Seminars & Workshops

Tent 3 | Seminar

February 16, 2023, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Presented by: Ben Smith

This seminar will detail the general techniques, hints, and tips of working with star plates, color-changing insert plates, and comet pumps.  Formula, guidelines, and shop safety will all be covered.  Though this class will use the FireSmith line of star plates, color-changing pressed star plates and multi-comet pumps, the basic techniques, and safety guidelines are applicable to just about any pressed star construction method. New this year, the presentation will also cover the production of color-changing pressed stars and color to report pressed stars. 

This class is a mandatory prerequisite for anyone doing the Pressed Star Workshop that follows in the same location for the rest of the day.

Tent 3 | Workshop

February 16, 2023, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Presented by: Clara Carstensen, Danny Dutra

In this workshop we will use two FireSmith hydraulic presses, along with star plate sets in several medium sizes to do some limited production of stars and comets for any members who sign up for the class or bring over their own comps to process. The presses will remain in Tent 3 for the remainder of the day should someone wish to come back and press out additional materials.

Everyone who uses this workshop MUST attend the seminar on pressed stars and comets that proceeds it – NO EXCEPTIONS! Go to the Workshops link to signup up and pay for this class. You will also need to signup for a specific time slot. We cannot process everyone at the same time for equipment and safety reasons.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 16, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Presented by: Seminar Staff

All those seminars and workshops take a lot of supplies that need to be prepared so you can enjoy your week. Get your hands dirty with some of the preparation work such as cutting quick match, visco or timefuse. Time fuse needs to be cross-matched and black powder lift needs to be weighed out. The exact requirements vary from year to year.

Crash Camp | Workshop

February 16, 2023, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Presented by: Monty Gill, Monica Blam

Crash Course Pyrotechnics is Monty Gill and Monica Blam. So you want to work on a public display? Well, call your local fireworks company a few weeks before Independence Day, they will put you to work… Or, take this workshop and work with professional pyrotechnicians. Learn how to safely plan, build props, prepare products, fuse, wire, and teardown a show. Most people get paid to do this kind of work, but not us! Come to this multi-session workshop and learn from professional pyrotechnicians. We’ll teach basic show preparation and some extras: building mines, props, and placing products built by other member workshops. We will shoot what we’ve built along with other contributions and purchased products in a choreographed display.

Crash Course Pyros will be putting on a public display with all of these steps:

Day1 + 2 (Thu & Fri)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Inventorying, labeling and organizing product
-Building and labeling 3″ mines
-Reviewing rack layout and cue sheets

Day 3 (Sat)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Building racks and positions
-Dropping and wiring product
-Watching the public display we created

Day 4 (Sun)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Cleaning up our mess and discussing how to improve next time

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 16, 2023, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Presented by: Joseph Madziarczyk

Time, Timing and Precision Timing, what does this all mean? This seminar will focus on the making of precision spoolettes and the methodologies for making precision time fuse elements. Including the various pit falls trying to make them. Followed by a discussion of when precision timing elements are essential.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 16, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Presented by: Dominykas Juknelevičius

All fireworks are made using a wide range of chemicals. Knowing what chemicals do what, and devising formulation for all of the various effects is a fascinating field to study and work with. In this seminar, taught by one of Europe’s top young pyro chemists, will go over the essentials including oxidizers, fuels, modifiers for color and sound, as well as binding strategies for most common fireworks compounds. Attendees will come away with a good foundation of pyro chemistry theory and some tried and true formulas.

Tent 2 (Rear) | Workshop

February 16, 2023, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Presented by: WASP Staff

Tent 2 | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Presented by: Kurt Medlin, Mason Jensen, Scott Morton, Steve Majdali

Lecture portion – This workshop on traditional black powder rockets is 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, they will explain all the elements that go into making a successful rocket as they demonstrate the technique. Attendees will then have a chance to make their own rocket in the workshop portion which they can fire that night. A materials fee will be charged per student.

Tent 3 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Presented by: Ellen Webb, Cliff Pearson

In this hands-on workshop participants will build 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.

Crash Camp | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by: Monica Blam, Monty Gill

Crash Course Pyrotechnics is Monty Gill and Monica Blam. So you want to work on a public display? Well, call your local fireworks company a few weeks before Independence Day, they will put you to work… Or, take this workshop and work with professional pyrotechnicians. Learn how to safely plan, build props, prepare products, fuse, wire, and teardown a show. Most people get paid to do this kind of work, but not us! Come to this multi-session workshop and learn from professional pyrotechnicians. We’ll teach basic show preparation and some extras: building mines, props, and placing products built by other member workshops. We will shoot what we’ve built along with other contributions and purchased products in a choreographed display.

