The Pyrotechnics Guild International or PGI founded in 1969 is an independent worldwide nonprofit organization of amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts. Its membership is the largest pyrotechnic community in the world. The Guild has a yearly convention. People from all over the world come to this event that lasts for about a week.

Educational and scientific purposes

The PGI strives to promote the safe and responsible display and use of

pyrotechnics Pyrotechnics is the science and craft of creating such things as fireworks, safety matches, oxygen candles, explosive bolts and other fasteners, parts of automotive airbags, as well as gas-pressure blasting in mining, quarrying, and demolition. ...

and

fireworks Fireworks are a class of Explosive, low explosive Pyrotechnics, pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. They are most commonly used in fireworks displays (also called a fireworks show or pyrotechnics), combining a l ...

. Fireworks display operator training is offered, as well as classes on specific safety and legality issues. The PGI was founded by Max P. Vanderhorck a former meteorologist from San Diego California fueled by his love for fireworks and the preservation of what seemed (at the time) like a dying American Tradition. The PGI encourages the display of public and private

in conjunction with local and

national holidays National holiday may refer to: * National day, a day when a nation celebrates a very important event in its history, such as its establishment *Public holiday A public holiday, national holiday, or legal holiday is a holiday generally establishe ...

as well as patriotic and other events. Fireworks are a part of our heritage, and only through their responsible use will they continue to be available. The PGI promotes the production and sale of high quality

. Vendors who are found to be exceptional are invited to display fireworks during the PGI annual convention, as well as to advertise in the quarterly bulletins. The PGI helps channel the creative energies of talented people into the design, production and display of high quality

by example of the membership and through the sharing of knowledge. Many of these talented people would not know each other if they had not been united by the PGI. Information sharing occurs through the quarterly bulletins, during the week of the convention, and through an online mailing list.

Major Activities

1. Th
PGI Annual Convention
a week-long event held in early August, in a variety of locations. The convention includes many hands-on activities, such as classes and seminars, and construction of the "Superstring". There are nightly fireworks displays, each one bigger than the last, as well as fireworks sales and competitions. 2. Th
PGI Bulletin
a quality periodical published five times per year, containing guild news, pyrotechnic articles, historical articles, and advertising. 3. Th
PGI Website
providing access and information both to members and the general public. 4. Th
PGI Display Operators' Certification Course
offering comprehensive classroom instruction, field demonstrations, and written testing for potential display operators.

Friends of the PGI

The Fireworks Foundation, a non-profit group which works to ensure, in perpetuity, the existence of hobbyist fireworks and clubs. The

American Pyrotechnics Association The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) is an American trade association of companies engaged in the consumer fireworks industry. History The American Pyrotechnics Association was established by a group of seven fireworks manufacturing compan ...

, the premier trade association of the fireworks industry, founded in 1948.
Local or regional fireworks clubs
which allow their members to safely and legally engage in fireworks related activities such as learning what is involved in designing and setting up a display, how various fireworks are made or simply enjoying the show.

History

The Pyrotechnics Guild International was founded in 1969 by Max P. Vander Horck, then publisher of a monthly fireworks newsletter titled "American Pyrotechnist." Max envisioned the establishment of an organization for fireworks enthusiasts, whose goal would be not only to educate themselves regarding pyrotechnics, but the media, politicians and public as well. In March 1969 he announced to his subscribers that membership was available in a newly founded organization called the Pyrotechnics Guild International, and the PGI was born. The membership expanded for a few years and in 1974 a formal charter and bylaws were drawn up, officers elected, and formal incorporation accomplished (in Illinois), and the PGI became the PGI, Inc. Current membership stands at over 3,500. Members are from all walks of life, and range from people with just a passing interest all the way up to hard-core fireworks enthusiasts. Many regional clubs have sprung up over the last few years and have their own agenda of fireworks related activities.

References

External links