Biggest Fireworks Displays Ever Launched in Eastern U.S. to Create Explosive Summer Nights this August

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Butler County, PA (Feb. 28, 2013) - If the annual 4th of July fireworks displays are a highlight of summer, officials in Butler County, Pa. are offering more to "ooh" and "aah" about this August. Butler County, 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh, is hosting an international fireworks convention August 10-16 featuring four nights of the most cutting-edge fireworks displays in the world.

More than 2,000 members of Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) will meet at Cooper's Lake Campground near Slippery Rock for their annual week-long convention. The highlight of the member-only gathering is four separate nights of spectacular, open-to-the-public fireworks shows where select PGI members launch the latest innovations in the fireworks industry, most of which have never before been part of a public display. Each night will feature several full-length fireworks displays, making the nightly shows last more than an hour, much longer than usual community displays.

"You've got to see it to believe it," said Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau. "These fireworks will touch all five of your senses and leave you truly stunned. People who love fireworks will literally be blown away by the shows they will see here in August because no one has seen fireworks like these before. It's definitely a must-see summer activity for the whole family."

Each display night offers a unique program for the public to enjoy. A special pre-show celebration with live entertainment, food vendors and more will take place each show night starting at 4 PM when the parking lots and gates open. Come early to park, choose your seat and enjoy the performances by local bands. During the entertainment, PGI members will launch consumer style fireworks and rockets to build up for the evening's big show. The event schedule includes:

Sunday, August 11, 2013 - 8:30 PM:

• The week kicks off with the national anthem, PGI style! It's a red, white and blue extravaganza that is patriotic, colorful and loud!
• As seen on the Discovery Channel Series, "Dirty Jobs," Albert Knoblach's Little Big Shots will delight crowds with locally-made shells exploding into balls of fire in the sky.
• "The First Family of Fireworks," Zambelli Fireworks of New Castle, Pa., will present a world-class display based on 120-years of pyrotechnic skill and artistry.
• See one-of-a-kind, hand-made fireworks at the PGI Competition as members of all skill levels launch their best shells in a number of different categories.

• Tuesday night will kick off with Harrison Unger of Kentucky presenting "Victory March" exclusively featuring Freedom Fireworks branded product.
• Never before seen, the Tour de Force's display of pyrotechnic rockets is an incredible not-to-miss feat!
• Fire Art from Clearfield, Pa. will present a display by award-winning show designer Peter Rogoz featuring his own selection of music and firework choreography.

• The first display is entirely created, assembled, choreographed and fired by the Junior Pyrotechnics Association (JPA) members, ages 7 through 17.
• The second display, by Celebration Fireworks and PA Pyrotechnics Artists, includes a myriad of member-made products and some exciting special effects.
• Award-winning local company, Pyrotechnico, will use new products and techniques that will leave the audience speechless.

• The final display will light up the skies over Butler County, Pa. like never before. More than two million firecrackers will be blown up, and that's just the Super String. PGI will also display a much larger Mega String!
• The All Star display will follow with their segment set to original music using fireworks assembled on-site during the convention.
• Bixler Pyrotechnics, based in Ashland, Pa. will present a fast-paced and lively pyro-musical, a fireworks display timed with musical elements.
• The closing display will be John Sagaria's Fireworks Extravaganza, a must-see pyrotechnic event promising to go out with a "bang."