especially when George Zambelli was still alive. Not only do we live very close to New Castle, my wife and I use to be pyrotechnicians. We did shows for Pyrotecnico for 9 years. The one year shortly after I was getting started I helped set up this show to learn how to shoot a show electronically. This show is shot by a computer. Each shell is tagged and placed in a certain position in the "racks" so that when the show is programmed in to the computer to shoot to music, the program knows, when that shell is called for, it where it is. Since the economic downturn the shows aren't as big as they use to be. The year I helped set up I was told the show cost $30,000. The city of New Castle pays for part of the cost and local businesses sponsor and the fireworks companies would pay about half of the cost to, as you say, "showcase their finest". The two companies take turns. Next year it will be Zambelli's turn.
@ruthmouch - Thank you very much Ruth!! This shell was comprised of two parts. The first part was the wispy outer part and then the center section breaks with a crackling sound. Great effect!
@bobbyj - Thank you very much Bobby!!
@lynnb - You are very kind Lynn! Thank you!! There definitely is some competition between the two companies especially when George Zambelli was still alive. Not only do we live very close to New Castle, my wife and I use to be pyrotechnicians. We did shows for Pyrotecnico for 9 years. The one year shortly after I was getting started I helped set up this show to learn how to shoot a show electronically. This show is shot by a computer. Each shell is tagged and placed in a certain position in the "racks" so that when the show is programmed in to the computer to shoot to music, the program knows, when that shell is called for, it where it is. Since the economic downturn the shows aren't as big as they use to be. The year I helped set up I was told the show cost $30,000. The city of New Castle pays for part of the cost and local businesses sponsor and the fireworks companies would pay about half of the cost to, as you say, "showcase their finest". The two companies take turns. Next year it will be Zambelli's turn.
@groovygirlrn - Thank you so much Sheri!!
@kerristephens - I appreciate your kind comment Kerri!!
@meisen325 - Thank you so much Monica!! I appreciate your wonderful comments!! And for another Fav!
@jenniferruge - Thank you Jennifer very much!!