Boom Goes a New World Record: Simultaneously Launched Firework Shells

There’s big, and then there’s North Dakota on New Year’s Eve big. While most of us were clinking glasses, mumbling our way through the second verse of Auld Lang Syne, and setting unrealistic resolutions, the folks in Mott, North Dakota were busy blowing things up in record-breaking fashion.

Twelve absolutely massive sixteen-inch firework shells were launched at the same time, setting a new world record and probably making the ground tremble in several neighbouring states. If there was ever a way to welcome in a new year, this was it: loud, proud, and leaving everyone’s ears ringing well into January.

How to Set a World Record

This wasn’t just a backyard enthusiast lighting a few dodgy rockets left over from Bonfire Night. No, this was a meticulously planned, perfectly executed, Guinness-worthy extravaganza. Garisson Risner and his team at Pegasus Illuminations pulled off the now-certified world record launch of 12 enormous sixteen-inch shells—officially the largest simultaneous firework shell display ever.

Risner, clearly a man who knows his way around high explosives, said, “To hear that deep thump come out of the gun two-thousand-plus feet away knowing what was coming and then to see that whole sky just open up and across that width like that, it was... literally can’t even describe.” Which, to be fair, is probably the best way to explain the sensation of watching the sky detonate in one glorious, synchronised explosion of colour and sound. He even said the blast was so powerful he could feel the ground shake—which, considering this was planned and not a disaster movie plot, is quite something.

Not Just for Show – Fireworks With a Cause

This wasn’t just about setting records in the most impressive way possible (though that was obviously a key part). The event was also a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Great Plains Food Bank. That’s right—whilst setting the sky ablaze, these guys were also helping put food on tables.

A Pyro Musical Masterpiece

Now, if you thought this was just a case of launching a few oversized rockets and hoping for the best, think again. This was a full-on synchronised pyro musical, featuring 1.42 pro-grade and 1.3 grade fireworks ranging from three inches to the record-smashing sixteen-inch behemoths. And thanks to modern technology, spectators could tune into the Pyrocast App to listen along to the accompanying playlist.

For those who weren’t lucky enough to be there in person, the entire thing was live-streamed on the Great Lakes Mortar Racks Facebook page, because let’s be honest—if you set off the biggest coordinated firework explosion in history and don’t put it on social media, did it even happen?

A Show to Remember

For fifteen glorious minutes, the skies above Mott were transformed into a blazing, deafening, and utterly mesmerising spectacle. Anyone within viewing range must have felt like they were in the middle of an action movie climax. And as the final echoes of those record-breaking explosions faded into the night, one thing was clear: New Year’s Eve will never be the same again in Mott, North Dakota.

So, if you’re the type who likes a bit of fireworks with your New Year’s Eve, you might want to start looking at flights for next year. Just be sure to bring earplugs, a sturdy pair of boots, and a healthy respect for high explosives. Cheers to that!

And don't worry, this isn't the only record breaking firework event out there. Check out our article that collates some of the other awe inspiring record breaking fireworks.