The Fourth of July Is often associated with cookouts, hotdogs, lawn chairs or blankets and most importantly, fireworks. The Macy's Fireworks in New York City is often the highlight of the evening for millions as home or in lower Manhattan. Watching the night sky illuminated with fireworks can be very dazzling, but many people watch fireworks, in general, without thinking about what goes on behind the scenes to make it possible. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2007 America spent $231.8 million on fireworks.
So who is responsible for these glittery wonders?
"There's a lot to the firework industry. Someone shows up to the show and goes 'oh'-they don't realize the man and woman hours that go into all this," Dr. George Zambelli Jr., the chairman of the board for Zambelli Fireworks of New Castle, a leading company in the pyrotechnics industry saod, in an article on Patch.com.
People who work as pyrotechnicians take their love of fireworks, creativity, and look forward to putting on a show that will thrill the crowd observing it. It is a million dollar industry, but each display starts with a plan, also known as Pre-production.
Pre-production
Someone has to set up a rough idea for a show, whether it is a company, government agency or private person. The show will then be designed or choreographed by a professional who understands pyrotechnic effects. Computer projection of the fireworks display is then created, which includes testing out the show virtually.
Next, the pyrotechnics must be manufactured. According to the Census Bureau, $209 million worth of pyrotechnics were imported from China in 2009.
Storage and Transportation
It is complicated to store and move fireworks. There are many rules that outline how the fireworks have to be kept down to the locks on the building and the amount that can be stores in any one area.
Show Time
A few days before the show, crews must begin creating a network of mortars, which are the structure where the actual explosive shells rests inside and is shot out of. If the fireworks display is being controlled by a computer, then the mortars are hooked up to a circuit board that can control each individual firework.
When it is time for the show to begin, one man on a computer orchestrates the timeing of when each firework goes off. It is at that point when the public gets to enjoy the lovely view of a pyrotechnic display.
"Now you know why I like being a cataract specialist!" Zambelli said after explaining the whole process. "It's a lot easier."
