The purpose of the Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas, otherwise known as PAT, shall be to promote and encourage safe, legal and artful pyrotechnic design, construction, operation and enjoyment in Texas through training, demonstration and exchange of information.
News from the Mound
From Cobra, Spring Sale:
www.cobrafiringsystems.com/
COBRA Firing Systems : Leading Provider of Wireless Firing Systems for the Pyrotechnics Industry
www.cobrafiringsystems.com
Valencia - Fallas 2020 canceled. Accidental statue fire next to City Hall, the masked statue next to her body on fire in lotus position. A translation from the photographer:
"The failure of the city hall fallas2020, from Valencia last night burned, all so strange, so unusual, unheard of... Let's hope the purifying fire, takes with it all the bad and soon everything that is happening returns to its total and absolute normalcy."
From COBRA:
We are incredibly excited today to launch our new COBRA Show Creator product. This has been a several year process to re-write our current PC-only based version of the show creation software into a brand-new PC and MAC friendly product written from the ground up. This new product will serve as a more powerful foundation for future functionality we'll be releasing as the year progresses.
If you already own COBRA Show Creator and have an active subscription, simply login to cobrashowcreator.com using your COBRA ID and password from your current PC based COBRA Show Creator.
In addition to replicating current functionality, we have added the following improvements:
Faster
The new web-based version is faster and more efficient than the previous version. No more warnings for lower performing computers.
PC and PC Friendly
This has been requested for years and is finally available. This new version is web-based, and uses the Google Chrome browser.
Offline Mode
Offline mode is supported on both PC and MAC, certain features such as My Fireworks are not available while offline
Modern UI
The UI is now modernized with expanding sections to maximize editing layouts, improved hot-keys, sorting, more preferences, show settings, keyboard shortcuts and more.
Improved Waveform Controls
The waveform controls are a step up in every way including smoother performance, better color highlighting, horizontaly scrollable waveform, waveform height controls, playback speed, and more.
Stacked Event Durations
Events durations, pre-fire and lift times are now stacked and layered under the waveform to give the user visual access to start and stop points for more convenient experience.
Auto-Incrementing Cues
When entering a channel into a cue, the cue number is automatically set to the lowest, unused cue. This allows you to easily add effects to your script without having to track or spend time finding an open cue and manually assigning every effect.
Easy Cell Navigation
Use Tab, Arrow Keys and Enter when making changes to the event cells similar to Excel.
Drag and Drop STEP Events
You can now click, drag and drop STEP events at any point in the script. This makes STEP scripting much easier when you wish to re-order STEP events or even STEP events with associated time-sequences.
Foundation
We are now ready to start adding larger functionality to the software. This begins now and we are excited to show off these improvements as time progresses this year.
www.cobrafiringsystems.com/showcreator
Club Site Update:
We now have the Facebook Feed showing on Fireants.org!!! Now all those members that don't have or want Facebook can keep up with the goings on of the club.
Check it out!
Working on group buy pricing for Spring Pyro Fest today. How many of you bust a move when you pick up your fireworks orders?
This is just like what we do at PAT Pyrofest! Not quite, but at least check out the last few minutes starting about 12:00 or so.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHxKbS4ifEE
Passfire streaming free on Amazon Prime. www.amazon.com/Passfire-Jesse-Veverka/dp/B0714M557V/ref=sr_1_1?
Global shipping has been hit by the coronavirus. Now goods are getting stranded
Global shipping has been hit by the coronavirus. Now goods are getting stranded
edition.cnn.com
The arteries of global trade are clogging up as the coronavirus disrupts global shipping and air cargo operations.
Super Bowl Pyro! By firm Strictly FX. From one of their crew,
Adam Biscow: "Thanks for the nice comments. It’s was our show. NFL banned Pyro on field after that accident couple months ago. 6200pcs on roof. A mix on Santore shells and mines, Ultratec and Next FX. 32 positions and 16 special positions. Fire One XL4 controllers."