Crash Course Pyros will be putting on a public display with all of these steps:

Day1 + 2 (Thu & Fri)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Inventorying, labeling and organizing product
-Building and labeling 3″ mines
-Reviewing rack layout and cue sheets

Day 3 (Sat)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Building racks and positions
-Dropping and wiring product
-Watching the public display we created

Day 4 (Sun)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Cleaning up our mess and discussing how to improve next time

Crash Course Pyros will be putting on a public display with all of these steps

Day1 + 2 (Thu & Fri)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Inventorying, labeling and organizing product
-Building and labeling 3″ mines
-Reviewing rack layout and cue sheets

Day 3 (Sat)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Building racks and positions
-Dropping and wiring product
-Watching the public display we created

Day 4 (Sun)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Cleaning up our mess and discussing how to improve next time

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Presented by: Mike Tockstein

“How to Obtain Your CA Pyro Operator’s License” : Focusing on safety, training, and professionalism, Mike will provide an overview on the process to become a licensed Professional Pyrotechnician around the country, and do a deep dive into the particulars of California. Not only will you learn to navigate pyro operator laws, but also be given some gold nuggets from lessons learned, guidance on interactions with the fire authority, along with training resources that will be identified to advance your expertise. Learn how to effectively run a crew, especially those new (or newer) to the world of pyrotechnics, including a free online standardized training program. Learn of immediate opportunities to crew displays and the steps to work towards your license in California. Want to obtain your license by this 4th of July? Attend this seminar and we will help make it happen!

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Presented by: Scott Morton, Mason Jensen, Kurt Medlin, Steve Majdali

This workshop on traditional black powder rockets is 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, they will explain all the elements that go into making a successful rocket as they demonstrate the technique. Attendees will then have a chance to make their own rocket which they can fire that night. A materials fee will be charged per student. ‘Introduction to Black Powder Rockets’ is a required prerequisite.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Presented by: Scott Morton, Mason Jensen, Kurt Medlin, Steve Majdali

This workshop on traditional black powder rockets is 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, they will explain all the elements that go into making a successful rocket as they demonstrate the technique. Attendees will then have a chance to make their own rocket which they can fire that night. A materials fee will be charged per student. ‘Introduction to Black Powder Rockets’ is a required prerequisite.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by: Jesse Veverka

Come join Jesse Veverka and the Passfire Team for the 54 minute version of the World’s Largest Firework, the documentary about building and successfully launching the current Guinness World-Record Largest Aerial Firework, a 62″ (157.5 cm) shell weighing 2,797 pounds (1271 KG), in Steamboat Springs, CO, USA. The film features WPA members Jim Widmann and Eric Krug, both also presenting seminars here at Winter Blast. You can find the 90-minute version of the documentary on the Veverka Bros. most recent DVD, Passfire: Maximum Load.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by: Scott Morton, Mason Jensen, Kurt Medlin, Steve Majdali

This workshop on traditional black powder rockets is 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, they will explain all the elements that go into making a successful rocket as they demonstrate the technique. Attendees will then have a chance to make their own rocket which they can fire that night. A materials fee will be charged per student. ‘Introduction to Black Powder Rockets’ is a required prerequisite.

Member Bleachers | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Presented by: 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.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Presented by: Mike Garrett, Jim Widmann

Lecture session – Have you ever wanted to build a round ball shells? Then this workshop is a good place to start.  This workshop will teach you how to make your own 5” paper ball shell. Working with experienced shell builders, you will get hands-on knowledge that will guide you in building a ball shell that looks and performs just like the pros.  There are three workshop parts: The first part, ‘Introduction to Ball Shells’, has a tutorial, demonstration and Q&A. That is followed by Part II for the assembly and wrapping of your shell. A fleet of WASP machines will be used to expedite this procedure. The shell is then dried overnight.  On the following day, in the third session, you will apply the lift and leader to the shell.  Your shell can be fired that night on the B-line in a special area just for us. ‘Introduction to Ball Shells’ is available free to everyone but is a required prerequisite for the Ball Shell workshops

