Dominator Fireworks Blog

Dominator announces winner of choreography contest

2010-04-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Firejunkie on winning the Dominator Spring Showdown Contest!

The contest had 17 total entries and it was a tough decision for the judges, after narrowing it down to 5 shows they feel they made the right choice with Firejunkies "Bon Jovi" show. You can click HERE to see his winning show simulation. To view most of the shows entered in the contest click HERE

Firejunkie has decided to pick his winning fireworks from www.usfireworks.biz with their huge selection of Dominator product.

Dominator has been working to expand on the product offered in Finale Fireworks software, and should have a new batch ready for release in the coming weeks. Also keep an eye out for a press release announcing a first ever of it's kind competition where Dominator will host another contest, with the winning simulation turned into a real display to be fired at the 2010 PGI convention in Appleton WI.

For more information on the contests or to purchase a copy of Finale's choreography software visit www.dominatorfireworks.com

India's Fireworks

2010-04-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Searching the globe for interesting fireworks information turns up a not so well known manufacturing giant, outside of China! The area around Sivakasi, in the Southern part of India is home to as many as 1,000 fireworks factories and is responsible for up to 90% of India's fireworks production including both professional display, and consumer fireworks.

India's culture celebrates many religious festivals with fireworks, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to meet their own demands, they are it seems though, one of the few countries who manufactures more fireworks than they import.

Fireworks here are largely created using ancient methods, although the industry didn't really take off until the 1920's it thrives and is taking steps toward mechanizing the processes for safety and production purposes, hopefully making them a contender in the global market in the near future.

Similar to China, firecrackers are a mainstay item in India, and one of the local favorites is called the Jute Twine Bomb, a very loud firecracker that is also used for agriculture and scaring birds away from airport runways.

The yearly average temperature of around 89 degrees, and the mainly dry climate makes it an excellent area for production, although the low humidity can also create some safety concerns.

India produced fireworks are known for high quality construction and raw materials, which are becoming increasingly difficult to find supply of and largely control market pricing. Who knows when fireworks produced in India might be available in your area!

New Dominator Products at USFireworks.biz

2010-04-11T07:43:00.001-07:00

USFireworks.biz has just updated their website with new Dominator Fireworks Products for Sale On-Line.

Check out all the categories here:

Category	URL
Aerials	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/aerials.htm
Assortments	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/assortments.htm
Bottle Rockets	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/brockets.htm
Cakes	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/cakes.htm
Cones	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/cones.htm
Confetti	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/confetti.htm
Crackle Effects	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/crackle.htm
Day Time Effects	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/daytime.htm
Firecrackers	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/firecrackers.htm
Fireworks	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/catalog.htm
Fountains	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/fountains.htm
Fuse	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/fuse.htm
Ground Items	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/ground.htm
Helicopters	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/helicopters.htm
Jacks	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/jacks.htm
Miscellaneous	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/misc.htm
Missiles	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/missiles.htm
Mortars	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/mortars.htm
200G Multi Shot Aerials	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/multishot.htm
Novelties	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/novelties.htm
Parachutes	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/parachutes.htm
Planes	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/planes.htm
Reloadable Aerials	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/reloads.htm
Repeaters	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/repeaters.htm
Retail Fireworks	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/retail.htm
Rockets	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/rockets.htm
Roman Candles	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/candles.htm
Shells	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/shells.htm
Single Shot Aerials	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/singleshot.htm
Sky Flyers	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/skyflyers.htm
Sky Rockets	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/skyrockets.htm
Smoke Items	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/smoke.htm
Snakes	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/snakes.htm
Snaps	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/snaps.htm
Sparklers	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/sparklers.htm
Spinners	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/spinners.htm
Strobe Effects	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/strobes.htm
Tubes	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/tubes.htm
UFOs	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/ufos.htm
Wheels	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/wheels.htm
Wholesale Fireworks	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/wholesale.htm
Maximum Load 500g	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/maxload.htm
Safe and Sane	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/safesane.htm
Whistle Effects	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/whistle.htm
Punk	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/punk.htm
Poppers	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/poppers.htm
Equipment & Supplies	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/supplies.htm
Promotional Supplies	http://www.usfireworks.biz/category/promo.htm

Fireworks Shipping - 2010 Low Water Fee to end March 15th

2010-03-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

Good news from Liuyang.

With all the major shipping lines except one now charging BAF and ERC (Emergency Revenue Charge), it is good news that the Xiangjiang River is back to normal water levels and the Low Water surcharges will be cancelled with the 15th March 2010 barge sailing from Changsha Terminal.

Dominator Fireworks wishes you a swift start to the summer selling season.

Europe enacts new CE regulation as of Jan 4 2010

2010-03-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

European importers, sellers and enthusiasts are adjusting to the recently enforced "CE" designation required on all fireworks imported into or manufactured in European countries. After several years of discussion, Parliament has placed into effect as of January 4, 2010.

All fireworks, cat2, cat3 and cat4 must comply so this ruling effects everyone from the consumer shooters on Bonfire night to the professional display companies making their living with fireworks.