To obtain an Oklahoma Fireworks Operators license, for shooting any public display, 1.4G or 1.3G, requires taking an accredited class, some of which offer live firing that constitute a Sign-off, and you must get 3-Sign-off's total to be eligible to take the state test.
www.ok.gov/fire/Fireworks/Helpful_Info_Training_Testing/index.html
I've taken the OK licensing class from Hance fireworks, it was a good experience. Hance is offering a class for $50. in on April 18th in Tahlequah, OK. It includes live firing.
From the link above, Rainbow Fireworks is offering a free class on Feb. 29th in Pawnee, OK.
Arc Pyro is offering a class for $35. on April 25th in Edmond, OK.
Of course all the companies are looking for crew and future lead shooters, so expect some recruitment discussion. The class is good experience for the hobbyist and required for those who intend to get licensed, just make sure you don't sign anything that contains a non-compete.
Tracking this:
dpfireworks.com/blog/2020/01/13/fireworks-industry-facing-multiple-uncertaintiesbetter-be-prepare...
dpfireworks.com
For the industry, the recovery after the explosion on Dec. 4th has not been as fast! In talking with other major exporters at a recent meeting in Liuyang, all confirmed that these critical months of D...
Borrowed this from the Cobra page, a cool 10 minute show:
vimeo.com/384036695?fbclid=IwAR3YwmLoUia3kOtupkCMqBcxudW6n1i-rIPnqy2gTKE-wLUwdv5SNsbG-4I
Happy New Year PAT Pyro's!!!
For those shooting tonight, stay safe and good luck!
If near Dallas, this display looks cool from many vantage points:
reuniontower.com/things-to-do/reunion-tower-over-the-top-nye-2019/
Reunion Tower’s celebratory fireworks show, one of the largest shows of its kind in the Central time zone, features pyrotechnics fired from 560 feet above ground. The captivating 10-minute show features imaginative pyrotechnic and LED lighting effects visible for miles across North Texas.
This dazzling display will feature more than 4,000 pyrotechnic special effects with the magnificent downtown skyline as its backdrop. Each effect will be programmed with Reunion Tower’s 259 LED lights for a show capable of thousands of unique designs and patterns. The panoramic show ensures any location in view of Reunion Tower will enjoy the festive, coordinated effects including prime locations in downtown Dallas.
Reunion Tower OVER THE TOP NYE 2019 - Reunion Tower
reuniontower.com
Reunion Tower and Hunt Realty Investments, Inc. are collaborating with SMU to bring a Texas-sized New Year’s Eve event to Dallas for the fourth year in a row. The only 360-degree, panoramic firework...
We found out this morning that our founding member Ken Barton passed away. There is no funeral service planned. But, we will do a memorial at Spring PyroFest and at PGI this year. Thank you for your support and hard work over the years Ken. We will miss you.
Dear Finale Business User,
After 10 wonderful years our old software, Finale Business, is reaching the end of its software life. We stopped selling Finale Business in mid-2018. We extended all service plans to January 1, 2020. After that, the software will continue to be fully functional until the servers break down, at which point you will need to click "Work offline" on the login dialog to use the software. In offline mode the software will not have the ability to add/upload music, perform inventory operations, or create video renderings. With this in mind, it’s time to start thinking about the successor to Finale Business.
For the last five years, we’ve been working on a high end version of Finale called Finale 3D. This new version of Finale is the culmination of a decade of experience and feedback from users like you and is designed to be the world’s most powerful fireworks scripting software. Finale 3D was officially launched in December 20, 2018 and is now available in two versions, Pro for $1049/year and Hobbyist for $349/year.
Sad news from China, we send our sincere condolences.
news.cgtn.com/news/2019-12-04/7-killed-in-explosion-at-S-China-fireworks-factory-M9zP0JBxiU/index...
