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
101 4″ Italian Shell Workshop – Part 2
Kurt Medlin | Scott Morton | Roberto Ramirez | Joseph Madziarczyk
Lift and Leader the 4″ Italian Shells made on Friday morning. In this session we will cover finish the shells by adding a length of quickmatch, . . . wrapping the shell in a decorative paper, measure out the right amount of lift powder and tie it all in with string for a professional and festive appearance, ready to shoot.		WorkshopTent 3Saturday, 02/17
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM		Details
102 62″ Mortar Design, Mathematical Model and Results
Eric Krug | Jim Widmann
A team was formed in North America to attempt the launch of a 1,575 mm aerial shell with the goal to obtain a new world record. The design of large . . . shell casings, internal pyrotechnic components, and the engineering design of the required mortar has previously been published. The first attempt on February 9th, 2019, resulted in a malfunction of the shell in the mortar producing a large flowerpot failure. The resulting integrity of the mortar and the failure mechanism of the shell were of great concern. Undeterred, the team immediately began work on a second attempt that resulted in a successful launch on February 8th, 2020. This paper will review the analysis of the mortar after the failure, the process of rebuilding the mortar, additional engineering analysis, and changes to the shell design. A successful internal pressure profile was obtained and will be compared to the previously published internal and external ballistic mathematical model.		SeminarTent 1Saturday, 02/17
12:30 PM to 1:15 PM		Details
103 3″ Bag Mines Workshop
Gina Papini
In this workshop participants will learn about 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).		WorkshopTent 2Saturday, 02/17
1:00 PM to 3:30 PM		Details
104 Chaotic and Cantankerous Caduceus Rockets
The Jackalopes
Another chapter in the Jackalope’s pyrotechnic exploration of all things twisty and spinny. These little sizzling and searing serpents consist of two . . . black powder endburner rocket motors secured askew to a crossed rocket stick such that a serious amount of corkscrew accent will be achieved. Think of these as akin to an expedient version of the thrilling and at times terrifying girandola. Less materials, less fusing and less assembly time but darn near the same amount of pyro fun. This seminar will begin with a brief technical discussion of the endburner motors used, how these fun devices are built and then switch into the hands-on building domain where participants will assemble their very own Caduceus Rocket with spectacular effects. Participants can then return to the J-line during openshooting to light their creation. A ‘lighting time’ schedule will be announced during the seminar to make enjoying your creation straight forward. Participation limitations: We will have supplies for the construction of 40 Caduceus Rockets. Buddying up is encouraged. Make fee payments directly to the Jackalopes when you arrive at the workshop. Safety: Eye protection required during seminar. Evening open shooting – You will be in Jackalope Gulch so of course you will need all the usual B-line safety gear. Come prepared and have a fun time. Jackalope line safeties will oversee all pyro device ignitions.		WorkshopJ-LineSaturday, 02/17
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM		Details
105 PIT Smoke Bomb Workshop
Bill Stevenson | PIT Crew Staff
The evening isn’t the only time for fireworks! Learn how to build popular daytime smoke effects in a variety of colors, and make your own to take to . . . the C-Line.		PIT CrewPIT TentSaturday, 02/17
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM		Details
106 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 ParkSaturday, 02/17
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM		Details
107 Modern Spectacle: Design, Technology, Considerations and Management
Eric Tucker | Martin Hildeberg | Patrice Guy | Peter Rogoz
A roundtable discussion of show design concepts with some of the most accomplished pyrotechnicians in the world. Discussions include creative . . . inspiration, workflows, technical developments, and the future of fireworks. What mediums outside of pyro, if any, do you seek inspiration from? Are there particular artforms that influence your work? What are the differences in your approach between designing a stand alone fireworks display vs being part of a multimedia production? Is designing as support for a live entertainer different than designing as part of a multi media show without a live entertainer? How does story influence your design work? Does story outweigh technical knowledge/effects when designing? Walk us through how live entertainment workflows have changed with the integration of several multimedia technologies driving a display at once. How does software like Finale3D and tools like timecode help you integrate a show? Given where the pyro performance industry is now ie: Music/video based, Drone integration, multi media effects like Laser, Water, Projections, Fire etc – where do we think we will be and/or want to be in 5 years? What excites you about fireworks/pyrotechnics? Is there any effect, show, venue, or project in particular that gets your juices flowing? Is there a difference in your approach when designing for a competition rather than a client? If you could give one piece of advice to current and future pyros, what would it be?		SeminarTent 1Saturday, 02/17
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM		Details
108 PIT B-Line and Bunker “Behind the Scenes” Tour
Darrell Fiss | PIT Crew Staff
The C-Line is a good time, but the really big stuff is set off at the B-Line. Learn about how the club safely stores purchased and manufactured . . . fireworks in a magazine and how they are launched at the B-Line with a behind-the-scenes tour!		PIT CrewPIT TentSaturday, 02/17
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM		Details
109 The Art of Poi
Antonio Restivo
Poi is a performing art and also the name of the equipment used for its performance. As a skill toy, poi is an object or theatrical prop used for . . . dexterity play or an object manipulation. As a performance art, poi involves swinging tethered weights through a variety of rhythmical and geometric patterns. Poi artists may also sing or dance while swinging their poi. Poi can be made from various materials with different handles, weights, and effects (such as fire). Poi originated with the Māori people of New Zealand, where it is still practised today. Poi has also gained a following in other countries. The expansion of poi culture has led to a significant evolution of the styles practiced, the tools used, and the definition of the word “poi.” Increase your dexterity, and movement. Fun for all ages. This class will be in the basics of Poi and students will not be lighting anything on fire….JUST YET!!!		WorkshopMember BleachersSaturday, 02/17
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM		Details
110 PIT Display Preparation
Dave Tanner | Bill Stevenson | PIT Crew Staff

