Fireworks Display at China National Day

Display location: Tiananmen Square
Date:Oct.1.

Details:BEIJING, China (CNN) -- Leaving nothing to chance, China is undertaking a massive security clampdown for a celebration next month to mark the founding of the Communist state.

The festivities at Tiananmen Square on October 1 will commemorate the 60th anniversary of National Day. President Hu Jintao is expected to deliver a speech, and a military parade and fireworks are also planned.

As part of its security measures, the government is building a security "moat" around Beijing, state media reported.

The government will deploy 220,000 security guards and 300,000 community volunteers for the ceremony, the Xinhua news agency said.

Adjoining provinces and municipalities will conduct security checks on roads leading to China's capital city to ward off potential threats.

Residents traveling to Beijing will be required to register their names. Every bus bound into the capital also has to be registered.

Thousands of police officers will stand guard at rail stations. And the government will ground flights during the parade, news reports said. Kite-flying will also not be permitted.

The Chinese will enjoy eight days off, from October 1 to October 8 -- both for the National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The country's railways ministry said it is expecting about 64 million people to travel by train during that period.

The government has canceled vacations for all firefighters to keep them at hand for an elaborate fireworks display planned for the occasion.

As early as March, police began a nationwide crackdown on March that will continue until October 1.

By the end of August, authorities had confiscated close to 53,000 guns and 2 million bullets, Xinhua said.

The security measures are intended to ward off a spillover of the disturbance that has shaken the western city of Urumqi where long-simmering resentment between minority Uyghurs and majority Han Chinese erupted into riots and left more than 200 people dead in July.

The following month, a series of series of syringe stabbings added to the unrest.

In addition, Beijing was shaken Thursday when a man with a knife fatally stabbed two people and wounded 12 others.

The Indiana Jones themed fireworks display

Display location: LEGOLAND town
City:San Diego
State:CA
Date:October 24& 25, October 30 &31, November 1 and 7

Details:Help Indiana Jones defeat the mummy's curse during a whole day of activities then celebrate with a breathtaking Indy-themed firework display.

To celebrate the end of the season, we have teamed up for the last time in 2009 with our favourite theme park to offer 38 of our readers the chance to win a set of family tickets to this spectacular show.

Taking place on October 24 and 25 as well as October 30 and 31, and then November 1 and 7, the amazing show is sure to amaze both young and old alike. But don't worry if you can't make these shows, your tickets will be valid for use on any day up until the end of the season on November 8, 2009.

As well as over 50 interactive rides and attractions, there'll be plenty of exciting daytime activities for little adventurers around the Park. There's the chance to get your hands dirty by unearthing hidden relics at our archaeological dig, you can take part in an Egyptian-themed LEGO(r) brick building competition and mingle with our colourful street entertainers as you race around the park to solve our hieroglyphics trail. If that's not enough, you can test your nerve by getting up close and personal with exotic snakes, hissing cockroaches, giant millipedes, Emperor Scorpions and fearsome-looking tarantulas!

As dusk falls, you can catch the breathtaking Indy-themed firework display which promises to be our best show to date. For an added treat, there's the chance to enjoy some of the most popular rides under the cover of darkness when the Park stays open for an extra hour after the main fireworks display.

LEGOLAND Windsor will open as usual from 10:00 and the show will commence at dusk. This is all included in the normal LEGOLAND(r) ticket price and is FREE to Full Annual Pass holders. Rides will close approximately one hour before the show begins. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.co.uk

Fireworks Display Planned For Clinton-Madison Central Match-Up

Display location:Madison
City:Madison
State:WI
Date:Sept.25

Details: CLINTON, Miss. -- One of the biggest high school football rivalries in the state will come to a head Friday when No. 1 Madison Central heads to Clinton to take on the No. 8 Arrows.

The game, which will be featured as the Blitz 16 game of the week, kicks off at 7:20 p.m. at Arrow Field. The game has turned into a full-blown event that will include skydivers, fireworks and a jumbotron. “Madison central is like the new kid on the block and when we got on -- we came on strong,” Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler said. Hawkins-Butler struck up a wager with Clinton Mayor Rosemary Aultman Monday. The losing mayor will have to complete a beautification project for the winning city.

Neither city has to foot the bill for the pre-game show because Cellular South is sponsoring it. Tickets, which are $6, are on sale through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and are available at the Clinton High front office.