Dun Pai Fireworks
13 hrs ·
Just a few hours ago an accident occurred at a legal registered factory. At least 1 person has died. The government has announced all Liuyang factories must stop production and await instructions. We will keep you informed on the accident and possible impact on 2020 production.
7 killed in explosion at fireworks factory in central China
news.cgtn.com
At least seven people were killed and many others injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Chengtanjiang Town, Liuyang City, central China's Hunan Province, local officials confirmed on Wedne...
My favorite people, please attend our next PAT Event, we'll help you load the big shells.
They are making these cutters again!!! A must have for your tool kit, they fit in your pocket!!
www.blasterstool.com/blastmastershears.aspx
www.blasterstool.com
The proven J.A. Henckels quality stands for a long lasting life. Steel blade with plastic handles. Features: ABS plastic handles Steel blade Spring loaded locking handles Length: 6" Height: 2.25" Wide...
PAT members got a thank you in the latest-Nov. PGI Bulletin:
"Special shout out to our beer tenders from the Fire Ants (Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas). They volunteered every night, and it's always a fun time at the beer trailer!"
Some sad news, Ken Barton, Founder & President Emeritus of PAT, recently had bladder cancer surgery. He's in a rehab facility and is getting more tests, etc. We all wish him and his wife Peggy the very best along with our hopes & prayers. Please give him a call if you know him, daytime is best, and if you need contact information just Message the PAT Page Admin.'s.
Informative information on Tariff's from Spirit of 76:
Dear Customer:
With the whirlwind of information that seems to be floating around regarding the topics of fireworks, tariffs, China production and shipping issues, we wanted to pass along what we currently know on these topics. Upon your review, we encourage you to reach out to your salesperson if you have any additional questions.
TARIFFS
In August, President Trump announced a new round of tariffs on products that are imported from China, including fireworks and certain firework components/accessories. In summary the specific tariffs affecting fireworks are broken into two categories (or lists): List 4A products, starting on September 1, are subject to a new 15% tariff and List 4B products are scheduled to be subject to a new 15% tariff beginning on December 15.
List 4A (tariff effective September 1, 2019, currently set at 15%) includes:
HTS Subheading Product Description
3603.00.90 Detonating caps, igniters or electronic detonators
3604.90.00 Signaling Flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles, excluding fireworks
List 4A includes fuse, ignitors, party poppers, sparklers, tubes and racks imported from China.
List 4B (tariff effective December 15, 2019, initially set at 15%) includes:
HTS Subheading Product Description
3604.10.10 Display or special fireworks (Class 1.3G)
3604.10.90 Fireworks, nesoi (including Class 1.4G Fireworks)
There are uncertainties with regard to what might happen to the tariffs as a result of the ongoing negotiations between the US and China, but here is what we currently know:
• The List 4A tariff is currently in effect and any product on that list is already subject to the 15% tariff.
• The List 4B 15% tariff is set to go into effect on December 15, 2019.
We are concerned how the ongoing trade negotiations could impact the cost of fireworks. The President can change the tariff rate without much oversight (and has already used this power on other imported product). There is, of course, hope that perhaps either (a) a trade deal can be agreed to prior to the List 4B tariff coming into effect, (b) the President finds it appropriate to exempt
fireworks from the December 15 tariff, or © the US/China negotiations proceed in such a manner that the President delays implementation of the List 4B tariff to a later date. Whether any of these may happen, however, is purely conjecture.
We are proceeding under the assumption that the List 4A tariff will remain in effect for the foreseeable future and that a new tariff of 15% will be implemented on December 15, 2019 on the List 4B items (i.e., 1.4g consumer fireworks and 1.4g articles pyrotechnic).