The goal of the CE regulation is to bring uniform safety and guidelines to firework use across Europe. This was the subject of many discussion on pyrotechnic forums leading up to the enactment date, and left wholesalers and China manufacturers doing their best to make sure they complied by the January 4th deadline. All cat2, cat3 and cat4 fireworks must now have the distinct CE marking in place before leaving the manufacturers.

Labeling

Pyrotechnic articles must be properly labeled in the official language(s) of the country in which they are sold, which requires much coordination between the importer and manufacturer with the many countries and different languages across Europe.

The labeling must state, as a minimum:

the name and address of the manufacturer and the name of the importer, where the manufacturer is not established in the Community;
the designation and type of the pyrotechnic article;
the age limits;
the relevant category;
the instructions for use;
the safety distance to be observed;
the quantity of active explosive material.
Obligations of the manufacturer, importer and distributor

Manufacturers must ensure that pyrotechnic articles meet the essential safety requirements. They have to submit the articles to a notified body, which will perform a conformity assessment procedure. If the article meets the requirements of this Directive, the notified body will issue a certificate of conformity to the manufacturer, who will affix the "CE" marking to the article.

If the manufacturer is not established in the Community, the importer must ensure that the product meets the requirements of this Directive.
Finally, distributors also have obligations: they must verify that the article bears the conformity markings and is accompanied by the required documents.

Dominator Fireworks in Liuyang has and will continue to work with European Importers to comply with the new CE regulations, and has made many samples for select companies to submit for approval.

MALTA INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL APRIL 29 – 30, 2010

2010-03-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority will be organizing the 8^th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival. The Grand Harbour will once again provide the perfect setting for this event, which will take place on Thursday, April 29 and Friday, April 30. The festival shall also form part of the 6th Anniversary Celebrations of Malta’s accession into the European Union. (2004).

Participating in the festival will be numerous Maltese and two Italian Fireworks Companies. Orzella Fireworks Company of Rome will open the first evening on April 29. There will be numerous fireworks displays synchronized to music. This will be coupled with a variety of competitive displays by numerous Maltese fireworks factories. A fireworks display synchronized to music will close the event on each evening. One of these will be designed by the Santa Maria Fireworks Factory of Mqabba and the other will be designed by the Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory of Zurriq. On April 30, the world renowned Parente Fireworks Company of Italy will be closing the festival with its own grand pyro-musical display.

The best view points to enjoy the fireworks displays will be from Barriera Wharf on the Valletta sea front or else from on top of the bastions of the capital city Grand Harbour. For further and more updated information you may phone any one of these numbers: 22915440-1 or 23696073 / 4; email: info@visitmalta.com; website: www.visitmalta.com.

Tradition of Fireworks in Malta

Fireworks in Malta have a long tradition which goes back to the time of the Order of the Knights of St John. The feu de joie, the musketterija, the solfarelli d’aria, St Catherine’s wheels (irdieden) and other forms of fireworks originated from explosives that were lit off from mortars as an expression of rejoicement on special occasions, such as the election of a Grand Master or a Pope as well as on the birth of a prince. This centuries-old tradition is still very much alive in the crowded calendar of village festas that take place all over Malta and Gozo.

For further update please visit www.visitmalta.com/events.

Malta

Fireworks Festival 2010

PROGRAMME

29th APRIL

21.00 hrs : Opening display by the Independent Fireworks Factory of Qrendi

21. 15 hrs : Grand pyro-musical display by Orzella Fireworks Company (Italy)

21.40 hrs : Maltese Fireworks Competition

Three competitive fireworks displays by Maltese fireworks factories:

· Lourdes Fireworks Factory – San Gwann

· St Nicholas Fireworks Factory – Siggiewi

· La Stella Fireworks Factory – Gudja

22.15 hrs : Grand Pyromusical Display by Santa Maria Mqabba

30^TH APRIL 2010

21.00 hrs : Opening display by the Independent Fireworks Factory

21. 15 hrs Grand pyro-musical display by Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory

(Zurrieq)

21.40 hrs : Maltese Fireworks Competition

Three short competitive fireworks displays by Maltese fireworks factories:

· The St. Mary Fireworks Factory – Mgarr

· St. Bartolomew Fireworks Factory – Gharghur

· St. Mary Fireworks Factory - Ghaxaq

22.30 hrs : Grand Pyromusical Display by Parente Fireworks Factory (Italy)

END OF FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

China Retail Fireworks Sales - A Market Top?

2010-02-28T03:43:00.001-08:00

Here is an interesting article about the China Domestic Fireworks Market. My personal observation was the same as this article. Last year, I observed enthusiast sales of all fireworks, including the largest, most expensive fireworks over $100 USD per piece. The tents were too crowed to even enter.

This year, I observed only a few shoppers through the season and the largest items sat unsold. As I looked at the product being shot across the city, I could see that the product quality had gone down considerably from last year. Where last year I saw high quality display pieces being shot all around the city, this year I observed a trend toward a much simpler (and cheaper)salute style cake with boring red and green peony breaks.

