Montreal, Quebec - July 31, 2008
"I think it's the best show of my life. It's so beautiful," says spectator Pauline Caissy.
"During a half hour you just see marvelous things. It's awesome," explains Martyne Gagnon, the director of the competition.
Pyrotechnicians call it the olympics of the fireworks industry-- drawing 3.5 million spectators a year-- 250,000 every night. All amazed by the art taking shape before their very eyes.
"They're like painters. They have a paint and they only paint the sky in front of us," says Gagnon.
But the work begins long before the sky grows dark.
This year's American team from Newcastle, Pennsylvania, spent nine months preparing for their show and five days in Montreal setting up...
"There's over 7,000 devices here," explains pyrotechnician Rocco Viatale.
...Wiring and constructing more than $200,000 worth of fireworks. All will detonate over the course of 30 minutes.
"This show we're doing tonight is the most technically intricate show we've ever produced," says Viatale.
"We usually say it's not the quantity, it's the quality," says Gagnon.
Bombs that explode in bursts of light and color-- synchronized to rock n roll music.
"It was pounding with my heart. It's great," says spectator Sylvain Rousseau
Alex Despatis hasn't missed a show in 24 years. The 68-year-old says Wednesday night's performance by the Americans was the best he's ever seen.
"It brings out the kid in me. I go nuts," he says.
"I was like a child. It was amazing," says Caissy.
But a panel of judges will have the ultimate say. 19 Quebec residents were selected at random.
Their assignment?? Choose their favorite show and crown the pyrotechnic champion of the world.
"We don't want them to be too technical. It comes from the heart. That's a choice of the heart," says Gagnon.
A spectacular event full of color...
light...
and creativity.
"And they all speak the same language. Oh, ah, that's a universal language," says Gagnon.
...Turning adults into children through the magic of fireworks and rock n' roll.
There are two shows left this summer-- one Saturday, August 2, and another Wednesday, August 6. Click here for more information on the competition and visiting the Montreal area.
Keagan Harsha - WCAX News Related Story:
Montreal Fireworks Champion
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