Event Schedule Table

Below is the MOST CURRENT 2024 WinterBlast event schedule. All classes, sessions, seminars, etc. are subject to change without notice. Please check for the most up-to-date information about the event. Click the event title to read more about the event and its presenters. 

PLEASE NOTE, ALL EVENTS ARE IN MOUNTAIN TIME (MT)

 

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Winter Blast - Public - Session Search
Event/ActivityCategoryLocationDate & Time
51 Building Multiple Rockets with One Set of Tooling
Ben Smith
This seminar will detail the general construction of a variety of rockets using one set of tooling. Information detailing making fuels and basic shop . . . safety guidelines will also be covered. Nozzled BP, nozzleless BP, whistle and strobe rocket construction will all be detailed. Though this class will use the FireSmith Super BP Core Burn tools, the basic techniques, fuels and safety guidelines are applicable to the construction of just about any type of rocket. A batch of benzoate whistle fuel will be made during this seminar. The making of strobe fuel will also be covered.		SeminarTent 3Friday, 02/16
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM		Details
52 New Member Orientation
Dennis Miele
Are you new to the WPA or a first timer at Western Winter Blast? This seminar is just for you. Attendees will be given a brief history of the WPA, an . . . overview of our policies and safety procedures. Time will be given for individual questions and answers followed by a guided site tour of the WWB site given by some of our current officers and key staff personnel. Get the lay of the land in the sunlight! 		MeetingHospitality TentFriday, 02/16
9:00 AM to 9:30 AM		Details
53 PGI Shooter’s Certification Course – Practical
Josh Lazarus | John Steinberg | Paul Smith
SeminarB-LineFriday, 02/16
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM		Details
54 Trade Show
WWB Vendors
Explore the bustling trade show at Winter Blast, where vendors from across the pyrotechnic industry showcase their latest products and innovations. . . . Make sure to visit each booth for a hands-on experience with cutting-edge fireworks technology and to connect with the minds behind the magic. Don’t miss the chance to network with top suppliers and take your pyrotechnic passion to the next level at Winter Blast’s vibrant marketplace.		VendorSara ParkFriday, 02/16
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM		Details
55 CASFM Licensing Procedures and Current Topics
Caleb Phillips | Vijay Mepani | Margo Lund
This course will be taught by representatives from the California Office of the State Fire Marshal. Topics include Regulations Update, an overview of . . . the licensing system and a Q&A. This class is great opportunity for those interested in updates to Title 19 and those who are considering becoming licensed or upgrading their license.		SeminarTent 1Friday, 02/16
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM		Details
56 Pyros In Training Kickoff
Bill Stevenson | Dave Tanner | PIT Crew Staff
Pyros in Training (PIT) is a seminar and workshop series targeted at families and youth members, but is open to anyone who wants to learn about the . . . basic science and techniques involved in pyrotechnics. In this kickoff session, we will go over program details and safety considerations.		PIT CrewPIT TentFriday, 02/16
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM		Details
57 Walking Tour of Shooter Lines (Meet at entrance to firing lines)
Greg Dandurand
This walking tour gives participants a look behind the scenes not normally afforded to the public.  If you plan to do open shooting in the evening but . . . haven’t been out on the firing lines this orientation is perfect for you to attend.  During this walk, we will go to the various WWB firing sites at SARA Park.  Doing this during the daylight will certainly help you navigate the rocks, stones, pebbles, dips, and washes off the back area where the shooting lines are located.  We will discuss how to be a Safety, and how to make the Safeties happy (and everyone safer)  when you bring your live product in during open shooting		SafetyB-LineFriday, 02/16
9:30 AM to 10:00 AM		Details
58 B-Mag Open
Security Staff

Storage Bunker (B-Magazine) is now open for both product drop-offs and pick-ups.

ShootingContainerFriday, 02/16
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM		Details
59 6″ Double Petal Ball Shell Workshop – Part II
Ellen Webb
Lift and Leader of 6” round double petal chrysanthemum shells. Using the traditional Japanese method, the inner petal will be formed with only black . . . powder-coated rice hulls and tissue paper. It is recommended that participants have some shell-building experience beforehand. The 5” Ball Shell workshop, for instance, would provide an excellent background.		WorkshopTent 3Friday, 02/16
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM		Details
60 PIT Black Powder and Cut Stars Workshop
Bill Stevenson | PIT Crew Staff
Learn how to create the most basic pyrotechnic elements you’ll need to build fireworks: the black powder that will propel your effects and the stars . . . that will illuminate the night with colored light. Bind them together with paper, paste, and string, and you can make anything!		PIT CrewPIT TentFriday, 02/16
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM		Details
61 Pyrotography – How to Set Up and Take Killer Fireworks Photos
Tom Calderwood | Tom Handel
Photographing fireworks with a digital camera is a challenge. Tom is an accomplished fireworks photographer who will give many tips during this . . . seminar for getting that *perfect* fireworks picture. The class discussion will include camera and related equipment use, camera settings, computer processing, and setup locations. Tom has a no-secret policy and is more than willing to share if you want to catch him later. He has a passion for the beauty that fire has, and is ever in pursuit of getting better in his craft. Tom Handel will be on hand during this seminar to moderate.		SeminarTent 1Friday, 02/16
11:15 AM to 12:15 PM		Details
62 Fire Extinguishers – Various Types and How to Use Them
Antonio Restivo
Fire Safety is EVERYONES responsibility and as professionals in the business we should know what to do in case of an emergency. This class includes a . . . fun tutorial of many different types of fire extinguishers and the uses and types of fire, to actually starting a small fire where each student has to perform PASS (Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep) and put it out. Basic skills learned in this fire safety class will stay with you the rest of your life.		SeminarMember BleachersFriday, 02/16
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM		Details
63 5″ Ball Shell Workshop – Part III
Mike Garrett

Lift and leader the ball shell that you made in Part II of this workshop.

