All good shows must start with a solid plan. In a future post I'll go over the layout; as in mixing effects and colours, filling all heights from the ground up, and sustaining momentum and intensity. For now, it's time to select what I'm going to purchase with this year's budget.
Last year I spent about $650. Decided this year to increase it to $1,000, which I think is the magic number for the kind of show I'm looking to create. Like last year, I plan to keep the it to between 16 & 17 minutes, but unlike last year, there will be no gaps in the show - don't want my audience to get bored!
In Ontario there is a great selection available to the DIY pyro, I'm thankful the laws in our jurisdiction allow for multiple effects to be used. Here in Ottawa however, sales of fireworks are only allowed one week prior to both Victoria Day and Canada Day. I'll be shopping on the net for my show to give me ample prep time.
There's a bunch of vendors with excellent websites where the effects of each offering can be viewed prior to purchase. This is a great way to plan a show! Rocket Fireworks has a very slick website. I like the 'height' and 'duration' info provided. Victory has a user friendly site as well. Both these retailers have inventory that's largely the same, making it easy to price-shop. Kaboom has some interesting offerings not available elsewhere, however they seem expensive for what is available. All three are in Toronto and ship nationwide.
I've decided to go with Victory. Orders above $300 ship for free, and prices are negotiable when ordering larger amounts. I negotiated.
I'm ordering a variety of effects. I learned a great deal from last year's show, so I know what items are better value. I'm limiting the number of barrages, the effects of which are nice, but better in cakes that cost the same or less. Victory's cost for air bombs (a personal fave) in a 24-bulk pack is only $15, so I'm getting 96.
Now that the fireworks are decided, I can begin planning the layout and order of the show. I'll do this in the coming days while I wait for the goods!
Check out last year's experiment...
