Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention

Festival Location: Muskegon, MI, USA

Festival State: Michigan Festivals

Festival Type(s): Fireworks Displays, Bizarre Festivals, Conventions

By: © Nelson Taylor 2009

Every year since 1972, the PGI has held a convention for amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts of all ages. With a membership over 3,000, this annual August event proves to be the biggest gathering of fireworks freaks in the country. And their undying energy for grand explosions and flashing colors is evident in their public displays occurring nightly. These fireworks displays beat the hell out of any country club or public park shows you've ever witnessed.

While the public is invited to the evening shows ($5-$10), you must be a member of PGI to enter the convention. A PGI membership can be obtained by visiting their website (listed below). Membership is $50 for the first year and $25 for the second and subsequent years thereafter. And convention registration for members is $100, plus $20 for each additional household member over the age of 18. If you are a member, inside you can expect meetings that feature lectures, seminars, demonstrations, film and video presentations, plus lots of fireworks shooting, include testing of retail class "C" fireworks. Attendees also have the chance to show off at various pyrotechnic competitions. But don't expect Muskegon to host this event every year. The PGI Convention is a roving affair.