Fireworks Display at APA Annual Convention

Display location:BETHESDA
City:BETHESDA
State:Md.
Date:September 25,26

Details: BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) makes its way to Branson, MO, next week to hold its Annual Meeting and Convention. And what can you expect from the premier trade association of the fireworks industry holding its annual convention? Dazzling fireworks displays like none other and an amazing trade show where fireworks retailers, importers and suppliers show off their latest wares.

According to APA Executive Director, Julie L. Heckman, “We are delighted to bring our annual convention to Branson, where we have felt so welcome by that beloved mid-west Missouri spirit. Missouri is a fireworks-friendly state, allowing the full array of consumer fireworks which are stringently regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, for sale and use by the general public.”

During the APA convention, professional fireworks companies from all over the world (U.S., Canada, Mexico, China, Italy, Australia, Spain, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan) will gather to learn the latest in safety, display design, choreography and regulatory requirements. They will hear from local speakers: Mayor Raeanne Presley, and Jim Hagale, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, on how the fireworks industry supports the local economy; and from U.S. Congress Representative, Roy Blunt, along with a variety of U.S. Federal regulators on legislative and compliance initiatives. “Most people only think about fireworks one day a year, July 4^th, but the fireworks industry is an incredibly complicated and stringently regulated industry,” said Ms. Heckman.

In Branson, locals can enjoy two wonderful evenings of fireworks displays produced by APA members. Friday, September 25, 2009, APA members will be firing up the sky at The Branson Landing, a $425 million dollar waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment destination located in Historic Downtown Branson along the beautiful Lake Taneycomo. The evening’s festivities will kick off at 8:00 p.m. with a LIVE Concert featuring performances by Clay Cooper & The Clay Cooper Music Express Band with special guest STARS, Collin Raye, Barbara Fairchild, Dusty Rogers and the Liverpool Legends. What to look for: at approximately 9:15 p.m. a beautifully orchestrated “close proximity” / roof top fireworks display, choreographed to a lively “gaming” theme, and at 10:15 p.m. a grand fireworks finale on the waterfront fired from a barge featuring a tribute to “Beatles Love” – followed by an unforgettable live performance from the Liverpool Legends, who together provide the Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show. For more information about the fireworks event in partnership with The Branson Landing, go to: www.bransonlanding.com.

On Saturday, the APA will open its trade show to the general public (admission is free) from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Branson Convention Center. And the big signature showcase, or APA’s fireworks finale, will occur on Saturday night at 9:45 p.m. at Moon Shine Beach (located near Table Top Dam), fired over Table Top Lake, in honor of the 50^th Anniversary of Table Rock Dam. The Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Highway Patrol and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers will oversee access and parking in the area.

Ms. Heckman said, “We look forward to our time in Branson and we hope to delight the community with amazing fireworks that leave a lasting impression for all, fireworks at their finest! Please join us and see what the premier trade association of the fireworks industry, APA, has to offer.”

About the American Pyrotechnics Association
The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has a diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers, suppliers and professional public display companies. Additional information about the fireworks industry, facts & figures, history of fireworks, state laws, and safety tips can be found on APA’s website at www.americanpyro.com.

Town centre fireworks display returns

Display location:Rochdale town
City:Rechdale
State:Lancashire
Date:5 November

Details: Fireworks will return to Rochdale town centre this Guy Fawkes Night following a two year absence.

The traditional display and funfair did not take place last 5 November because Rochdale Town Centre Management, who organise the event, were unable to provide funding.

Now, Rochdale TCM have confirmed that the fireworks will return to the town centre this year.

Fireworks display at Milford

Display location:MILFORD
City:MILFORD
State:CT
Date:Sept.6.

Details: MILFORD – A perfect storm of complications, including a fireworks technician’s knee surgery and a huge brush pile at the town transfer station, prevented the VFW-sponsored fireworks from going off as planned on Labor Day evening.

Sponsored by the men’s auxiliary of the Milford Veterans of Foreign Wars, the fireworks display was intended to cap a day of Labor Day celebrations that included the annual parade, a VFW pig roast and a chili contest.

Fireworks on Labor Day have a long tradition in Milford, and this year it was more meaningful because the town did not fund a Fourth of July display.

“A series of unfortunate events,” is how Matt Shea, general manager of Atlas PyroVision Productions, described the situation.

