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.
PGI Convention - PAT Members will be instructors in the MUM Pyro Shell Building Classes and on the National Anthem Display Setups(all built effects, anthems on 3-nights). Look for us there or on the Salute Line, we'll be grilling.
www.pgi.org/pgi-2021-fargo
2021 PGI Convention | Pyrotechnics Guild International
www.pgi.org
If you choose to process via mail using check, money order, or cash, you can continue using the new member form linked below.Enjoy and have a good time. Stay Green!
Always be safe!!! You all getting ready for PGI???
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Congrats to Bobbi Loran for winning Miss Rodeo Texas 2021. Our members bring the BOOM to all they do!!!
Thank you Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas (PAT)!!!šā¤ļø
Congratulations Bobbi !!! , from JJ
I’m so proud of you! I knew you’d win! ā¤ļø you!
Hope everyone had a great 4th and are resting up today. Here is a post to give you a smile.
Load both in 4” tubes - these effects will add some Zing to your show (and maintain a safe distance š³)
Men have had trouble with this since the dawn of time.
Here is the NTD Fourth of July special, featuring PAT.
mb.ntd.com/celebrating-the-fourth-how-and-why-americans-celebrate-life-liberty-and-a-powerful-his...
Celebrating the Fourth: How and Why Americans Celebrate Life, Liberty and a Powerful History
mb.ntd.com
July 4th independence day, behind the hot dogs and fireworks so much creativity goes into the celebrations that ...Check out Nick putting on a Fireworks Clinic for the film starting at 4:10! Awesome job!
Celebrating the Fourth: How and Why Americans Celebrate Life, Liberty and a Powerful History
Celebrating the Fourth: How and Why Americans Celebrate Life, Liberty and a Powerful History
www.ntd.com
July 4th independence day, behind the hot dogs and fireworks so much creativity goes into the celebrations that ...
Yep, "Everything is bigger in Texas!". Sky Wars Pro-Am! James & PAT will bring Itš š²š²š ššµš² š š®šøš²šæš
If what they say is trueāthat everything is bigger in Texasāthen yāall better get ready for one heavy-duty show that James is fixinā to share.
šš®šŗš²š šš¼šš®šæš±
San Antonio, Texas
šš®šŗš²šāš š¦šš¼šæš
As a little kid growing up in New England, Jamesās family would vacation in South Carolina and smuggle back fireworks since they were illegal in his neck of the woods. Once his family relocated to Texas where they were legal, he was deemed the dude who loved to shoot up the sky.
He really got hooked by the fireworks high in 2005, later joining the Pyrotechnic Artists of Texas (aka Fire Ants), and his passion escalated from there. He began to build and upgrade his own gear so that, by 2009, he confessed his hobby was a āthere goes my walletā experience, but thankfully āI have a very understanding spouse who doesnāt care what it costs.ā
A day job in IT, Jamesās nighttime amusement consists of creating fireworks shows for private events and small municipalities outside of his neighborhood.
šš®šŗš²šāš šš®šš¼šæš¶šš² šš¶šæš²šš¼šæšøš ššµš¶š¹š±šµš¼š¼š± š š²šŗš¼šæš
James was handed a punkāa super slow stick that glows like a non-smokable cigaretteāand the rest is history. At 11 years old, he remembers one winter lighting a three-pack of jumping jacks in 10 degrees weather on his grandmaās driveway and said āplease tell me you have more of these things. It definitely scared my parents at the time.ā
šš®šŗš²šāš š£ššæš¼šŗššš¶š°š®š¹ š ššš¶š° š¦š²š¹š²š°šš¶š¼š»
While he hasnāt settled on the specifics, James leans into songs without lyrics to avoid cutting them up to make the sights and sounds flow. He goes against the norm, selecting music that is heavier and needs more fireworks cues (think the upper end of hard rock all the way into heavy metal.)
