Dennis Miele got his start in fireworks in 2001 helping a study group friend with a hand-fired 4th of July show in Mission Viejo, CA. Two more hand-fired shows that season, and Dennis was hooked, becoming a licensed pyrotechnician for Pyro Spectaculars in 2002, shooting many large and small shows ever since. He started attending WWB (unofficially) in 2001, becoming a member of WPA in 2002. Dennis usually can be found at the Registration office during WWB. He is currently Secretary of WPA and loves (almost) every minute of it!

Mike has been intrigued by the beauty and ephemeral nature of fireworks for as long as he can remember. However, until 2009 it never occurred to him that anyone could legally make their own fireworks as a hobby. At that time, he discovered two fireworks clubs that changed everything about the way he viewed fireworks and began his journey as a fireworks maker. Those clubs were the Western Pyrotechnic Association (WPA) and Pyrotechnic Guild International (PGI). Mike uses his background in physics and engineering as a foundation to make traditional and not-so-traditional fireworks. He thinks fireworks is the perfect blend of science, technology, engineering, art, and math to express his creative visions. He strongly believes that education will preserve the art of fireworks and make it safer for the hobbyist to participate. You will often find Mike teaching or facilitating educational seminars and workshops related to fireworks at club events. Don’t get him talking about fireworks unless you have an hour to burn.