CHINA PRODUCTION AND SHIPPING ISSUES
We have been working diligently with our suppliers to try to get as many fireworks imported prior to the December 15 tariff date as possible. Our hope has been that the more fireworks we could import early, the more pricing options could be passed to our customers in their purchasing for the upcoming New Years and the 2020 4th of July. A couple of things have occurred that have proved to make it difficult to beat the December 15th deadline: China factory shutdowns and China
shipping issues. Historically, the months of September and October have been big production months in China (especially for pre-New Year’s delivery). This year the China factories were shut down from August through approximately October 7th. The August shut down is normal due the heat ban that happens every year. The September to October 7th factory shutdown, however, was something unusual. The Chinese government ordered that the firework factories shutdown in observance of China’s 70th year anniversary. China is also experiencing some difficulties with getting fireworks shipped. The two points of
origination for fireworks are either Beihai (through Hong Kong) or Shanghai (via the Yueyang Port). The information that we have received from our suppliers is that (a) the Chinese government has suspended all hazardous material goods shipping from Beihai as a result of the ongoing Hong Kong violence and protests, (b) all fireworks shipments through Shanghai were stopped from mid
to late October as the result of a shutdown of the Yueyang Port and © Shanghai will again shutdown for outbound shipments from November 5th to the 10th. We are uncertain how long
Beihai will be shutdown, but we are fairly certain that containers shipping out of Shanghai have a small window to arrive ahead of the tariff implementation date.
As a result of these production and shipping issues, unless the fireworks have already left China, we are worried we will not receive many additional containers prior to December 15th.
FUSE PRODUCTION
The shutdown of Hong Kong has also impacted the production of fuse. Safety fuse is only shipped from Beihai (as it currently cannot be shipped via Shanghai). As a result of the suspension of shipping of hazardous materials through Hong Kong, the production of fuse has ceased. With no end in sight to the Hong Kong unrest, it is unclear whether we will receive any additional shipments of fuse in the foreseeable future. This makes fuse unique in that it is already subject to the List 4A tariff and there is a real supply concern. We are searching for alternatives, but that is the current status of fuse.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU
We do not take any enjoyment in being the bearer of the not-so-great news affecting our industry, but we also want our customers to be informed and not taken by surprise. Because tariffs will impact our costs to import product from China, tariffs will have correlating impact on our pricing. The supply related issues with fuse will also influence fuse pricing. We hope that by getting you
this information early enough, we can assist in offsetting those inevitable increases. In furtherance of that, we are implementing two promotions that will allow you to take advantage of our current pricing.
Pre-Tariff (Dec 15) Promotion. We will be implementing a price increase on January 1, 2020 to correspond with the increased costs of importing fireworks as a result of the new tariff. We do have, however, inventory available at our warehouse now. For all inventory currently in our warehouse or that will be received prior to December 15, 2019, our prices will remain consistent with our 2019 pricing through December 31, To preserve the 2019 prices (whether for immediate delivery or 2020 delivery), payment must be received by December 31st.
Fuse Promotion. We have a limited supply of fuse available in our warehouse. Due to the tariff and the production issues, we will be increasing our fuse pricing on November 16, 2019. Place your order now and you can lock in the current pricing for our existing inventory. All payments are due by November 15, 2019, but delivery can take place at a later date.
SUMMARY
We want to keep you up to date on what we know right now with regard to shipping, production issues and tariffs, and how they may impact you. We don’t want you to be caught off-guard when the price of fireworks ultimately increases because of the tariff or any unintended consequence of the pending US-China trade negotiations. We invite you to reach out to your salesperson if you
have questions. To ensure your best pricing, please contact us now.
Sincerely,
John B. Bechtold
Owner and President
Spirit of 76 Fireworks
Lots of Texans in this PGI group photo, including one up front in a lying position(probably Star Wars music was playing).
www.facebook.com/PGIInc/photos/a.564865930209240/2945168265512316/?type=3&theaterCongratulations to PGI for Whova usage at the 2019 Convention.
Fall PyroFest 2020
This Event is for people that Love FIREWORKS. We gather hobbyist with professional fireworks display companies to put on an event like none other in Texas. We start on Friday with classes on building fireworks, open manufacturing for our builder, and open shooting all day. On Saturday we have professional displays for the members and the public to watch, as well as another day for fireworks building and open shooting. Sunday is when we clean up and say good bye to all our old and new friends from the event.