šš®šŗš²šāš šš²šš š¦šøš šŖš®šæš š š²šŗš¼šæš
When James saw his first show in 2009, he āwalked up, said āhi, Iām newā, and what can I do? They gave me a ton of stuff and basically said āgo make it happen.ā I didnāt think about it. I just did it.ā His part in that show: handling the Girandolas, also known as flying saucers or UFOs. A big task for a first-time pyro lover indeed!
šš®šŗš²šāš š§šµšæš²š² šŖš¼šæš±š š§šµš®š šš²šš°šæš¶šÆš² šš¶š š®š¬š®š š¦šµš¼š
Adventurous, insanity, and piratey (a word he made up to go with some of his music picks.)
š§šµš² ššŗš¼šš¶š¼š» šš®šŗš²š šŖš®š»šš šš¶š š¦šøš šŖš®šæš šš®š»š š§š¼ šš²š²š¹ šš³šš²šæ šŖš®šš°šµš¶š»š“ šš¶š š¦šµš¼š
āāSo thatās what they do in Texasā on top of, hopefully, āWOW!āā
Here is a taste of what James served up on New Yearās Eve this past year:
buff.ly/2SdUq2j
Gary Kovar, PAT Member and long time PAT sponsor, upping a Display for a worthy local celebration!
www.facebook.com/rudy.ximenez/videos/213428987320204
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
Fun fireworks history.
youtu.be/J3F2odr2MsQ
Nice, a proper way to spend a weekend or three.
These were also occasionally present in the flat creek bottoms of West Virginia.
If you're planning on attending Kaboomtown, free advance tickets are required.
www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/things-to-do/2021/06/15/addisons-kaboom-town-will-require-f...
nightout.com/events/addison-kaboom-town/tickets
Addison’s Kaboom Town will require free tickets this year to limit capacity
www.dallasnews.com
Theyāre expected to go fast. If you canāt snag one, there are other ways to see the fireworks.
To those looking for product and can't find what they want from their normal suppliers. Here is the rewrap list to find the same products from different importer brands.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/168Qgytkm6VJvatlvqkezYGhILYkPU2PvIyE1DvcIW28/edit?usp=sharing
docs.google.com
Full List Timestamp,Category,Name,Brand,Product Video,Re-Wrap #1 Name,Re-Wrap #1 Brand,Re-Wrap #2 Name,Re-Wrap #2 Brand,Re-Wrap #3 Name,Re-Wrap #3 Brand,Re-Wrap #4 Name,Re-Wrap #4 Brand,Re-Wrap #5 Nam...Who made this?
Black Match Updates: Harley Johnson and Nick Sainz are making 300 Quick Match Tubes. David Watson is making 160ft of Black Match, Mike Strang is looking to donate 200ft, Brent Brod made a test batch of 100ft and is going to host a build day at his shop after the 4th. This puts us at 460ft of match made and we only need to make another 1340ft of black match for the Mascleta Sting for Fall PyroFest.
Is anyone working on the little flash buckets, yet?
I just finished 150 ft of blackmatch. Will have another 450 ft as soon as weather permitting.
A teaser from the NTD team that came to see us and talk fireworks.
Can’t wait,
Making quick match tubes.
If you can find one of those old round curtain rods with the slit for the little plastic curtain hanger pieces to move back and forth, those make excellent leader pipe forms. You simply insert the edge of the paper into the slit and roll.
I know turtle saving straws when I see them.
Do you have a machine or do you do them one at a time I just got done doing 3000 24inch ones and now started doing 36 inch one have to do 3000 of them also. Do you have a video on how you do it
Had a great time with Kay and her team from NTD. Hope they can make something with all my ramblings. Keep an eye out for the interview on July 4th
Best time I had in a long time.. Thanks, NS.
I know I've talked to a few members that make Black Match, looking for help for the Mascleta String.
Are you looking for supplies, match pipe, match, or labor making it and setting it up? All of the above? Are you wanting everything to be handmade?
I can help with most everything. Let me know what is needed.
I have a lot of this already made. What exactly are you needing? Give me a call if you wish.
