Behind the ohs and ahs of a fireworks display is a lot of planning, hard work and skill. It might not take a genius to set off a few firecrackers, but it does take some talent to put on a thrilling show.
This year the display at Fort Leonard Wood will be nothing less than spectacular.
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Special Events Team Acting Manager Bernie Riker said this year’s event might be the best yet.
“We’re really excited. This should be the best show we’ve had,” she said.
A few upgrades in technology will help move the 30 minute choreographed display along.
And while the show promises to “paint the sky” for the night, it took much longer than that to get it all together.
“We actually put out a bid for people to submit demonstrations (six to eight months ago),” Riker said.
From there, interested companies vied for the opp, opportunity to entertain and impress. In the end Gateway Fireworks Display, a St. Louis company, won the contract.
The show will be choreographed by computer to a variety of music— from country to rock n’ roll.
“This year they sent use three (music) discs before we concurred on what type of music we wanted to be played,” Riker said. “It’s (the display) one of the more expensive ones we’ve done and it’s one of the largest ones in the area this year.”
Safety always top the list of things to address, and Riker said planning included making sure the “blast” area would be far away from the general public. MWR also coordinates with the fort’s fire department to make sure sparks don’t set off any fires.
More than 2,500 shells and effects will color the sky during the display that starts at 9 p.m. Set up for the event started Thursday afternoon and will be completed before the show starts.
“Come out and have a blast,” Riker said “It looks like the weather is going to be great.”
Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. —