We know you will have questions, PLEASE ask them in the comments. This is a DO NOT MISS EVENT and don't let any confusion stop you from being a part!
Requirements to attend,
Full Access, Become a member of Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas and pay the event fee. This can be done at www.fireants.org
Guest Pass, can't touch fireworks, but can join in all three days and learn from our PROs. Just buy the guest pass at www.fireants.org
Just want to watch the Displays Saturday, Just show up Saturday and pay the viewer fee at the gate.
Spring PyroFest 2020
This Event is for people that Love FIREWORKS. We gather hobbyist with professional fireworks display companies to put on an event like none other in Texas. We start on Friday with classes on building fireworks, open manufacturing for our builder, and open shooting all day. On Saturday we have professional displays for the members and the public to watch, as well as another day for fireworks building and open shooting. Sunday is when we clean up and say good bye to all our old and new friends from the event.
We know you will have questions, PLEASE ask them in the comments. This is a DO NOT MISS EVENT and don't let any confusion stop you from being a part!
Requirements to attend,
Full Access, Become a member of Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas and pay the event fee. This can be done at www.fireants.org
Guest Pass, can't touch fireworks, but can join in all three days and learn from our PROs. Just buy the guest pass at www.fireants.org
Just want to watch the Displays Saturday, Just show up Saturday and pay the viewer fee at the gate.
Good News
saveourfireworks.blogspot.com/2019/09/press-release-nfa-applauds-cpsc-action.html
PRESS RELEASE: NFA APPLAUDS CPSC ACTION ON FEDERAL FIREWORKS REGULATION
saveourfireworks.blogspot.com
WASHINGTON – The National Fireworks Association (NFA) President Steve Houser today released the following statement after the United...
Video of the PAT Fate Displays! Such a good show and catch the end of the 1.4, loved what JJ did with it.
Please Upload Your PyroFest Pics and Vids Here
www.dropbox.com/request/iRaaOKizi4EO7PodByVG
www.dropbox.com
Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Never email yourself a file again!
PAT Club 1.4G Display Setup Opportunity - Saturday, September 21, 2019
This will be the fifth year PAT Members have setup and ignited a 1.4G Display for the City of Fate's "Celebrate Fate" Fall Festival. We do this display for free to thank Rex & Roy Nelson, our Caddo Mills event hosts for the past 20 years. Nelson's Fireworks donates 100 of their best 500g cakes to the show. Flambeaux Fireworks is the Lead on this Public and Permitted Display.
Location & Event Details: www.cityoffate.com/278/Celebrate-Fate
Start time for Display Setup: Saturday - 11:00am CT
Display Location: Look for our setup in "Robert Smith Family Park", West of the City Center, we'll have our tents and French flag up.
Contact: jj@flambeauxfireworks.com
This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to quickly assemble an electronically fired display, you'll have hands-on work with Cobra firing systems(with&without quick plugs), and we'll also use Firetek to run some special effects like flame machines.(Note: there will be no TDI Sign-offs since this is a 1.4G only Display). A photo of a previous year's Fate display attached.
If you come to work on the Display, please invite your friends and family to arrive in the evening for the event itself. Celebrate Fate is very family-friendly, lots of seating area(bring lawn chairs), Tin Man Band, free games, free food for the first 1600 spectators, etc.
My buddy Chris leading off his 1.4G Display with 300 Ladybugs shot simultaneously with Firetek! Laurian should be proud.
Sometimes the Gas Mines sink so much you have to use the chain sling to tow them out!
Saturday night’s Pyrofest Dinner: Great HardEightBBQ served & eaten in Nelson’s Fireworks Superstore! Then we saw awesome Effects & Displays! You should really attend our next event.
We had a great Pyrofest this weekend, big thanks to everyone who attended! We ask every Member who attended to drop by Nelson’s Fireworks for Event Cleanup on Sunday at 10:00am. We have Club & Volunteer gear to load up, as well as some modest site cleanup for our host. Thank you!