Nick Hill's display for his Dad. With Drone footage.
Wow, watch this video casted to a big screen TV. Amazing!
Other than salutes, what can we do to mix it up??? Should we make it a day time or night time Mascleta???
Gotta have some whistles, rhythmic sections, and growing crescendo to massive boom! Some daytime smoke effects would be cool. Anyone with a bunch of concussion mortars?
There is a really Awesome Fireball Mushroom cloud salute we can make if someone has some Uranium.
Combined with some mines. I like the timing. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pvVD9i1Pxo&t=1s
Example Small Chain: youtu.be/Uph6dLQu88s?t=20
Here's one of my favorite displays on YT.. can probably draw some inspiration from here as the whole show is choreographed really well. I like those fish looking whistlers to small salutes at the beginning and the buzzing go getters at around the 5:10 mark. youtu.be/fg6Ap7Q98tQ
large crackle mines under salutes maybe? think <sizz><boom!> Colored smoke effects as well
Example 1: youtu.be/9oJNGJVglHA
Work Day Finished! Massive thank you to Nemo Boss, Ken Purcell, Ross Dusenbury, Betty Mahieu Sainz, Jose Sainz, Nick Sainz, and new member Carlos. All the help was needed and the final product looked GREAT. Thanks Team.
Carlos was a bad ass. Imagine driving two hours to work your butt off and then drive two hours home. Thanks Carlos!
Nice!!
The Fall PyroFest Event is live on Facebook.
Fall PyroFest 2021
Location: 638 Shovel Mountain Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663
Friday will be a day for Learning in the many PAT Member led Classes. While also offering a chance to light fireworks in open shooting all-day and help with the displays shooting Saturday Night. Friday Night, we showcase member built fireworks.
Saturday we have more member led classes and we all pitch in to make sure the Display is ready for the evening. Open shooting is available all day.
Sunday we clean up and pack up. This starts at 10AM and with the help of the membership is done by Noon. Please plan to help it is very light work when we have many hands.
To handle Fireworks and participate in Classes you must have and active membership and Event Fee. To view the event you require an Event Fee.
*The event fee includes snacks/drinks and Dinner at 6PM on Saturday.
Fall PyroFest 2021
Location: 638 Shovel Mountain Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663
Friday will be a day for Learning in the many PAT Member led Classes. While also offering a chance to light fireworks in open shooting all-day and help with the displays shooting Saturday Night. Friday Night, we showcase member built fireworks.
Saturday we have more member led classes and we all pitch in to make sure the Display is ready for the evening. Open shooting is available all day.
Sunday we clean up and pack up. This starts at 10AM and with the help of the membership is done by Noon. Please plan to help it is very light work when we have many hands.
To handle Fireworks and participate in Classes you must have and active membership and Event Fee. To view the event you require an Event Fee.
*The event fee includes snacks/drinks and Dinner at 6PM on Saturday.
I don't do work day normally, but we really need your help. We are setting up racking in one container in Caddo Mills on Saturday. This is a many hands make light work kind of job. Please come and help!
Work Day Caddo Mills
Work Day Caddo Mills
Deep thanks to John Gicante, our crew member running Security! An "outside the ring" view of the 360 Display:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBGOAAVFPrA
Quite impressive! We are all coming for the 4th!
It was spectacular from the “outside” looking in. I can only imagine how awesome it was from the “inside”.
This is what it looked out outside the ring.
Bryan Bartlow inspiration for this year haha. Check out the group as well.
Group Buy Link:
talk.fireants.org/t/pat-chems-group-buy-2021/436
Why am I just getting this now, post event?
Hey everyone, it looks like we are not going to hit the quantity discounts needed to make the group buy worth covering shipping. So I've changed it to a, PGI pick up group buy. If you want to piggy back my order, give me a call by 5-21-21. My number is in the Group Buy discussion in the link above. Thanks, Nick
Great Event! I've got some specific thanks to hand out, but thank you to everyone who attended Pyrofest!
