by Meagan R. Dubreuil
Nothing heralds the coming of the New Year or celebrates Independence Day like fireworks. Indeed, fireworks displays on such festive occasions are an American tradition. But for the family-owned-and-operated company Pyrotecnico, fireworks are more than a tradition: They are a way of life.
Pyrotecnico is the third largest fireworks display provider in the country, and puts on more than 2,000 shows each year. Headquartered in New Castle, Pennsylvania, the firm also has offices in Atlanta, Tampa, Montgomery, Ala.—and Mandeville.
Rocco Vidale, the general manager of Louisiana Operations who runs the company with his brother, Stephen, says, “I’ve always looked at fireworks shows a little differently than everyone else.” No doubt he has. Rocco and Stephen’s ancestors founded the company in 1889; they are the family’s fourth-generation in the business.
The Vidales take their work seriously, as did their ancestors before them, and Pyrotecnico’s impressive repertoire is proof that their hard work has paid off. They pride themselves in the fact that no two of their shows are the same; every display, whether indoors or outdoors, is custom-designed to cater to its particular event and audience.
Pyrotecnico is the mastermind behind many of the fantastic fireworks shows that we have seen on television, including those at the halftime of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston and at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. The company also produces all the fireworks for the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Eagles, and creates each year’s massive Independence Day display in Philadelphia. Occasionally, the work extends to the international level as well; in mid-October 2005, the firm orchestrated a fireworks display in China.
But many of us here in South Louisiana have witnessed Pyrotecnico’s spectacular presentations first-hand: at New Orleans’ Celebration in the Oaks in City Park; at the Go Fourth on the River display from barges on the Mississippi River each July 4th; at the Zephyrs’ Friday night shows; and at the Boomtown and Treasure Chest casinos. Pyrotecnico’s awe-inspiring work can be enjoyed at numerous northshore locations, including Independence Day celebrations in the cities of Ponchatoula, Hammond and Covington, and at Tchefuncta County Club in Covington; at the Mandeville Seafood Festival; and at Chef Soirée, an event for which Pyrotecnico donates its work.
As Rocco explains the evolution of fireworks, he notes the changes in how shows are created and orchestrated. In the past, the displays were all essentially hand-done. The explosives were rolled by hand and fired by hand. But this method is fast being replaced by—you guessed it—computer technology. The use of computers allows for a more complex show involving special effects and choreographing to music. Each explosive may be connected, through a master control board, to music that is being played simultaneously. These computer-choreographed shows are not only more high-tech—they are also more safe.
The training of an explosives technician, called a pyrotechnician, is not taken lightly. Pyrotecnico requires that all technicians involved in setting off explosives attend at least one training seminar per year. The state requires a license for a lead technician, and all helpers must be cleared through the federal government’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. To receive a license, a technician-in-training must accompany a licensed pyrotechnician to a minimum of five shows, and must also pass an examination. Rocco is thankful that there have been no serious injuries in the company’s recent history, and asserts, “Making sure everyone is safe is always our ultimate goal.”
A company dealing with explosives in large quantities and on a regular basis unavoidably faces regulatory challenges. According to Rocco, these challenges have increased quite a bit since 9-11, including heightened scrutiny by the ATF. Pyrotecnico also has to deal with the Department of Transportation, since the company’s large trucks carry explosives across the country. Insurance costs increased sharply after 9-11, but have recently taken a downward turn.
One secret to Pyrotecnico’s success may lie in the fact that the Vidale brothers themselves are perhaps their toughest critics. Since their goal is to have each show cater to its particular audience and event, the brothers and their crew review each show with a critical eye, asking themselves whether they succeeded. While delighted spectators are getting up to leave an event, the pyrotechnicians are discussing ways in which it could have been improved. Rocco states, “We know that we can always get better at what we do.”
Will Pyrotecnico continue to stay in the Vidale family for future generations? Rocco is not sure. He does not yet have children. His brother, Stephen, who is president of the company and lives in Pennsylvania, has two daughters, but they are still quite young; it is uncertain whether their paths will keep them in the fireworks industry.
Even as fourth-generation pyrotechnicians with many years in the business, the Vidales are still touched by the reactions of their spectators. A satisfied audience makes it all worthwhile. As Rocco says, “The applause at the end really makes us feel good.”
|
Home | Advertising Information | Archive of Past Issues | Contact Us
