# 5" Ball Shell Construction - Part 1, Lecture

Part of [Western WinterBlast 2026](https://www.westernpyro.org/events/winterblast/2026).

- When: Thursday, February 12, 9:30 AM–11:00 AM MST
- Category: Workshop
- Where: Tent 1, Sara Park, Lake Havasu City, AZ
- Presenters: [Bill Stevenson](https://www.westernpyro.org/presenters/bill-stevenson), [Violet Stevenson](https://www.westernpyro.org/presenters/violet-stevenson)
- Beginner friendly; Ages 18+; PIT Crew (12+)
- Fee: $30

This session provides an overview of the components and construction of a 5" round ball shell, a fundamental part of most fireworks displays. First, we will walk through the "chain of fire" that starts with lighting the visco fuse and concludes with the shell displaying in the sky. Subsequently, we will cover the assembly process and techniques that you will use in the 5" Ball Shell workshops later that day. There will be plenty of time for Q&A. 

There are three parts to this workshop:: Part 1, this one, includes a tutorial, demonstration, and Q&A. That is followed by Part 2 for the assembly and wrapping of your shell. The shell is then dried overnight.  On the following day, in Part 3, participants will apply the lift and leader to the shell, which can subsequently be fired on the B-line.

Anyone is welcome to attend Part 1, but attendance including registration and fee payment is required for those planning to build a shell.