Best Fireworks Display in the World Will Blow Your Mind! Check Out the Awesome Pictures from Past PGI Conventions

Most pyrotechnics and fireworks fans are always in search of the biggest, newest, best, most creative awesome fireworks displays in the world. You may think you have seen the best fireworks shows in New York City, Washington D.C., Miami, Philadelphia, or London, but no other fireworks shows compare to The Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. (PGI) Fireworks Contest and Convention. This year, the PGI Convention is scheduled for August 9-16, 2008 at the CAM-PLEX Events Center in Gillette, Wyoming.

The Wyoming Firefest 2008 Convention, sponsored by PGI, will host pyrotechnics companies from all over the world to share fireworks production and safety knowledge, promote quality pyrotechnic design with PGI members and the public, and provide 3 nights of the best fireworks displays in the world! To get a glimpse of the awesome fireworks you will see in the three nights of fireworks shows, check out the five fireworks photos included with this article, used with permission from PGI. To view more awesome fireworks pictures like these, visit the PGI web site. Gillette, Wyoming was host to the 1998 and 2003 PGI Pyrotechnics and Fireworks Conventions where visitors also enjoyed taking day trips to Yellowstone Park, Grand Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills, and the Badlands.

The PGI Fireworks Convention in Wyoming Blows One Local's Mind

Donna Morgan, a local Gillette, Wyoming resident who attended the 2003 PGI fireworks convention says, "The fireworks competition is the best I've ever seen! The pyrotechnics companies come from all over the world to show off their incredible displays and the music is choreographed to the fireworks show. It truly is an amazing five-day experience and well worth the trip to Gillette, Wyoming!"

Morgan adds that, "There are so many people you meet from other states and countries and it is a fun carnival type atmosphere. There are food vendors, beer vendors, non-alcohol drink vendors and PGI members can camp right on the CAM-PLEX grounds. If you do not camp, you can still bring lawn chairs and blankets or they have bleachers as well. It is better to buy a ticket and sit in the bleachers for the best view of the fireworks show along with hearing the choreographed music. On some nights, we like to bring our own ice chest and have tailgate parties outside of the fence."

Ticket Prices and Fireworks Display Schedule

The Wyoming Firefest 2008 event passes will go on sale June 30. You can purchase a car pass for each of the 3 nights of fireworks displays for $20 per night. You can also purchase a $50 pass that gets you into all the public events from August 10-16. The gates will open at 6 pm each evening and fireworks shows will start at dusk. If you want to see the incredible ground displays, plan on sitting in the Morningside Park grandstands. Otherwise, bring your blankets and lawn chairs and come early since seating is first come first serve only. You can purchase tickets from the CAM-PLEX Events Center web site by clicking here or by calling 307-682-8802 or 1-800-358-1897.

Where to Stay at the PGI Fireworks Convention and Info on How to Be a Vendor

There is a public campground across the street from CAM-PLEX called High Plains Campground, 307-687-7339. They suggest calling ahead for reservations as the PGI Wyoming Firefest is a big event that only happens here every five years. For additional information about camping at the CAM-PLEX Events Center, you can contact them at 307-682-8802. More information about RV space, camping, lodging, rental cars, and restaurants can be found at the CAM-PLEX web site by clicking here. PGI member discounts and room blocks for some travel accommodations are available by mentioning that you are attending the PGI Convention. You can learn more about becoming a PGI member, becoming a vendor, and PGI member travel discounts at the PGI web site by clicking here.

The PGI Depends on Your Donations for Helping to Promote Fireworks Safety

The Pyrotechnics Guild International, Inc. was formed in 1969 as a non-profit organization of amateur and professional pyrotechnics from around the world. PGI's mission is to promote the safety of fireworks and pyrotechnics displays, develop the most creative fireworks shows for holidays and patriotic events, and promote the production and sale of safe, quality fireworks. During the PGI Convention, pyrotechnics will attend seminars, discussion groups, field demonstrations, and fireworks displays.

Have you noticed in the past 5 years, that fireworks shows and individually purchased fireworks have gotten even bigger, brighter, more colorful, and just plain more fun? If you love fireworks shows on the 4^th of July, New Year's, Memorial Day, or other international holidays, chances are the fireworks show was prepared by a member of the PGI. If you enjoy purchasing fireworks and putting on your own quality fireworks displays, the PGI will gladly accept your donation at any time to help them continue to research the safe use and awesome production quality of pyrotechnics and fireworks around the world. Just visit the PGI web site to help out.

Plan Now for These Future PGI Conventions:

2017 - Gillette, WY, August 13 - 18th
2016 - Mason City, IA
2015 - West Fargo, ND
2014 - Appleton, WI
2013 - Gillette, WY, August 11th - 16th
2012 - Mason City, IA
2011 - West Fargo, ND, August 6th - 12th
2010 - Appleton, WI, August 5th - 13th
2009 - Mason City, IA, August 8th - 14th
2008 - Gillette, WY, August 10th -15th

Sources:

Wyoming Firefest 2008, PGI Convention
http://www.pgi.org/2008conv.aspx

CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facility
http://www.cam-plex.com/

CAM-PLEX PGI Convention Information
http://www.cam-plex.com/event-pgi-2008.htm

Gillette Wyoming Official Web Site
http://www.ci.gillette.wy.us/

Fireworks Photos: credit and copyright PGI; used with permission from PGI

Find the Best 4th of July Fireworks Shows
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/296886/find_the_best_4th_of_july_fireworks.html

Interview with Donna Morgan, Gillette Wyoming resident - by Aly Adair