My thanks to:
Nick Sainz, PAT President, who has tirelessly built up the club's membership and social media presence since 2017. Many don't realize it takes Nick months of planning, phone calls, emails, and posting to make an event happen.
Rex & Roy Nelson, our hosts at Caddo Mills for over the last 20 years! Our Events can't happen without generous landowners. Rex went above and beyond making room in his store and warehouse for classes & building. He also used his bulldozer to bring countless loads of soil to soak up the pools of water & mud where everyone was walking.
Betty Sainz, who generously ran registration all weekend, a difficult task, but also answered questions, scheduled classes(and made sure they happened) and food deliveries(food on Sat. saved my bacon!).
Robin Eaton, General Manager of Nelson's Fireworks, thoughtfully opened & closed the site both early & late, answered questions, and looked after all the attendee's.
Ken Purcell, you probably saw him with his Ladybugs, but he runs the website and financial side of the PAT Club. Without him, the club doesn't work.
Carl and Steve from Big Boom Pyro. They pulled the display permits for the event and brought the heavy gear & product for the Hill Memorial Display. They've been heavily supporting the club like this for years.
Harley Johnson and Ross Dusenbury, they've been helping Nick cleanup all of PAT's containers, gear, & supplies over many weekends. They also helped build the rocket rodeo for the Ken Barton Memorial Display(but not the 1st rocket header...), and taught rocket building all weekend. Peggy Barton attended Pyrofest and was deeply appreciative of the Memorial Display. Harley helped us before the event by collating and labeling the product for the 360 Display, no small task. And Ross brought a generator and a massive battery bank so we could power PA's at the event.
Nick Petrie, not only by building big Booms for PAT Events for almost 20 years, but he brought his cool sound system out for music at the 360 Display, even with it being a last minute ask.
Nick & Rachel Hill, they spent months of planning, choreography, and building to put on their Hill Memorial Display. Wow, the wheel alone was worth the price of admission, thanks to Grant Cox & friends for putting the wheel together and getting it to Pyrofest.
John White, a master builder, taught the 4" shell class for a large group and also did some one on one's. Used his WASP, graciously answered many many questions, his teaching background was obvious. I still owe him the right flavor of ice cream, but that's another matter.
Chris & Matt Roth, spent months building over 20 shells, 3" - 12", & rockets, to launch at the event. It was clearly evident why they are both PGI 1st place trophy winners.
USG Pyrotechnics, brought their gang of helpers who basically lifted, moved, cabled, and cleaned up anything that was needed at the event. They offered their gas mine knowledge and also hosted their Afterglow with David on the grill.
Chris Stasey, managed the Spirit of 76 Group Buy and hauled product to the Event so club members could just pickup their product on site.
Brent Black, brought heavy gear and precisely wired the many custom shells & rockets. And he did some quick rewiring of some 8" shells, but not his fault...
James Howard & Johnny Holguin, James built a massive FrankenCake for the finale of Saturday night. They also carefully assembled the 8-gas mines for the 360 Display.
Ray Clark, brought the heavy gear for the 360 Display and custom shells, but also taught the Creamora Class that was well attended and received.
Rick "The" Boss, designed, choreographed, ordered product, and Led the 360 Display. Deep thanks to Rick and the great team that assembled, deployed, and cleaned up the 360 display, particular thanks to Michael Carr & Alexis Chernosky for making sure those angles were correct!
I haven't specifically thanked everyone who deserves it, but thank you to every PAT Member.
I hope to see you all in Austin in the Fall,
JJ
Wish I could have made, it looks like it went great... I'll be there in Austin this fall for sure.
Nemo Boss, Thank You!!! I really pushed hard on this event, while you surely wanted to say no, I'm so glad you didn't. This was a pinnacle event for me! I'm still in shock, as I watch videos and photos from the event reminding me of all that went on. If you asked me what I did all event, I couldn't tell you. Thank you to everyone that came! Now to figure out what lessons we learned and how we can be better at the next event!