The Jaffrey company, which puts on about 750 shows in New England each year, was supposed to set off the Sept. 7 show at the Milford Transfer Station, to be viewed by people at Keyes Park and the soccer fields on North River Road.

But the VFW did not get the application to the town in enough time to get the transfer station ready, said Dawn Griska, executive assistant to the town administrator.

“We tried to scramble” to get a space for the fireworks, she said, but the transfer station wasn’t usable because of a “huge pile of brush” that will be chipped later this year.

The brush pile, fed all spring and summer by residents who are still cleaning up from the December ice storm, would have posed a fire hazard because it was too close to the fireworks.

“We did not have the time or the manpower” to deal with it, said Griska. “Six days was not enough time.”

After the VFW submitted its application on Tuesday, the town called the state fire marshal’s office to ask for advice, she said, and came up with a few alternate sites. However, by the time the VFW learned about the alternate sites on Wednesday, it had already had to cancel the event so that it wouldn’t lose its deposit.

Mike Buffelli of the VFW men’s auxiliary said Atlas accepted responsibility for the paperwork delay and did not fine the VFW $750, the penalty for late cancellation of the show, which was going to cost $5,000.
“It was just a paperwork snafu,” he said.

Fond du Lac firework display

Display location:FOND DU LAC
City:FOND DU LAC
State:WI
Date:Sept.11.

Details: FOND DU LAC - For many of the crews at the National Fireworks Association Convention, pyrotechnics run not only in the family, but in the veins.

“A 20 minute show can take 500 hundred hours of work to do but they love it," Dick Hardy with the National Fireworks Association said.but they love it. "These guys are pure pyrotechnicians. There was a saying that once you have smelt the smoke you can never go away.”

Hardy says the annual convention is a reunion for the industry, but also a business meeting where millions of dollars change hands.

According to the Fond du Lac Convention and Visitors Bureau there are 30 different manufacturers from China and 41 different states represented.

The event is expected to pump nearly $1 million into the local economy and plenty of other business outside it. Pyrotechnic teams and manufacturers relish the opportunity to show their skills to brokers.

Crew members from Wolverine Fireworks Display of Michigan, one of many companies in attendance, say the convention helps them meet distributors and customers. They choreographed a 9-11 tribute to music. The show will be set off electronically, but crew members say set-up is always a challenge.

"We've been working for three days, day and night setting up this display," Raymond Meyer with Wolverine said.

The city estimates 25,000 people turned out to watch the event. The 9-11 tribute lasted 26 minutes for a cost of $40,000.

Paris Explodes with Longest Fireworks Display

Display location:the St. Cloud park
City:Paris
Date:Sept.12

Details: The St. Cloud park in Paris is normally calm and tranquil, but on Sunday it turned into a deafening celebration of music and explosives.

The fireworks illuminated the park for two-and-a-half hours, making it the longest fireworks display in Europe. Three tons of explosives were used in the display.

[Jean-Eric Ougier, Artistic Director]:
“We wanted to show that fireworks themselves are enough for a long show, a real big spectacle, so we chose a real duration, two hours like a feature film. We will see if people have had enough, but I don't think so.”

Pianist Francois-Rene Duchable added to the celebration with his music — he was on a 12-meter crane amid the fireworks.

Duchable and his piano were surrounded by explosions and smoke, mixing the music and fireworks physically and acoustically, making it a real “pyroconcert."

[Madame Vera, Spectator]:
"It's wonderful, I love the pianist as well. I am very happy to hear him again here. I saw him a lot in Talloires, near Annecy. I love him, I love what he does, and with all these fireworks, it is fantastic.”

Other spectators were slightly put off by the duration and the size of the spectacle.

[Natalie Montagnier, Spectator]:
"It's great, it's magnificent, it's really well done but people aren't really comfortable, that is the reproach I have.”

A total of 23 thousand tickets were sold and there was a positive reaction to the artistic composition, and the fireworks.

Huge fireworks display highlights National Day celebration rehearsal

Display location:Tiananmen Square
City:Beijing
Date:Oct.1

Details: A National Day evening gala rehearsal concluded at Beijing's Tian'anmen Square in the early hours of last Sunday morning, September 12, 2009. A huge fireworks display was the highlight. A range of colorful fireworks complimented the various themes of the gala.

On the evening of October 1, a gala with the theme of "Praising our motherland and our times, and raising Chinese people's spirits" will be staged in Tiananmen Square. Fireworks will be let off in Tiananmen Square and other designated places.