WorkshopTent 2Friday, 02/16
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM		Details
64 PGI Shooter’s Certification Course – Test
Josh Lazarus | John Steinberg | Paul Smith
SeminarHospitality TentFriday, 02/16
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM		Details
65 Set Pieces for Beginners
Lynden King | PIT Crew Staff
Set pieces, also known as brightwork, have been made for hundreds of years to augment various kinds of displays. Often shown as large words or flags, . . . many approaches to this art can be used, sometimes dictated by materials available and/or how the piece will be displayed. Using lance, drivers, and a bit of woodworking know-how, we’ll build dynamic set pieces to be displayed in Saturday and Sunday night’s displays.		PIT CrewTent 3Friday, 02/16
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM		Details
66 Winterblast Registration (Pre-Registered & Walk-In)
Lonny Ross | Dennis Miele | Michelle Joye
Secure your spot for the Winter Blast event hosted by the Western Pyrotechnic Association and get ready for an unforgettable experience! Check in, . . . collect your badge, and immerse yourself in the world of pyrotechnics, where excitement and education ignite. Join the celebration and let the Winter Blast adventure begin!		RegistrationSara ParkFriday, 02/16
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM		Details
67 Getting the most out of Electrical Firing and Wiring: the basics
Don Kark
A lot of people use their electrical firing systems today with a bit of luck. They run their wires, attach their e-matches, and hope for the best. . . . This session will shed some light on how electrical firing works, and how to get the most out of electrical firing, especially when using one cue to fire multiple devices. You will learn how some common types of initiators work, how to wire them in both serial and parallel arrangements (and which style is best in certain situations). We will discuss the simple “ohms law” and it’s use in electrical firing. We will also show some rules of thumb to simplify the calculations when using long runs of wire of various lengths and diameter. Finally, we will also touch on cold-weather firing of devices, and why certain types of initiators are better than others. With a pencil and a calculator, you can take the guesswork out of your site planning.		SeminarTent 1Friday, 02/16
1:15 PM to 2:15 PM		Details
68 One Island – 72 Fireworks Factories
Mark Devon | Mitch Piatt | Kevin Mather
This presentation will begin with international man of mystery and wanna be Maltese shell builder Mark Devon doing a slide show travelog style about . . . his first time visit to the island last April for the 2023 international fireworks symposium and visit to the factory in Gudja arranged by his low life Austria fireworks BFFs he met at the host hotel bar. Followed by Mitch Piatt who has been to the island 10 times, knows several of the big cheeses in the Maltese fireworks lasagna. Between him and our outgoing club president probably is the repository for 99% of what is known about Maltese fireworks in the United States.		SeminarTent 1Friday, 02/16
2:30 PM to 3:45 PM		Details
69 Chlorate and Colored Flames in 19th Century Pyrotechny
Barry Sturman
The addition of potassium chlorate to the pyrotecnist’s stock of ingredients in the early 19th century led to the development of a full range of . . . bright, distinctive colours. The story of that development will be outlined, along with a discussion of some of the early compositions in the light of modern science		SeminarTent 1Friday, 02/16
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM		Details
70 Free BBQ @ Fireworks America campsite
Fireworks America

Free BBQ Friday night (2/16) from 4-6pm at the Fireworks America campsite.

SocialFireworks America CampFriday, 02/16
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM		Details
71 Introduction to Black Powder Rockets
Kurt Medlin | Steve Majdali | Scott Morton
Traditional black powder rockets are a perennial favorite at Winter Blast. We will demonstrate how to make a “one-pound” black powder rocket. Starting . . . with a few simple tools, a tube, some clay, a few ounces of black powder composition, and a stick, the presenters will explain all the elements that go into making a successful rocket as they demonstrate the technique.		SeminarTent 2Friday, 02/16
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM		Details
72 Open WASP Workshop
WASP Staff
Utilize our club’s WASP for expertly pasting your fireworks, ensuring a perfectly round break with precision application. The WASP machine, coupled . . . with its advanced WASP3 software, guarantees uniform coverage and optimal performance of your spherical shells. Observe the impeccable precision in the tape pattern demonstrated in the image, highlighting the WASP’s accuracy and efficiency.		WorkshopWASP TentFriday, 02/16
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM		Details
73 PIT Display Planning
Dave Tanner | Bill Stevenson | PIT Crew Staff

In this kickoff meeting, we’ll inventory donated product and work out the basic goals and choreography for Sunday night’s display.

PIT CrewPIT TentFriday, 02/16
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM		Details
74 Welcome Orientation Meeting
WWB Staff

Get the low-down on what is happening at WWB this year. Attendance is mandatory to one session to get your wristband.

MeetingHospitality TentFriday, 02/16
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM		Details
75 Safety Training (How to be a Safety Volunteer)
Greg Dandurand | Darrell Fiss
The WPA and WWB is run by volunteers and you are encouraged to volunteer for as many things as you can. The Safety Volunteer area in particular needs . . . to be fully staffed or the shooting lines shut down until they are staffed. You can be a Safety Volunteer with just a few minutes of training. It’s not difficult, can be done by anyone who is willing and is a great way to meet other club members. Greg and Darrell will make sure you are comfortable with being a Safety Volunteer.		SafetyHospitality TentFriday, 02/16
4:30 PM to 5:00 PM		Details
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