LOVE hosting pyro event and welcoming familiar and new faces to Caddo Nelson’s. Great group of guys and ladiesš! Plus, I get the privilege of watching a spectacular show!!š„³. Win win!!
As always, it’s our pleasure to be a part of the group and assist anyone in the group that needs it. See y’all soon enough š
Thank you pyro family for your support and awesome donations to the memorial display. It was the perfect way to celebrate Nick and his dad’s birthday. We love you all and are grateful for each of you!ā¤ļø
Upload Your PyroFest Images and Videos HERE:
www.dropbox.com/request/UOXOS7biFDWpIRE7d372
I uploaded all our photos from my iPad including some of me signing Pop’s shell. ā¤ļø
Warning, I think you have to upload from a computer. Many members are having issues from their phones. I'm looking into more phone friendly options for the future. I'm open to suggestions if you know any.
Another view of one of last night's PAT Displays:
www.facebook.com/harley.johnson.9/videos/4180234872028207/
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Looks like Y’all did a fantastic job!
That was awesome! Looking forward to Fall pyrofest.
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you!
Great show. I want to come make some boom booms. This looks like my cup of tea.
For all you gardeners a swarm of Ladybugs is called a "loveliness". We be letting them fly later tonight.
Is that you guys we can hear all the way here in Farmersville? Sounds like bombs exploding. Started about 8:40 ish pm.
Post the video
Anybody want to pop some firecrackers this weekend?!?! Letās go.
Spring PyroFest 2021
Due to the COVID 19 situation we will be a Members and Member's Family event.
Friday will have Open Shooting, Manufacturing, and Classes.
Saturday will have Open Shooting, Manufacturing, Classes, and the Large Display at Dark. Open shooting will reopen after the display.
Mmmm, why are there 375 single shot pro line holders in Caddo Mills? Better attend Pyrofest to find out!
Finale 3D much?, Mmm, what do the labels mean?, find out at Pyrofest!
Hey Nick Weather is supposed to be getting pretty bad tomorrow/Sat. Are things still all systems go?
A while bunch of army parachute guys to be fired off? LOL
I’ll be there late Friday. I hope before dark
Immortalized my crazy Pyro decision on my torches. Who needs to rest after spine surgery when PyroFest is the next day.
Nice.. I understand.. I'm recovering from my fourth spine surgery and I'm still trying to do shows..
Put me down for 2
We will be making Flash for Rocket headers, so why not teach a class on making salutes.
Friday will have multiple opportunities to learn all the tricks to E-Matching product for displays & electronic firing.
As I get into my retirement I am not using my cobra š system and am ready to let it go with three boxes with 18 cues each and one control module. See y’all there.
Harley is planning on teaching how to make Black Powder at Spring PyroFest.
Does he have a video i can buy , i want to go so bad but overloaded with work and moving š«
Need some Sali or Benzy classes lol. Making some Sali right now.
Another class added, Chris Roth will be teaching how to start star cores for rolling stars.
Is there a specified time for this?
This is my trouble, is rolling stars.
Some history and most of all a taste of what happens at PyroFest!
Jackie Marie Photography Thanks again for putting this video together for us a few years ago. We still have so few videos that show how broad our group and the activities we do are.
All the Official Classes at PAT Spring PyroFest in Caddo Mills, Tx. Thanks for all the support from our members putting on these classes.
When will you be having another pyro fest?
Jeremy and USG will be leading the Fuel Mines Class at Spring PyroFest.
Jeremy Jandreau I found a picture, now your stuck teaching the class. LOL
I can help with this one if needed, can bring mines etc (including "Big Jim 12"/10 gallon)
I want to go so bad
I hope Fall PYROFEST is as good this year’s Spring PYROFEST, hoping to bring my son along this Fall. Unfortunately I can’t make the Spring PYROFEST.
The event is just around the corner. If your coming, please mark as coming so we can plan for you!