As a sat with one of the larger factory owners for lunch yesterday I asked if he heard any updates on the retail sales across the country. He confidently assured me that sales were fantastic. I told him that I am not so sure as that was different from what I had observed. From his perspective, he has just finished the largest domestic manufacturing season on record. The question is, will his customer have large stocks of inventory left over from a slow retail season and will the domestic orders be reduced next season?

The unknown variable is how have sales been across the entire country. Although sales appear to have topped out in the major cities, China's population across thousands of mid to small size cities and the market may continue to grow in these cities for many years as their economic conditions improve.

A possible explanation for why sales have cooled in the largest cities is because fireworks were banned for over 10 years. When the government allowed sales again three years ago, everyone rushed out to relive old childhood memories of shooting fireworks. In casual conversations, I would say as many as 80% of all people purchased at least some fireworks last season. However, the novelty quickly wore off as Fireworks are in fact loud, dangerous and expensive, especially the types available in China. This year, I think people just preferred to look out their windows and enjoy the fireworks from the warmth of their homes, or light a few crackers and fountains with their children or grandchildren.

By Tu Lei

For the vendors in the more than 2,000 red fireworks sales booths throughout Beijing, the annual 15-day Chinese New Year period was more of a bust than a boom.

This year, Beijing authorized 2,418 fireworks booths, up about 10 percent over last year. But like a dud that fizzles briefly before it goes out or just weakly pops, profits were low and discounts were high, according to vendors and distributors.

Manufacturers also reported a slump in export profits for the world's largest manufacturer of fireworks.

High discounts, low sales

"We do not earn money this year," said a saleswoman surnamed Wang at a booth along the North Fourth Ring Road.

Nearly all the explosives, from strings of small ladyfingers and smoke bombs to elaborate aerial display shells, were discounted, some as high as 50 percent, said Wang. She said her most expensive eardrum busters cost about 1,000 yuan ($146.48), but the best sellers were for children and cost only a few dozen yuan.

Two kilometers away, another saleswoman named Tian Shuying echoed Wang's words.

"The Spring Festival Eve was our busiest night," Tian said. "We sold thousands of yuan worth of fireworks that night, but after that business dropped and hasn't been good enough. Today (Tuesday) we've only sold 100 yuan ($14.65) of fireworks.

"The best sellers are all under 100 yuan. There have been too many bargains this year, but if we don't have discounts we don't have any sales," she added.

Tian, who works as a grocer when not selling fireworks, is from Qinghuangdao, Hebei Province, 300 kilometers away from Beijing. She opened the 24-hour booth February 10, three days ahead of Chinese New Year's Eve.

A fireworks distributor who declined to give his name told the Workers' Daily that last year he invested 520,000 yuan ($76,167.04) in four booths and earned 540,000 yuan ($79,096.54). But this year his profit will be less than 200,000 yuan ($29,295.02).

Pan Di, general manger of Beijing Panda Fireworks, a leading fireworks manufacturer who participated in the opening ceremony's fireworks of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, said that the sales this year were almost the same as last year, and consumers were careful about making their purchases.

"In past years, the sales of large fireworks weren't bad, but now inexpensive small ones are often sold out. Some consumers would rather shop around to make a final decision," said Pan, who added the average amount spent is about 300 yuan ($43.94).

Although the average price of fireworks in Beijing is less than 5 percent higher than last year, some residents said they were reluctant to spend even that much.

Penny pinching buyers

In a random poll of 20 people who bought fireworks in a community near the Fourth Ring Road, 12 said they spent less than 100 yuan on fireworks this year and only two said they spent more than 1,000 yuan.

Xu Quan, a technician for a US company said he only bought the fireworks for his young son. "Seeing other people blow off fireworks is also ok for me," said Xu.

Moreover, to save money, some residents cut costs by buying them even cheaper outside of Beijing.

Han Bing, an employee at Sojitz (China), and a fireworks fanatic, said he typically spent 2,000 yuan ($292.95) on fireworks, but beginning last year he bought them in Langfang or other areas of Hebei Province because the prices are half or even two thirds cheaper than in Beijing.

"I only need to spend around 800 yuan ($117.18) for what I could buy for 2,000 yuan ($ 146.46) or even more in Beijing," said Han.

Skimpy export profits

There were nearly 7,000 producers certified to manufacture fireworks by the end of 2008, said Jin Wencun, vice-director of China Grocery Products for Daily Use Marketing Society, in October last year.

With a market worth about 20 billion yuan ($2.93 billion), China is the only major fireworks exporter in the world because 99 percent of the world's fireworks are made here.

"Nearly one-fourth of our fireworks are exported overseas," said Zhao Weiping, Board Chairman of listed Beijing Panda Fireworks, and vice director of National Fireworks & Firecrackers Standardization Technology Committee.

Zhong Ziqi, general manager of Hunan-based Liuyang Dancing Fireworks Group, said half of the sales are exported to five continents, with the US the biggest customer that accounts for 40 percent of sales, followed by Japan, Germany, and Canada.

"The display shells are the most popular, accounting for 60 percent of the exports," said Zhong, adding last year that sales income was less than 200 million yuan ($29.30 million).

Wanzai, a fireworks manufacturing center in Jiangxi Province, witnessed a sales income of more than 3.2 billion yuan ($46.87 million) last year and the explosives were exported to more than 50 countries and regions.