In this working session, we’ll arrange elements of our display onto boards, choreographing groups of effects with the cues of our pyromusical.

PIT CrewPIT TentSaturday, 02/17
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM		Details
111 4 & 5 Inch Maltalian Shell Construction
Mitch Piatt | Kevin Mather
In this seminar you will learn how Maltese & Italian technics are combined to produce a single break color shell that looks Maltese without the . . . need for commercial powders, solid stringing or a lift maroon and sabot.		SeminarTent 2Saturday, 02/17
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM		Details
112 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 TentSaturday, 02/17
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM		Details
113 Secondary Colors in Pyro: Orange, Yellow, Cyan and Purple
Steve Majdali | Joel Baechle
The palette of colors available in pyrotechny is pretty much determined by certain emitting species limited to strontium, barium, copper, sodium and . . . sometimes calcium. This gives us the familiar red, green and blue primary colors with a few variations. All of the secondary colors must be made by carefully mixing the primaries, and that isn’t always an easy task. This seminar will investigate how we approach producing the secondary colors, how effective they really are, and the difficulties in coming up with some of the trickiest hues such as purple and turquoise. Hues, Pastels, Tints, Tones and Shades are all terms used in color mixing. Even a simple artist’s color paint set can have 24 colors or more. How can this concept be applied to pyrotechnics, and does it even matter? Methods and perception will be presented and discussed.		SeminarTent 1Saturday, 02/17
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM		Details
114 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 TentSaturday, 02/17
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM		Details
115 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 TentSaturday, 02/17
4:30 PM to 5:00 PM		Details
116 B-Mag Open (Closed during displays)
Security Staff

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

ShootingContainerSaturday, 02/17
5:00 PM to 10:00 PM		Details
117 Class B Safety Class (How to safely fire your shells)
Safety Staff
To light your product on the B-line you need a sticker on your badge. That sticker tells the line Safety that you are qualified to light your product. . . . Attend this quick seminar and learn how to safely conduct yourself out on the B-line. Each participant will light one B product under the watchful eye of a trained professional (well, mostly). When he is satisfied that you will be safe then you will get a sticker on your badge.		SafetySafety TentSaturday, 02/17
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM		Details
118 Class C Vending (closed during Public Displays)
WWB Vendors
Class-C Fireworks are now available! Swing by our vending area to add excitement to your celebrations with our top-quality fireworks. Enjoy them . . . safely and light up your event with a bang!		VendorClass-C TentSaturday, 02/17
5:00 PM to 10:00 PM		Details
119 2nd Welcome Orientation Meeting (if missed the 4:00 time)
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 TentSaturday, 02/17
6:00 PM to 6:30 PM		Details
120 Open Shooting (No salutes after 9PM! Lines closed during Public Display)
Safety Staff
The skies are set to dazzle at the open shooting event—grab your fireworks and revel in the spectacle! Mind the curfew: no loud salutes past 9 PM. . . . Enjoy responsibly and have a blast!		ShootingFiring LinesSaturday, 02/17
6:00 PM to 10:30 PM		Details
121 Tonight’s National Anthem provided by Pyroland
Pyroland Fireworks
DisplayRace TrackSaturday, 02/17
7:30 PM to 7:45 PM		Details
122 Skylighter
Skylighter Supply
DisplayRace TrackSaturday, 02/17
7:45 PM to 8:00 PM		Details
123 Ernie’s Pyro Pig
Ernie the Pyro Pig
DisplayRace TrackSaturday, 02/17
8:00 PM to 8:10 PM		Details
124 Fireworks America
Fireworks America
DisplayRace TrackSaturday, 02/17
8:10 PM to 8:20 PM		Details
125 Grand Public Display by Pyro Spectaculars
Pyro Spectaculars by Souza
DisplayRace TrackSaturday, 02/17
8:30 PM to 8:55 PM		Details
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