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

Presented by: Scott Morton, Mason Jensen, Kurt Medlin, Steve Majdali

This workshop on traditional black powder rockets is 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, they will explain all the elements that go into making a successful rocket as they demonstrate the technique. Attendees will then have a chance to make their own rocket which they can fire that night. A materials fee will be charged per student. ‘Introduction to Black Powder Rockets’ is a required prerequisite.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

Presented by: Scott Morton, Mason Jensen, Kurt Medlin, Steve Majdali

This workshop on traditional black powder rockets is 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, they will explain all the elements that go into making a successful rocket as they demonstrate the technique. Attendees will then have a chance to make their own rocket which they can fire that night. A materials fee will be charged per student. ‘Introduction to Black Powder Rockets’ is a required prerequisite.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Presented by: Collin van Uchelen

How can the artistry of fireworks be made accessible to people with sight-loss? This interactive seminar explores multiple options. Drawing on my own experience in the pyrotechnical arts while becoming blind, I will present techniques for translating the visual appearance of fireworks into non-visual forms. Participants will learn how words, sounds, and touch can translate light across senses to make the movement and color of fireworks accessible without needing eyesight. I will provide examples from my own exploration of pyro-musical display design. On a broader level, this seminar also invites participants to consider how the low vision/blind community can be meaningfully included in public events featuring fireworks displays.

J-Line | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Presented by: The Jackalopes

Have you ever wanted to find out how big of a fireball you can make with 5 gallons of extra fine sanding dust? Now is your chance to participate, collaborate and self-incriminate yourself with the madness of the J-line. This seminar will explore the technical details of the construction of a functional basic sawdust mine, sawdust mine with various pyro enhancements and finally how to pack a 55 gallon drum with black powder, 3” shells and sanding dust and live to tell about it! Participants will be able to assemble a 5 gallon sawdust mine and either shoot it at the conclusion of the seminar (if conditions allow) or return later in the dark hours and light up the night sky.

For those interested in doing one for the evening, during the seminar you will be assembling a rapid deployment kit consisting of lift, fuse, lift liner paper and prepared pyro inserts. We will finalize the assembly right before lift-off time. This is for safety concerns since we really don’t want a bunch of these things sitting around. Note: We can be a bit more adventurous with the ones getting lit during night time.

Participation limitations: There is only so much sanding dust we can transport to Havasu so we will only be able to make 25 mines.

Fee: $10 collected onsite

Safety: Eye protection required during seminar. Eye protection, hardhat and protective clothing for daylight shooting. Night time shooting – You will be in Jackalope Gulch so of course you will need all the usual B-line safety gear.

Tent 3 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Presented by: Steve Wilson

In this workshop, participants will learn the “piston” method for making mines. We will then work exclusively on a build order of mines for the Saturday evening display by Crash Course Pyrotechnics. Multiples of several star mine designs will be built, eMatched and readied for loading in the display.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Presented by: Dominykas Juknelevičius

An effective, but still not well-explored area of red flare pyrotechnic formulations was investigated using scientific methods. High magnesium content (40–60% w.t.) and the presence of conventional gas generating materials were the specific features of the investigated formulations. Such illuminant compositions possessed a low burning rate and high specific luminous intensity. Additives in the form of 2-cyanoguanidine, Melamine, Azodicarbonamide, Calcium resinate, Shellac, Strontium oxalate, Lactose, Dextrin, Phenolic resin, Lignin sulfonate, 5-aminotetrazole, Urea, Guanidinium nitrate (GN), Hexamine and Sulfur were evaluated as additives.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Presented by: Mike Garrett, Jim Widmann, Tom Sklebar

Have you ever wanted to build a round ball shells? Then this workshop is a good place to start.  This workshop will teach you how to make your own 5” paper ball shell. Working with experienced shell builders, you will get hands-on knowledge that will guide you in building a ball shell that looks and performs just like the pros.  There are three workshop parts: The first part, ‘Introduction to Ball Shells’, has a tutorial, demonstration and Q&A. That is followed by Part II for the assembly and wrapping of your shell. A fleet of WASP machines will be used to expedite this procedure. The shell is then dried overnight.  On the following day, in the third session, you will apply the lift and leader to the shell.  Your shell can be fired that night on the B-line in a special area just for us.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Presented by: Mike Garrett, Jim Widmann, Tom Sklebar

