MASON CITY – The Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) Board of Directors recently announced that the North Iowa Events Center in Mason City, Iowa has been selected as the site for their 2014 international convention. This announcement comes after many years of hard work and a combined partnership of the Pyrotechnics Guild International, North Iowa Events Center and Visit Mason City.
This event was held in Mason City, Iowa in 2005 and 2009. The convention theme for this upcoming event is “Iowa Thunderstorm 2014″.
Nearly 3,000 registrants of Pyrotechnics Guild International are expected to attend the seven‐day event to be held on August 9‐15, 2014 at the North Iowa Events Center in Mason City, Iowa. Dan Creagan, PGI President stated, “We are greatly looking forward to our return to the North Iowa Events Center and the Mason City area.” Creagan also noted, “The purpose of the convention for PGI members is to give them a chance to come together to learn from each other about industry techniques and to show off their own creative work. This talent results in public display shows featuring some of the finest fireworks in the country created and presented by several of the most recognized fireworks companies and hobbyists in the world. Some shells have never been seen in a public show before because they are too complicated or too labor intensive to be manufactured commercially.” Creagan also mentioned that technical seminars and classes are scheduled for PGI members during the week.
Only members of PGI are afforded access to the convention allowing members to participate in seminars, manufacturing, tradeshow, supply sales, Class C vending, all public displays and more.
In addition to the PGI members aspect, the convention provides for a family oriented event with cutting‐edge entertainment featuring ground and aerial fireworks that are meticulously choreographed with music and other special effects.
An estimated 10,000 individuals from the North Iowa and Southern Minnesota area are anticipated to attend the spectacular firework display shows that are open to the general public. Show dates include: Sunday Aug. 10, 2014, Tuesday Aug. 12, 2014, Wednesday Aug. 13, 2014 and Friday Aug. 15, 2014.
Jerome Mostek, owner of Flashing Thunder Fireworks located in Mitchell Iowa, will serve as the convention host. In this position, Mostek works closely with the PGI Board to select and coordinate the
public display shows for the week. Mostek stated, “The Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) will be back bigger and better than ever to light up the sky in the North Iowa area after a five‐year lull. Those sitting in the grandstands will see the most spectacular fireworks ever produced. This is not your average fireworks show. These shows are produced and executed by the best in the industry. Shows feature many top of the line one‐of‐a‐kind shells, stunning Pyrotechnic products never seen before and earth‐rattling ground displays.”
David Green, General Manager of the North Iowa Events Center, shared, “The general public is invited to attend the public display shows. Purchasing tickets is a must since over 70% of the fireworks featured in each show are ground displays – unable to be seen anywhere except from the comfort of your grandstand seat at the North Iowa Events Center. In addition, only those in the grandstands will be able to feel the heat, witness the synchronized music with the fireworks creating a “pyromusical” and learn the techniques used from the commentary provided.” Green also noted local support was vital in attracting
the event to the area. Local support is equally important in ensuring the success and future return of the event.
Are these 4th of July people or Rock show people?
I last saw this event at the amanas when my kids were little I would love to see this can you let me know how to get tickets and the cost thanks peggy.