Redneck Games feature fireworks display

Display location:WITTENBERG
City:WITTENBERG
Date:Sept. 19.

Details: WITTENBERG -- Jeff Foxworthy couldn't hold a candle -- or in this case, a Roman candle -- up against Jerry Bamke, who owns Fireworks Country in Wittenberg. Bamke and his wife, Sally, are teaming with WDEZ to host the first Fall Fest Redneck Games on Sept. 19.

"I was looking for a way to get people together for a good time without them having to spend a whole lot of money," Jerry Bamke said.

The event will feature fireworks, lawnmower races, pig wrestling and a truck pull, among other activities.

Organizers estimate that 50 to 75 trucks will compete. The 300-foot-long solid clay track already is set.

Truck pull competitor Nick Gaeu of Merrill said the clay has to be kind of wet to make it sticky.

"The stickier, the better. Then you see drivers break stuff," Gaeu, 20, said. "That's what the spectators come to see, us drivers breaking stuff.

"It's not if it's gonna happen, it's when it's gonna happen," he said.

He competes in his Dodge 2500 diesel truck purely for the adrenaline rush.

"The open diesel class is so fun," he said. "We always say, 'Run what you brung, and hope you brung enough.'"

After failing to qualify in the pig wrestling competition at the Merrill fair this year, Amber Vlietstra, 22, of Weston said her team of co-workers at Saint Clare's Hospital is itching to try again.

"It's a blast. It's fun getting muddy and dirty," she said. "But the mud gets heavy once it's on your clothes, so running around trying to catch the pig is definitely a workout."

Bamke rents the pigs and builds his own mud pit. A four-person team has one minute to pick up the pig and put its chest on the barrel. Bamke said there are strict rules to protect the pigs from harm.

"It's just fun, slopping around in the mud," Bamke said.

Fireworks display at the 20th annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival

Display location:Hampton Beach
City:Hampton
State:Virginia
Date:Sept.19

Details: The good news: You can't have seafood without water.

Mother Nature provided plenty of H2O Saturday for day two of the 20th annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival.

The bad news: Have we mentioned the water? How about the wind? The gray skies? The chill?

Back to the good news: Thousands didn't care and showed up anyway for a good time, good eats and the company of fellow landlubbers.

“The great thing about the Seafood Festival — it's our 20th anniversary, and the people that come, come every year,” said Jude David, chairwoman of the event. “A lot of people come rain or shine and they come from all over. A lot of our hotels are booked a year in advance with the same clientele.”

Still, the Saturday night fireworks had to be canceled and this year's attendance estimates may be lower than the recent count of 150,000 patrons.

“Because of the weather, the crowds are definitely thinner — last night and thinner today,” David said late Saturday afternoon. “Hopefully we'll make up some of that Sunday.”

Even with the rain, the giant white tents were still wall-to-wall people.

“It's always like this,” said Denise Levesque of Uxbridge, Mass.

“It's usually worse,” added her daughter, Kristen, while checking out bracelets at one of the 80 arts and crafts vendors.

The Levesques and Carol St. Hilaire of Mendon, Mass., have been coming to this festival for all 20 years — since Kristen was 3 years old.

What brings them back?

“The food, the crafts...” began St. Hilaire, who wore a Hampton Beach sweatshirt.

“... the fun,” added Levesque. “We can't miss it.”

Christine Winn and Kevin McKenzie of Milford, Mass., headed into the rain to enjoy their lobster tails from Ray's Seafood.

“It's delicious,” McKenzie said.

After eating they planned to do more walking around, shopping, people-watching and — later on — drinking and partying.

John and Cindy McQueen drove up from Amsterdam, N.Y., just for this festival.

“We were here 20 years ago and we both wanted to come back, so we picked this year,” Cindy said, as she and John stood in the center of a busy tent, chewing a lobster roll from Rye Harbor Lobster Pound.

How has the festival changed since they were last here?

“It's bigger, this is bigger than 20 years ago,” Cindy said.

“Oh, much bigger,” added a woman shuffling past through the crowd.

Inside the tent, representatives of the more than 50 Seacoast restaurants called out food offerings from seafood to Italian sausage and blueberry cobbler, while young environmentalists encouraged visitors to “help save the Earth for only $1” by buying a reusable bag.