Have you ever wanted to build a round ball shells? Then this workshop is a good place to start.  This workshop will teach you how to make your own 5” paper ball shell. Working with experienced shell builders, you will get hands-on knowledge that will guide you in building a ball shell that looks and performs just like the pros.  There are three workshop parts: The first part, ‘Introduction to Ball Shells’, has a tutorial, demonstration and Q&A. That is followed by Part II for the assembly and wrapping of your shell. A fleet of WASP machines will be used to expedite this procedure. The shell is then dried overnight.  On the following day, in the third session, you will apply the lift and leader to the shell.  Your shell can be fired that night on the B-line in a special area just for us.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Presented by: Tom Calderwood

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.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Presented by: Mike Garrett, Jim Widmann, Tom Sklebar

Have you ever wanted to build a round ball shells? Then this workshop is a good place to start.  This workshop will teach you how to make your own 5” paper ball shell. Working with experienced shell builders, you will get hands-on knowledge that will guide you in building a ball shell that looks and performs just like the pros.  There are three workshop parts: The first part, ‘Introduction to Ball Shells’, has a tutorial, demonstration and Q&A. That is followed by Part II for the assembly and wrapping of your shell. A fleet of WASP machines will be used to expedite this procedure. The shell is then dried overnight.  On the following day, in the third session, you will apply the lift and leader to the shell.  Your shell can be fired that night on the B-line in a special area just for us.

Tent 3 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Presented by: Amanda Nixon

Amanda, assisted by Gayle Bates from Fireworks and Stage Fx America and Charlie Holdaway from Holatron Wireless Firing Systems, will demonstrate and help each participant assemble six different kinds of Spark Producing Devices (SPDs) and Airburst. The almost lost art of rolling flash paper airburst capsules will be one of these. As shows now use premade airburst to save set up time, fewer technicians work with binary flash powders and the old techniques are not being passed down to the younger generation.

We will not be manufacturing flash powder but mixing binary kits.

Following completion of the six devices, Gayle and Charlie will assist the participants individually to set up their effects and fire them off with the Holatron System.

Do not show up without safety glasses, long sleeve cotton shirt and long cotton pants. You will be turned away. It is helpful to bring a sharp knife, scissors, and a small wire cutter. If you have an anti static mat wonderful, if not a piece of cardboard will help.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Presented by: Mike Garrett, Jim Widmann, Tom Sklebar

Have you ever wanted to build a round ball shells? Then this workshop is a good place to start.  This workshop will teach you how to make your own 5” paper ball shell. Working with experienced shell builders, you will get hands-on knowledge that will guide you in building a ball shell that looks and performs just like the pros.  There are three workshop parts: The first part, ‘Introduction to Ball Shells’, has a tutorial, demonstration and Q&A. That is followed by Part II for the assembly and wrapping of your shell. A fleet of WASP machines will be used to expedite this procedure. The shell is then dried overnight.  On the following day, in the third session, you will apply the lift and leader to the shell.  Your shell can be fired that night on the B-line in a special area just for us.

Tent 2 (Rear) | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Presented by: WASP Staff

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Presented by: Joel Baechle

Magnesium (Mg) is one of our great metal fuels used in pyrotechnics with a wide range of applications, but also some unique restrictions. In this seminar Joel will go over the chemistry, safety, activation energies, output and applications – some more unusual than one might expect. Discussion will include when it is most appropriate, when to avoid it, how to work with it. A variety of typical formulas will be presented along with discussion of treating Mg to control unwanted reactions.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 17, 2023, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Presented by: Mike Garrett, Jim Widmann, Tom Sklebar

Have you ever wanted to build a round ball shells? Then this workshop is a good place to start.  This workshop will teach you how to make your own 5” paper ball shell. Working with experienced shell builders, you will get hands-on knowledge that will guide you in building a ball shell that looks and performs just like the pros.  There are three workshop parts: The first part, ‘Introduction to Ball Shells’, has a tutorial, demonstration and Q&A. That is followed by Part II for the assembly and wrapping of your shell. A fleet of WASP machines will be used to expedite this procedure. The shell is then dried overnight.  On the following day, in the third session, you will apply the lift and leader to the shell.  Your shell can be fired that night on the B-line in a special area just for us.

Member Bleachers | Seminar

February 17, 2023, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Presented by: Levi Morin

In this workshop, you will learn everything you need to know to try your hand at being a dragon for a day.

We will cover Firebreathing Safety, and Firebreathing Fundamentals like Techniques and Materials. The first portion will mainly consist of a lecture and some Q&A. Once that is complete there will be a brief demonstration and an opportunity to practice some of the techniques with water first and then fire for those who signed the waiver. 😉 PPE Required, safety glasses & a cotton shirt.

