Pyrotechnics Guild International Inc. - periodical reviews

Pyrotechnics Guild International Inc. There is also the Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. (PGII), an independent worldwide nonprofit organization of amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts. Its objectives are to: 1. Promote the safe and sane display and use of pyrotechnics. 2. Encourage the display of public and private pyrotechnics in conjunction with local and national holidays and patriotic events. 3. Promote the production and sale of high quality pyrotechnics. 4. Channel the creative energies of talented people into the design, production, and display of high quality pyrotechnics by example of the membership and through the sharing of knowledge.

The PGII publishes a bulletin that members receive at least four times a year. The PGII also sponsors a convention every year where hundreds of fireworks enthusiasts gather from around the U.S. and the world. These individuals spend a week in pyrotechnic heaven with workshops, trading, buying, and especially shooting fireworks.

John Buttino showed me the original design layouts (written on 70 pound kraft shell paper of course), of the final show to be fired in Ithaca in 1961. This was comprised of 30 set-pieces, many with color changes and intricate motion built in. Nothing was powered by hand or motors -- "It goes by fireworks or it doesn't go at all." Patsy would exclaim. One of the more intricate pieces was a giant fan which opened into a 5-pointed star midway through its burn. There was also a 100 foot long "Niagra Falls" and the fiery "devil chasers" that would zip back and forth between the 120 yard length of the football field. There were approximately 100 display shells in addition to the grand finale. So large was the display that what I had assumed was the main shell battery on John's layout was in fact the finale. I counted 16 racks of 15 mortars each, some as large as 6." Half of the finale were reports. "Actually," John said, "the salute racks are a little deceiving. Some of the 4 "reports were clusters of 12 salutes per bomb, the 5" bombs contained about 20 salutes. We would build up the salute barrage steadily and end with a single 6" salute." I remarked that the cost for such a show must have set back the Ithaca July Fourth Committee quite a bit. "About $1500," John remarked, "we worked for free, that way our father was able to hold down the costs."

Dampen the finely ground composition with 50/50 alcohol water. When dry, the stars burn with a very luminous, saturated red flame. The stars are easily ignited, somewhat crumbly, and slow burning -- ideally, they should be 3/8" cubes.

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