However, experts said the largely unregulated fireworks export market makes for thin profits.

Manufacturers often produce small amounts, and the average annual output value is only 3.2 million yuan ($468,720.25), leading to skimpy profits and fierce competition, Zou Jianjun, analyst from Fortune Securities, was quoted by China Business News February 6.

Zhao at the fireworks standardization technology committee said at the end of 1980s, the fireworks could be sold for as much as $40 per box, but this year, the equivalent box is sold for $15. "Those big producers nearly earn nothing," said Zhao. In the first half of 2009, Panda saw an export drop of 32.81 percent.

"It is urgent to set up an association to regulate the fireworks export market," said Zhao.

Dominator Product Simulations

2010-02-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

It's finally here! Dominator has finished it's first batch of realistic simulations of it's 1.4 consumer product in the Finale Fireworks Choreography Program online, around 50 items total. Plans are to simulate the majority of the 1.4 consumer product and much of the 1.4g Pro line as well. We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to build shows around our product, and this is the most powerful tool to help with that in a long time! We are currently holding a contest that will end on April 15th, with a winner being announced April 30th. The prize will be $500.00 in fireworks from one of our suppliers, or we will arrange payment for submissions where a supplier is not readily available.

If you wish to enter the rules are simple:
500 cue maximum
4 minute run time
No using the edit feature to alter the fireworks
Must consist of Dominator fireworks only
To enter a show send an email, with a link to your show to ed@dominatorfireworks.com and it will be filed for viewing by the judges.

More details here: Fireworks Contest

Yes, you must have Finale Fireworks software to enter, we have negotiated with them to include the Dominator product in all versions of the software, so you can sample it's capabilities and see the Dominator product for as little as $15.00, this will give you a great feel for if you will want to upgrade to a higher version in the future.

Here is a sample show, Be sure to check out some of the other shows being submitted by clicking the banner on our home page...Or clicking the banner in the post below.

Dominator Fireworks and Finale Fireworks Team Up To Offer Pro1.4G Simulations

2009-10-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Dominator Fireworks has teamed-up with Finale Fireworks to create a database of realistic simulations of Dominator's Pro1.4G product line as well as popular Dominator Consumer items.

Dominator's Pro1.4G product line features the highest quality single effect cakes, and single shot mines and comets that are perfect for Choreography.

Although difficult to obtain previously, USFireworks.biz will stock and ship Dominator's Pro1.4G product line in 2010.

Finale Fireworks has the vision of making computer simulation and scripting of fireworks shows easy and low cost. At only $199, the cost is extremely attractive for all users.

Please click on the link banner to learn more about Finale Fireworks. Look for more announcements soon with regard to the Dominator's Effect Library, Dominator simulation contests, and other cooperation with Finale Fireworks!

Dominator Fireworks Sponsors PGI 2009 Grand Public Display

2009-08-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Dominator Fireworks is proud to be one of the exclusive manufacturers that sponsored all the product for the PGI 2009 Grand Public Display. Dominator provided many of the cakes, and a significant number of display shells as well.

The display was choreographed and shot by Dean Kuhn, who is now president of Zambelli Fireworks Internationale Northern Region.

The show consisted of over 4,000 shells and over 12,000 cake shots. The PGI grand Public Display is considered to be one of the premier showcase events worldwide and Dean and Zambelli did a great job to showcase all the Dominator product.

Here is a video of the last 8 minutes of the 30 minute display.

Solar Eclipse in Liuyang, China!!

2009-07-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to have a perfect blue sky for today's Solar Eclipse!

A full Eclipse only occurs makes it to the same location less then once a lifetime, so unless you travel to see this event it is very rare.

Liuyang was not quite in the path of "totality", but pretty close. It appeared to me that about 95% of the sun was covered by the moon.

It grew noticeably darker and darker and people began to rush out of the building to get a look. Even with only 5% of the sun exposed, you still can't see anything other then a white hot ball if you look directly at it.

We improvised and used some of the black photographic films that we used for printing our colorful labels. These films proved to be a good filter and let in just enough light to see the crescent shape of the moon covering the sun.

The light given off by the hidden sun is nothing short of spooky, it is not the same light as a cloudy day, it is almost as if you are in a dimly lit room with a small florescent light. It seemed to me at least that the light has shifted somewhat to the blue spectrum (Doppler shift?), or maybe I was just getting wrapped up in the spooky hype surrounding eclipses!

For me, an Eclipse is an exciting and unique experience, however I could observe around me that there is still a lot of superstition that exists around such events in China, as not everyone was as excited and enthusiastic as I was!

Every day is truly an adventure here in Liuyang!

Top 10 Best Movie Fireworks Scenes

2009-07-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

This Top 10 Best Movie Fireworks Scenes list was put together by Tyler Norman, an avid fireworks lover as well as an independent filmmaker and screenwriter who recently did a short film which was produced by John Travolta's brother Joey (in post-production on this). Tyler is also working on getting his first feature film project up and going.