Spring PyroFest 2021
Due to the COVID 19 situation we will be a Members and Member's Family event.
Friday will have Open Shooting, Manufacturing, and Classes.
Saturday will have Open Shooting, Manufacturing, Classes, and the Large Display at Dark. Open shooting will reopen after the display.
After large demand, Ken Purcell will be leading the Fuse Lighting Class.
Ken Purcell it is official now.
If anyone wants to bring some Lady Bugs we will plan to make several chains of them for our amusement! Several hundred are quite impressive for a Class C item.
Nick Sainz will be teaching the hand pound rockets class. This time with his fingers not getting smashed. š
It's not like you were smashing them but everyone loved making rockets!
That’s a perfect caption for the photo š
Note the shirt I’m supporting in the background Kevin š
Harley Johnson will be teaching 1lb Hydraulic Pressed BP Rockets at Spring PyroFest.
I want one of those press's so bad. Maybe after the forth of July from working 3 shows back to back to back I'll be close enough to get one.
More Classes At Spring PyroFest. JJ is going to teach the process and firing of Cremora Mines. This is a very cool Fire Ball effect.
Wow! Can’t wait!
Pallet of Creamer...please
Awesome!
Class Supplies
I wonder how successful this class will be? Should we warn Costco to pull the pallets of creamer down???
Be sure you've got lots of Dawn liquid. They can get really greasy!
Group Buy Cut off is in 2 Days. Get those orders in.
Link to Group Buy: talk.fireants.org/t/2021-spring-group-buy-delivering-to-spring-pyrofest/427
Do you have to be a member to be able to make a purchase?
Make sure you don't miss John's Shell Building Class!
Do we need to reserve? Or is it first come first served
Keep Up the excitement for PYROFEST on 4-23 to 4-25. Grant J Cox just posted his Gerbs video. Watch to the END!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjV80fmPpNU
Ah thanks for posting! This was basically just intended to be a slightly more fun way to test out some ideas.. Not everything worked as planned, but it served as a pretty good learning experience. Glad you enjoyed it! Speaking of learning, if anyone has tips for a good waterfall effect, I'm all ears... The build process for this project gave me a personal vendetta against fairy fountains..
Big thanks to John White for helping Nick Hill build a memorial shell with his Dadās ashes for the memorial display at PyroFest.
Try the Steering the Container Ship game:
edition.cnn.com/travel/article/steering-worlds-biggest-ships-suez-canal-cmd/index.html
What it's really like steering the world's biggest ships
edition.cnn.com
Some of the world's biggest oceangoing vessels seem more like cities at sea than actual ships, so maneuvering these massive beasts -- from cruise ships to container vessels like the one that blocked t...Working on prep for PyroFest!!!
See you there, gonna be a blast! buahahaha oldest joke is the biz still makes me chuckle.
Cobra Firing Systems
The Suns Out, Guns Out sale is now live! This sale will be active until until Saturday, March 27th, at 12:00 AM EST.
If you are new to COBRA, now is the time to buy as we are offering amazing first time customer packages including an 18R2, choice of 18M, 36M, or 72M, and a one year license to our COBRA Show Creator software.
This sale additionally boasts fixed price discounts up to $125 each on core equipment, including our 18R2, 6M, 18M, 36M, 72M, and Audio Box. You can also enjoy 10% discounts on all accessories, replacement parts, slats, cables, and our Talon and MJG Igniters.
Due to high demand, we anticipate going out of stock and into pre-order status on remotes and modules. We expect any pre-ordered equipment to start shipping in the week of April 19th.
As always, we appreciate your continued support and are happy to extend these fantastic discounts for this one-day event.
www.cobrafiringsystems.com/
COBRA Firing Systems : Professional Wireless Fireworks Firing System
www.cobrafiringsystems.com
For Joes and Pros, COBRA Firing Systems provides professional wireless firing system for fireworks and SFPX. Based in the USA, over 12,000 customers in over 100 countries.