Saturday, Sept. 14th, Pyrofest’s gates open at 9:00am for Members. For those wanting to help build 1.4G or 1.3G Displays, there is a Mandatory Safety Lecture in the Display Field, starting at 10:00am sharp, lasting 20-30minutes, with Display Building immediately following. Otherwise, please attend when you can and join the fun! Saturday Evening Displays for Members & Spectators will ignite about 9:00pm. Please allow some extra time for parking & getting settled. Admission Fee for Spectators is $10. per carload.
Back surgery yesterday, Beer Can Lampare today, our club President does us proud! (had to lean on a car hood to see shells in the sky)#HeTheMan!
PAT Group Buy from Spirit of 76, Order & Pay by Sept. 5th, Pickup Product at Pyrofest Sept. 13-15, 2019. Details:
talk.fireants.org/t/pat-group-buy-from-spirit-of-76-fireworks-order-by-sept-5th-pickup-at-pyrofes...
PAT Group Buy from Spirit of 76 Fireworks, Order by Sept. 5th, Pickup at Pyrofest Sept. 13-15, 2019
talk.fireants.org
Rick here. We have a great group buy with Spirit of 76 (SO76) fireworks for delivery to the September 13-14, 2019 PAT event. The spreadsheet has everything that is in stock. Due date to get your order...Sad, tough report on the Roswell, New Mexico Fireworks - Fire Department Accident. Redacted State Fire Marshal's Report referenced.
www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/report-details-findings-of-roswell-fireworks-explosion-investigation/
(look at Original Document (PDF) for the FM report)
Report details findings of Roswell fireworks explosion investigation
www.krqe.com
ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) – A report from the State Fire Marshal’s Office reveals what caused a fireworks explosion in Roswell that killed one firefighter and severely injured another. After worki…
Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas (PAT) updated their business hours.
Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas (PAT) updated their phone number.
Big thanks to Carl Standridge for pulling the permits for Fall PyroFest. We are waiting with fingers crossed to see if we will be allowed to shoot the 16s from Nemo Boss. 🤞🤞🤞
GET EXCITED!!!
Big shout out to Ray Williams for his Strobe Rockets in the PGI All Stars Display. You can see them streaking out from behind a massive 16 inch shell.
Also a reminder Fall PyroFest is September 13-15. Make sure you show up to see some more of these awesome strobe rockets from Ray.
PGI 2019 - Mascleta: Designed by Blake Stolz of Lonestar Fireworks, Salutes donated by Dominator, Blake Stolz, Nick Sainz, Marc Walker, among others, with setup done by PAT Members and other volunteers at PGI. Filmed by PAT Member: Ray Williams
m.youtube.com/watch?v=P-tkhDXDS6I&feature=youtu.be
Talking to Ray Williams about PyroFest September 13-15. He says we have to bring the 🔥🔥🔥FIRE🔥🔥🔥.
I’ll bring the 20 gallon gun, Gary Kovar and @Johnnie Kovar are you in to one up the spring fire shot?
Two pictures of PAT Members & Friends at PGI: The first is pure Texan, the second is our PAT Members joined by the Ground Salute Safety Team(in red shirts - most are from Chicago). Together for years we've learned & volunteered, camped & grilled, partied & laughed, and just had a BLAST at PGI. Join us next year at PGI in Fargo, North Dakota, we'll clue you in to some of the best pyro fun & friends you'll ever have!
PAT members hamming it up with the “greenmen” of PGI, who handed off the torch from Gillette, WY to Fargo, ND. See you in Fargo at next year’s PGI Convention.
PAT Members serving beer at the last PGI Afterglow this year. Also a shoutout to PAT’s founder, Ken Barton(seated), who made the long journey to represent Texas & be with his friends.
Yep, PAT members in PGI seating again ready for another heinous line up of Public Displays!