10. CONEHEADS (1993) - Is this what fireworks look like on other planets?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uELhEYbZIy8

9. JOE DIRT (2001) - I'd rank this higher if it wasn't all talk, but still a classic scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH2uifOWP-k

8. MEET JOE BLACK (1998) - Jim Souza was actually hired to do this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaX_HeyXppA
(it starts around 1:30)

7. DANNY DECKCHAIR (2003) - A man in a chair strapped to hundreds of balloons flies straight through a volley of fireworks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31KKpp_EZ04
(skip forward to 2:30 - only clip I could find)

6. SHANGHAI KNIGHTS (2003) - A huge fireworks display in 1890's London is the site of the film's final battle. In one scene we get a live 6" mortar hoisted over one's shoulder and used as a bazooka.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy348ofPs_0

5. THE BOY WHO COULD FLY (1986) - During a dream sequence, a fireworks display is witnessed close-up in the clouds. One of the greatest "movie magic" scenes ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUaAkAmqyn8
(Skip forward to 5:20)

4. THE SANDLOT (1993) - A group of kids use the light from a July 4th fireworks display to play baseball at night. A double whammy of classic Americana.

3. MARY POPPINS (1964) - Who can forget this one? A wannabe "pirate captain" uses a horizontal volley of fireworks to break up a rooftop dance sequence. Impressive effects for the '60s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu23HHmOG48
(Skip forward to 5:30)

2. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (2001) - Want some really unusual and impressive fireworks? Get Gandalf to come to your next party.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hudnsbDbOJY

1. V FOR VENDETTA (2006) - Hands down the most powerful and effective use of pyrotechnics in any film story. I will never forget the chills I got watching this in the theater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaGxhpD1NZ4

Honorable Mention:

- 1991 movie "Dutch" with Ed O'neill, very funny stuff with a roman candle is all I'll say.

- "The 3 Amigos"- my personal favorite with castillos and an awesome soundtrack! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUw5HNYIBTs -(pyro starts at 7:00 min)

Liuyang Fireworks Festival (9th) Opening Ceremony, May 22, 2009

2009-05-23T02:22:00.000-07:00

The opening ceremony of the 9th China Liuyang International Fireworks Festival was held May 22, 2009. The opening ceremony kicks off the three day fireworks event. The schedule includes the opening show on the 22nd, followed by the Pyro-Musical competition on the 23nd, and ending with new product demonstrations on the 24th.

The opening ceremony is a lavish event that features a full line-up of famous Chinese and HK pop stars performing live on stage. The tickets sell for up to 1680 rmb ($250 USD), but still the event sells out to a huge crowd of mostly mainland Chinese who are either just lovers of fireworks and pop, or are in the fireworks business in some part of China.

This year, with warnings of US visitors possibly being quarantined for one week, the foreign visitors mostly chose to stay at home. The May date also makes it difficult for US operators to attend as their busy season is just getting started.

Dominator Fireworks has uploaded videos of the fireworks portions of the opening ceremony. All effects seen in the video are avaliable for purchase from Dominator Fireworks.

As always, the show was big and spectacular. Please enjoy the show!

Video #1 - Opening Liuyang Fireworks Festival

Video #2 - Opening Liuyang Fireworks Festival

Video #3 - Opening Liuyang Fireworks Festival

Video #4 - Opening Liuyang Fireworks Festival

Video #5 - Opening Liuyang Fireworks Festival

Video #6 - Opening Liuyang Fireworks Festival

Video #7 - Opening Liuyang Fireworks Festival

Dominator Adds New Dealers

2009-05-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

Dominator Fireworks has added several new dealers around the country. We are excited to add the following to our rapidly growing list of locations you can buy Dominator Fireworks.

Please visit our Dominator Fireworks Dealer Pages to get a complete listing of dealers in every state, as well as international locations were Dominator Fireworks are available.

Flordia - Pyro Junkie - (813) 264-1195

Garyville, La. - (504)-270-8117

Addison, PA - Little Big Shots

Hudson, OH - American Fireworks

US Fireworks - On-line fireworks sales

Pequot Lakes, MN - Kuhn Fireworks

International Dealers

South Africa - Starburst Pyro

Sweden - Göteborgs FyrverkeriFabrik AB

Mexico - Pyroimagen Mexico

We will be making new individual dealer pages for each of these dealers soon. Please check back!

Report from Intl. Symposium on Fireworks Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2009-05-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

We just returned from the International Symposium on Fireworks Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Although the Swine Flu was a scare, I think everyone has returned home safely and despite this scare, the Symposium was a huge success and a lot of fun as always!

It was great to see old friends of Dominator Fireworks and to meet many new friends!

Mexico has such a deep and rich tradition in fireworks. It was really fantastic that the Symposium was able to be held in Mexico and so many fireworks companies from around the world were able to see such unique displays. As you may know, Mexico is famous for it's Traditional Castillo fireworks style displays.

The week's events featured several very elaborate displays showcasing some of Mexico's finest traditional Castillo makers as well as more traditional aerial fireworks.

Not only were the fireworks displays spectacular, but the scenery and weather was as well.

Puerto Vallarta provided some beautiful backdrops for the many fantasitc shows as in this photo of Dennis Coster of Fireworks Productions , Inc.