Crash Camp | Workshop

February 18, 2023, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by: Monica Blam, Monty Gill

Crash Course Pyrotechnics is Monty Gill and Monica Blam. So you want to work on a public display? Well, call your local fireworks company a few weeks before Independence Day, they will put you to work… Or, take this workshop and work with professional pyrotechnicians. Learn how to safely plan, build props, prepare products, fuse, wire, and teardown a show. Most people get paid to do this kind of work, but not us! Come to this multi-session workshop and learn from professional pyrotechnicians. We’ll teach basic show preparation and some extras: building mines, props, and placing products built by other member workshops. We will shoot what we’ve built along with other contributions and purchased products in a choreographed display.

Crash Course Pyros will be putting on a public display with all of these steps:

Day1 + 2 (Thu & Fri)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Inventorying, labeling and organizing product
-Building and labeling 3″ mines
-Reviewing rack layout and cue sheets

Day 3 (Sat)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Building racks and positions
-Dropping and wiring product
-Watching the public display we created

Day 4 (Sun)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Cleaning up our mess and discussing how to improve next time

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 18, 2023, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Presented by: Zach Gilbert

New to COBRA? Been using it for years? Well, this session is for you. Get hands on time with the world’s most popular wireless firing system. This Western Winter blast session will give you a crash course in COBRA. Learning everything from the basics like how to sync your modules to some of the lesser-known tips and tricks. Zach will also talk about how to get in touch with the COBRA team for onsite support when needed.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 18, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by: Gina Papini

In this workshop participants will learn about several types of mines, a mid-level firework device that sprays lit stars into the sky.  This workshop will concentrate on the basic bag mine which is simple, effective, and easy to build.  Since there are very few wrong ways to make a mine, we will show you most of the right ways. If there is enough time, we will even show you the wrong ways. Each participant will have the opportunity to make a 3” bag mine.  These will be available at the B-line for you to light that same evening. Impress your friends with your newfound pyro-making abilities. There is no extra charge for the advice of the experts (it’s worth every penny).

Tent 3 | Workshop

February 18, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by: Ellen Webb, Cliff Pearson

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.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 18, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presented by: Tom Calderwood

Tom will go over the process he uses to “develop” his fireworks pictures. This will be a bit technical, but it will give you a much better understanding on what he does to get those killer fireworks pictures.

Tent 2 | Workshop

February 18, 2023, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Presented by: Mike Garrett, Jim Widmann, Tom Sklebar

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

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 18, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Presented by: Aaron Mayfield

Having trouble determining the sizes and weights of stars for different aerial shell sizes? What sizes of stars work well in mines? Wondering how a color changing star works? Curious as how to determine burst charge weights for all sizes of shells? Plagued over what to do with stars that fall on the shop floor and get mixed in with the cat’s food? This seminar will provide details regarding how color changing stars work, what general star sizes and weights are needed for ball shells 3″ to 12″ shells, mines of different types & sizes, and star sizes that work well in different types of cylinder shells as well as general thoughts regarding shell & mine construction. Join us for a fun filled Q&A session filled with a myriad of data gathered over more than two decades of shell building with and alongside some of the greatest master shell builders and factories from around the world.

Tent 3 | Workshop

February 18, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Presented by: Scott Morton, Kurt Medlin, Mason Jensen

What was the first firework that made you love Fireworks? For so many, and myself, it was a simple cone fountain or a tube fountain that hooked me. Something so simple as a fountain, a small firework that throws out the most beautiful sparks. We’ll guess what, in this class you see how easy it is to build your own fountain! Come back in time with us as we rebuild our childhood memories.

You will have the option to build a cone fountain or a “gerb” fountain. Choose from golden sparks, bright silver sparks, or maybe even try the golden glitter! Guess what, you then get to light your hand made fountain fountain on the C shooting line, and see how you did!

Come have fun, this class is is very simple. Whether it’s your first time here or seasoned pyro, this class will put a smile on your face.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 18, 2023, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Presented by: Martin Hildeberg

Curious how they do it in Europe? Martin Hildeberg gives us insight in the European fireworks traditions from Guy Fawkes Day to Las Fallas. Besides the traditional fireworks celebrations, we will learn about the specialties of the European countries from Swiss fountains to Maltese cylinder shells.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 18, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Presented by: Eric Krug

Firework shells greater than 24 inch are rarely launched in North America, and very little technical data is available regarding these exceptionally large shells. A team was established to explore and further develop construction and engineering techniques for the manufacture and safe launch of these exceptionally large shells to support an attempt for setting a potential world record.

