PGI RETURNS TO MASON CITY, IOWA

WHAT: PGI RETURNS TO MASON CITY, IOWA
WHY: PYROTECHNIC GUILD INTERNATIONAL DISPLAY EVENT – THUNDER AND FIRE
WHERE: NORTH IOWA EVENTS CENTRE, MASON CITY, IOWA
WHEN: SUNDAY 5TH, TUESDAY 7TH AND FRIDAY 1ST AUGUST 2018
COST: VARIES – SEE PGI WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

This year the Pyrotechnic Guild International will be taking place back in Mason City, North Iowa after a 4-year hiatus.

The event, titled ‘Thunder and Fire’ is there to showcase new products, better and more stringent safety measures and the choreography, science and sheer creativity of the international pyrotechnicians. Around 3000 members of the PGI will be gathered together to share current best practice and catch up with old and new friends in the warmth of the Iowan sunshine as temperatures reach around 80 degrees at this time of the year. The event is family friendly and brings in the region of $2 million into the local economy.

The PGI was established in 1969 and this independent worldwide organization was to create a channel for sharing knowledge and experience and to witness first hand the advances in the industry. They currently have around 3500 members who range from the dedicated pyro enthusiast to those with a passing interest but may have a love of old firework ephemera or indeed, the technical side of firing systems etc.

The guild offers safety and training alongside display operative training days. They also have a charming ‘Help a Pyro’ to assist those who have fallen on hard times, either through financial hardship or indeed a health issue to support them in their time of need. It is odd that in such an incredibly competitive industry that their numbers would offer support so readily.

Tickets range from around $18-$20 for standard admission but reserved seating is only available for the Friday night show which is around $25-$30. The gates to the event arena are open from around 6pm and there are onsite food and beverage concessions available as well as onsite camping.