Just look at the gerogous sunseting over the blue ocean.

Once again, we would like to thank everyone that stopped by the Dominator Fireworks booth at the trade show. If you would like more information on cooperation with Dominator Fireworks for any type of Chinese Fireworks, or Fireworks Supplies, then please contact us at mailbox@dominatorforeworks.com

July 4th Fireworks Shows Threatened by Budget Cuts Nationwide

2009-04-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

July 4th Fireworks Shows Threatened by Budget Cuts Nationwide

Across the nation, Fireworks Shows are either being threatened or canceled due to tight economic times.

Large corporate sponsored shows and smaller community sponsored shows are equally being threatened as festivals are having a difficult time to collect enough money to pay for fireworks displays.

As an example, after 44 years, Ivar's Seafood Restaurants is Seattle, WA will not sponsor a July 4 fireworks show this summer. The Montauk, NY Music festival and Fireworks Display has fallen victim to budget cuts and could be threatened next year. The annual July 4th show in Edgewater FL was funded by local businesses last year, however this year's fundraising efforts have failed to raise nearly enough to pay for the fireworks display.

However, communities and festival organizers are not going to give up easy. Just as budget cuts threatening displays, individuals and corporations in communities are stepping up to help fund the endangered fireworks shows.

Many organizers are using the new power of social networking and the internet to help raise funds.

As an example Penny Sweet of the Kirkland, WI July 4th festival is determined to help her communities Jult 4th display survive this though times.

"I think the 4th of July is such a precious event to this community that people will step forward," says Sweet who has begun using social networking technologies like Twitter and Facebook to ask for donations.

Similar determination has saved many shows across the nation as festival organizers find creative alternative sources of funds. As an example, the Fourth of July fireworks show will go on as planned in Bay Minette, AL now that the City Council has agreed to help the Rotary Club pay for the annual display.

Dominator Fireworks will continue to monitor the state of fireworks displays across the nation and globally and keep the industry updated.

Updates for Dominator Fireworks Website

2009-04-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Updates for Dominator Fireworks Website

We have several updates for the Dominator Fireworks website.

Please check them out!

Calender of Fireworks Shows Find Fireworks Displays Near You

Wolrd's largest list of Fireworks Links

2008 Beijing Olympic Fireworks Information

See amazing video of 87,480 grams of flash powder!

Buy on-line - Buy Dominator Fireworks On-line

China Currency & Fireworks

End of the golden age of fireworks importing

China Fireworks Cost Increases

Living the fireworks dream in Liuyang

11th Intl. Symposium on Fireworks Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

2009-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

11th International Symposium on Fireworks Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Dominator Fireworks is attending the 11th Intl. Symposium on Fireworks to be held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, April 20-24th 2009.

We will have a trade booth and plenty of free Dominator goodies to give away! Will you be attending the Symposium? If so, please write us at mailbox@DominatorFireworks.com we would love to arrange a short meeting with you in advance as we are all very busy during the event and it best to plan a meeting time in advance.

This series of Symposia has become the worlds premiere international gathering of the pyrotechnic industry. Each Symposium focuses on bringing together individuals of diverse pyrotechnic background, to provide a fertile atmosphere in which to see the newest technology, to trade experience and ideas on ways to enhance the industry and to move the science forward. The emphasis of the Symposia is on the presentation of papers and the discussion of topics dealing with the safety, scientific, engineering, artistic, and regulatory aspects of fireworks and other pyrotechnics associated with entertainment and celebration on a global basis.

We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new friends!

U.S. – China Agreement on Transportation of Hazardous Goods

2009-04-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

Industry Advisory U.S. China Agreement on Transportation of Hazardous Goods

TO: APA Members

FROM: Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director

SUBJECT: Department of Transportation Secretary Signs Cooperative Agreement with the Chinese on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods

On March 30^th in Washington, D.C, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood joined his Chinese counterpart Minister Li Shenglin, Ministry of Transportation (MOT), in ratifying a historical agreement to cooperate on the safe transportation of hazardous materials between the two countries. This effort was initiated in part because of the fireworks export problems experienced last spring following the Sanshui port closure and the dangerous goods restrictions implemented last summer due to the Beijing Olympics. The agreement is designed to help ensure safe transport of materials across all modes of transportation from seaports and aviation, to rail and highway with the goal of maintaining and strengthening the economic ties between the two countries.

As part of this initiative, a special DOT Committee has been formed to promote U.S. transportation practices in China. APA Executive Director Julie Heckman has been appointed by the DOT to serve on that committee, making the APA one of only 3 trade associations invited to join because of the unique trade & transport issues it faces.

According to Secretary LaHood, this Dangerous Goods agreement is a step forward in improving transportation’s role in maintaining a healthy environment for commerce and economic growth between the two countries – creating jobs for both U.S. and Chinese citizens. The next Transportation Forum between the two nations will be held in Washington, D.C. at the end of the year.

APA’s Executive Director is currently meeting with Mr. Chen Zhengcai, (MOT), in Long Beach, CA and discussing the details of the cooperative agreement as well as efforts underway in China to open additional ports for fireworks exports.