Proper mortar design is required to provide a safe and predictable launch in proximity to the audience and support staff. Due to the payload size and potential hazards for failure, there are many engineering considerations for the design of the mortar.

This presentation reviews the process of internal and external ballistic calculations, the development of equipment for measuring internal pressure profiles, and the evaluation of resultant data for 48 inch shells. These techniques were then used for the extrapolation of internal pressure profiles for a 62 inch shell.

Tent 2 (Rear) | Workshop

February 18, 2023, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Presented by: WASP Staff

Race Track | Workshop

February 19, 2023, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Presented by: Monica Blam, Monty Gill

Crash Course Pyrotechnics is Monty Gill and Monica Blam. So you want to work on a public display? Well, call your local fireworks company a few weeks before Independence Day, they will put you to work… Or, take this workshop and work with professional pyrotechnicians. Learn how to safely plan, build props, prepare products, fuse, wire, and teardown a show. Most people get paid to do this kind of work, but not us! Come to this multi-session workshop and learn from professional pyrotechnicians. We’ll teach basic show preparation and some extras: building mines, props, and placing products built by other member workshops. We will shoot what we’ve built along with other contributions and purchased products in a choreographed display.

Crash Course Pyros will be putting on a public display with all of these steps:

Day1 + 2 (Thu & Fri)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Inventorying, labeling and organizing product
-Building and labeling 3″ mines
-Reviewing rack layout and cue sheets

Day 3 (Sat)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Building racks and positions
-Dropping and wiring product
-Watching the public display we created

Day 4 (Sun)
-Safety Meeting (each day)
-Cleaning up our mess and discussing how to improve next time

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 19, 2023, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Presented by: Zach Gilbert, Sam Christensen, Peter Rogoz

Get the opportunity to work alongside Peter Rogoz and Sam Christensen of Spirit of 76 Fireworks as well as Zach Gilbert from COBRA Firing Systems as they take you through the process of creating your first Pyro Musical. The Spirit Crew will cover what product to use, and the COBRA team will bring the Scripting Software and Firing System taking you from start to finish. Help them pick the music and the product in this interactive seminar.

Tent 2 | Seminar

February 19, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Presented by: Joseph Madziarczyk

This seminar will focus on the devices other than stars that can be put inside (such as tourbillions and pupadels) and/or outside of the shell (rising effects) to enhance the overall effect. Learn how to add inserts and garnishments to spice up your shells. Followed by a discussion of the various popular insert shells and how they are assembled.

Tent 3 | Seminar

February 19, 2023, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Presented by: 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.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 19, 2023, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Presented by: Kurt Medlin

In this presentation, Kurt will describe the burning mechanism behind pyrotechnic strobe light effects. Topics includes an explanation of the alternating ‘dark’ and ‘flash’ reactions that create the strobe effect and the roles of the chemical components in strobe compositions that create those two reactions.

Examples will be given for two families of strobe compositions commonly used in practice: ammonium perchlorate-based strobe compositions and nitrate-based strobe compositions.

The discussion will focus primarily on understanding the strobe mechanism itself, but will include special considerations and practical information on using strobe compositions in practice.

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 19, 2023, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Presented by: Peter Rogoz, Sam Christensen

Get an inside look at the fireworks factories (Giuliani Fireworks and Monetti Srl) we just visited in January 2023. See exclusive content not yet released in this special Winter Blast seminar!

Tent 1 | Seminar

February 19, 2023, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Presented by: Joel Baechle

It’s what’s in the middle that counts!

Everyone that experiments with fireworks knows about fuels and oxidizers, what they do, and what can be added to improve or enhance the performance. But how many have tried to modify the quality of the presentation? An artist and a housepainter both use a brush, but the devil is in the details. A look at variations in formulas and containment will show that pyrotechnists have paid attention to control functions since the beginning. Military formulations are often finely tuned for specific purposes, and civilian products, while more oriented to profitability and ease of manufacture, still follow the same logic.

Did you know that road flares for use by the Colorado Highway Patrol are formulated differently than those used in Florida? What about a yellow star that looks good at sea level but is almost white in the desert or at low winter temperatures? These questions and many more will be discussed, and there may be more than one answer. It is impossible to cover a subject this big in a short review, but hopefully it will encourage open-minded research and new creative efforts.