Extended Weekend Getaways Four world-class fireworks manufacturers will compete for bragging rights to claim the title as the winner of the fireworks championship to start at dusk in the Turtle Creek Stadium. The winner will be crowned after a vote of those attending.
Companies Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics from the United States, Fantastika Pirotecnia Mexico, ToF Feuerwerk Germany and Fetes et Feux France, qualified for the event by winning other fireworks competitions. While fireworks challenges are common in other countries, there are only a few held in the US. The shows are wildly popular in Europe, the UK, Canada and Mexico.
“This will be a battle of the best-of-the-best,” said Traverse City Tourism Director of Events, Mickey Graham. “The manufacturers will be challenged to choreograph a show with bright colors, bold designs and synchronized to music. I recently watched a competition in Spain and the show was the pride of the entire community.”
This will be a family-friendly event with entertainment leading up to the competition at nightfall. Specific guidelines the four participating teams must follow will be geared to challenge their creativity and artistic abilities. Only a handful of Fireworks Competitions are held in the US, with the closest being staged in Missouri.
“The International Fireworks Championship will be unlike anything this area has seen,” said Traverse City Tourism President, Trevor Tkach (Tah-koch). “The competition is tough. It’s taking typical Fourth of July fireworks and adds elements of artistry to a competitive challenge – this will bring new meaning to live entertainment in northern Michigan. It gives people another great reason to come to Traverse City.”
Prices are $30 for a box seat and $250 for a four-person table in the Fox Motors Den. 12-person and 25-person suites are available by calling Turtle Creek Stadium at (231) 943-0100, while groups of ten or more are available at (231) 947-1120.