New Fireworks Port Open and Cosco begins 1.3G shipments to the USA

2009-03-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

New Fireworks Port Opens and Cosco begins 1.3G shipments to the USA

There is very good news regarding shipments of fireworks from China. It is expected that Zhaoqing port will begin accepting the transshipment of fireworks containers from Liuyang to Hong Kong to the US. At lest one forwarder has already begun quoting shipments. Initial rate quotes are not any lower then current shipments through Shanghai & Beihai, however more ports means more availability and eventually that has to lead to more competitive prices.

With, China Shipping, K-line, Maersk, MOL, and Matson all shipping 1.4G we are beginning to see some general reduction in prices as rates have just been lowered by about $300 by several forwarders. The challange is that in-land transportation cost from Liuyang to China ports still remain high and no new in-land transportation companies have begun accepting fireworks.

In addition, it is also expected that Coso Contianer Lines will begin accepting 1.3G shipments of display fireworks to the USA for door delivery! K-line is already accepting 1.3G but only to LA Port. Importers are expected to arrange thier own rail tranposrt, which is very complicated and makes shipping 1.3G with K-line not so realistic at this point.

9th Liuyang Fireworks Festival to be held May 22-24, 2009

2009-03-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

9th Liuyang Fireworks Festival to be held May 22-24, 2009

Coming as a surprise, the Liuyang government has announced that the 9^th China(Liuyang) International Fireworks Festival and Chinese fireworks & firecrackers exposition is officially planned to be held May 22-24th, 2009.

The details of the agenda have not been worked out yet, however there will be at least 15 activities planned.

We know it is short notice, but if anyone plans to attend the festival, please let Dominator know so that we can plan a small reception

If you have any questions or you want to know more about the festival and exposition, please feel free to contact Dominator Fireworks.

Rain in Hunan and Low Water Shipping Surcharge

2009-03-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

Rain in Hunan and Low Water Shipping Surcharge

The rains have finally arrived in Liuyang after a very mild winter. With the rain has come a slow down in production as everything takes a little longer to dry (if it drys at all!). However, on the positive side, the water levels have risen enough that Fireworks Transport Barges can now depart Changsha to Shanghai and thus this saves the cost of trucking the product upriver. The low water surcharge is set to end with most carriers on March 18th.

Dominator adds K-Line as new fireworks shipper

2009-02-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

Dominator adds K-Line as new fireworks shipper

Dominator Fireworks now has the K-Line ocean liner company as a shipping option. This gives a total of four carriers that are available for shipping. Unfortunately, K-Line's rates are still very similar to the other steam ship companies, however with each new company accepting fireworks, we hope that competition will eventually drive prices back to levels that improters can accept.

Article by John Sagaria on the Dubai Atlantis Palm Hotel Fireworks Show

2009-02-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

Article by John Sagaria on the Dubai Atlantis Palm Hotel Fireworks Show

Although Dominator Fireworks can't take any of the credit for the Dubai Atlantis show, it is such a monumental event in Fireworks History that we would like to feature an article that John wrote about his involvement in making the event happen.

John is a world class Pyromusical Cheoraghapher, he designed and produced the Dominator Fireworks Pro1.4G extravaganza that lit the skys of Nashville's Titan stadium and entertained the membership of the American Pyrotechnics Association. He has produced the grand public display at the Pyrotechnic Guild International. Occasionally, John even features Dominator products in his displays. With this backgraound, John was approached to participate in the record breaking Palm Hotel Fireworks Show. John, his crew, and equipment were flown to Dubai and he was responsible for a portion of the huge show.

John has prepared an article on the experience and I have posted it below along with some photos to document his adventure.
The Greatest Show on Earth By John Sagaria/December 2008

I did not come up with the name of this article, it was actually the name of a 1952 film produced, directed and narrated by Cecil B. DeMille, set in the Ringling Brothers And Barnum & Bailey Circus. But for what I experienced last month for 12 days, it is the closest title that seems appropriate.

Back in 2007, I saw a video of a show that Fireworks By Grucci did for opening the Cove Atlantis in Paradise Island. It was on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIV8KWAtQvU . It was one of the greatest effects that I had seen and I wrote an e-mail to Phil Grucci saying it was awesome, and how could I get on the crew of a show like that? About eighteen months later an opportunity came up where myself and my FireOne equipment was needed, and I found myself in Dubai at the Opening of the Atlantis Palm.

What I liked about the show in the Bahamas, was not the aerial show, but all the effects and small gerbs on the hotel. It was a grand effect made up of very small devices, all controlled extremely well. If you have ever attended any of my Seminars (Sagaria’s Controlling the Burn) you would know that I am really into making small devices the star of the show, and for this show it was exactly that.

Cut to the chase and get to Dubai. The Hotel in Dubai is of similar style and design as the one in the Bahamas, but is a lot larger. The effects Grucci did in Dubai on the hotel were more complicated and took many more modules and cues. It was the same style of effects as in the Bahamas but a much grander scale. My shoot location (thank goodness) was right near the hotel and I had a great view.

The show went off and what I remember from the video in the Bahamas, I saw live in Dubai. But for some reason it was not as impressive. It was not something that made you stand in awe. The hotel was nice, but if you ask anyone that was there that day, it was not the thing they will remember for ever.

The reason for this, is surrounding the hotel was arguably one of the greatest accomplishments in the world of pyrotechnics. Certainly the greatest that I have seen in my 15 years of doing this as a pro. It made the grand hotel effects (that up to that point was one of my favorite effects) look like a tiny small element. Sure the hotel was awesome, put the hotel on the Vegas strip and do that show by itself and people would be in tears and would never forget it. But in Dubai, it was just “oh that’s nice”.

In Dubai, the hotel was surrounded by the Worlds Largest Ever fireworks show. This is what it was billed as. People used the terms the largest ever in the history, and can be Seen From Space . In my old age I have come to always listen but not believe everything people say. People at times seem to sensationalize things and make things larger then they are. But what took place in Dubai was all true. The multimedia part was awesome, they turned the whole hotel in a huge screen and projected images on it.

When people talk large fireworks shows, many times they think large amounts of product just being shot in the air. The large ones that I dislike the most are the ones that are really just a bunch of small separate shows put together and duplicated. I have even made that comment about the Vegas NYE shows. They are spectacular because they are shot off the tops of billion dollar hotels, but they are really nothing more then a bunch of smaller identical shows shot at the same time.

Dubai was different. It was ONE large show. It was a show that took 7+ Containers of Fireworks (Yes I said containers, so in cases you are talking +/- 7000 Cases), over 225 Crewmembers and 12+ days on-site just to set up. It was only 9 minutes, and there was not a second that you would describe any of it as carpet bombing. And that is what made it the most impressive (to me) of all.

The hotel is located on an island that was man made and is in the shape of a Palm tree. The hotel is located where the coconuts would be on the palm. Phil Grucci designed the show to take full advantage of the site. The show was a big Palm. The aerial part spanned 11 miles around, the center was three miles long and it took over a thousand firing modules. The best part I think was how the fronds of the palm waved and changed colors. All of this which only could be appreciated from helicopter. This was not the duplicate of one firefile over and over but a complete single show, that spanned the control of 25+ computers and many thousands of lines of code.

The amount of fireworks, the number of people are all impressive, but none of that even becomes possible without a sponsor and a relationship. To me that was the most impressive part of all. The sponsor not only invested the large amounts of money to make this show happen, they gave the Grucci organization the complete trust. We had complete use of the Island, trucks, cars, generators, etc. This is what really made this possible. It was the relationship and trust the sponsor and the Grucci’s had for each other that impressed me, That is truly what makes any organization successful. Without that it would not even have been possible.

I have been on hundreds of shows over the years. Everyone of them has had issues. This show was no different, just here this issues we also of grand scale! There were many issues and this was one of the hardest shows that I have worked on. Some of the things I would have done differently, but just think of the logistics alone. Usually you and maybe 4-5 guys called your crew work on a show. On this show the crew was 225+, all of which had to be moved around, housed, fed and taken care of. Just the fact they (the Grucci Organization) were able to do this, and keep everyone safe was an accomplishment. Try to take 225 people out to lunch! How do you get them there? bus?, no maybe 5 buses!! Then try to do this for 12 days. Every time I thought it was bad I would think of the men and woman a short distance away in Iraq and Afghanistan, and how hard they have it, and it made any situation I was in seem trivial.

My favorite line I would use, is when I was working with someone, I would ask them if this was the largest show they ever worked on? It was a joke because it was the largest show anyone has every worked on. And for that the company did a good job, we were all brought there, we survived and we made it home. The sponsor was happy and the memories are all that matters. I am very glad I went, the experience taught me a lot on many many levels.

Here is a small video from the hotel, on the opening: http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/grandopening.aspx

It still gives me chills, to watch it. That is why it truly was the "Greatest Show On Earth", and will be described that way for a long time.

/JCS

Chinese New Year Traditions

2009-02-15T04:57:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year Traditions
& Beijing CCTV Hotel Fire

Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the new year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with children carrying lanterns and fireworks. New Year's Eve and the Lantern Festival are the biggest days for Fireworks, but fireworks are shot on all 15 days of the festival.

The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-yearcycle). This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated with food, family and Fireworks. New Years Eve rivals Christmas in China. It is the most important holiday.

More food is consumed during the New Year celebrations than any other time of the year. Vast amounts of traditional food is prepared for family and friends. Our family prepares Dumplings for New Year's Eve and Rice balls with bean sweet paste for the 15th day Lantern Festival.

Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight strings of firecrackers will ring through-out all China and now large cakes have become popular as well.

Unfortunately, this year's celebration ended in a large fire that reportedly was initiated by a non-permitted display conducted by a professional display company. A shell fell onto the roof of the unfinished Manderian Oriental Hotel and started a fire that gutted the multi-million dollar skyscraper. It is unclear how this will effect the legality of fireworks in Beijing, but the fire has spurred a bit of a backlash over fireworks as some resident grew tired of large falsh salutes at all hours of the day for the rather long 15 day Fireworks season.