A long line for free fish soup samples formed outside one tent where a culinary demonstration had just been hosted by the Pat Whitley Restaurant Show.

Later in the day, the crowds were entertained by The Drifters — “Under the Boardwalk,” “On Broadway” — and the Air Force Band of Liberty.

On the open strip, you could buy souvenirs such as lobster claw bottle opener magnets and 20th anniversary coasters for $4.95; or peruse standalone covered booths selling wallets, siding, cutlery, laser hair removal, cookies by design, chiropractic services, toe rings, waist chains, dog biscuits and even a “sniper” marshmallow gun.

“Marshmallow guns and name on rice necklaces — but it doesn't get much better than a marshmallow gun,” said proprietor John Begin, who demonstrated by shooting “low carb marshmallows” at passersby.

He has a shop in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, but this is his first year at the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival.

“If it wasn't raining it would be going great,” Begin said, noting that people were walking fast past the booths instead of stopping to browse as they would on a nice day.

“We're putting all our hopes into tomorrow,” he said.

As are the organizers at the Hampton Area Chamber Of Commerce.

“As I hear, Al Kaprielian is here on site and he promises us sunshine tomorrow,” David said.

Among the other events planned for the festival's close on Sunday, Sky Dive New England will be jumping out of planes at 5 p.m. sharp.

So if the rain scared patrons away, David hopes sun and fun wins them back.

“For the best in seafood and great bands and Kiddieland and the culinary chef demos and the skydiving at 5 — it's really great family fun,” she said.

Mid-Ohio Valley- the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival fireworks display

Display location: a barge on the Ohio River just below the Williamstown Bridge.
City:Ohio
State:OH
Date:Sept.19, 9:30 p.m.

Details: It is an annual tradition for many people in the Mid-Ohio Valley- the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival fireworks!!

The display begins at 9:30 p.m. Saturday and is scheduled to go until 10 p.m.

The chairman of the display, Dennis Blauser, said the music broadcast on 107.1 will be synchronized with the fireworks display.

The fireworks will be set off from a barge on the Ohio River just below the Williamstown Bridge.

Blauser said the bridge will be closed to pedestrians as a safety precaution during the show but it will remain open to vehicular traffic.

Blauser said this year's display should be even more exciting because it has some unique shells imported from Spain and Italy.

The fireworks are named in honor of Harry J. Robinson who is one of the founding fathers of the festival.

Fireworks Display at Tennessee River

Display location:Tennessee River
City:Nashville
State:Tennessee
Date:Sept.6

Details: Fireworks light up the night sky over the Tennessee River at Boomsday Sunday evening.

Edinburgh arts festival closes with fireworks display

Display location:Edinburgh
City:Edinburgh
State:PA
Date:Sept. 6
Display company:Royal Fireworks

Details: More than 200,000 people gathered in Edinburgh to see the city's annual arts festival end with a bang.

More than 100,000 fireworks exploded over the Scottish capital to the sound of live orchestral music on Sunday night.

An estimated 220,000 people gathered in Princes Street Gardens, Inverleith Park, Calton Hill, Waverley Bridge and throughout the city to bid goodbye to the festival for another year.

Matthew Halls led the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus in a performance of some of Handel's most popular works.

Excerpts from Music for the Royal Fireworks began as traditional waterfall fireworks cascaded down the sides of Edinburgh's Castle, followed by columns of vivid green firework stars rising upwards through the night sky.

The display continued with stunning sequences of Roman Candles in bursts of silver and gold interspersed with pastel colours, including a new vibrant lemon pink.

The 45-minute concert came to a dramatic climax as the Hallelujah Chorus played to rapid sequences of gold and silver fireworks spiralled above the castle.

Jonathan Mills, the festival director said: ''What better way could there be to celebrate the festival?

''The Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert was a masterful mix of choreographed fireworks and uplifting music performed with consummate skill by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Chorus.

''I would like to thank all our artists and audiences for a wonderful 2009 Edinburgh International Festival.''

The fireworks, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, were a ''spectacular'' end to the Edinburgh Festival, Lloyds executive director Archie Kane said.

''We'd like to thank and congratulate our partners at the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Edinburgh International Festival, as well as the team at Pyrovision, for another fantastic evening,'' he said.

Deaflympics opens in Taiwan with drums and fireworks display

Display location:Taipei
City:Taipei
Date:Sept.5

Details: Taipei - A spectacular firework display and the beating of drums by 80 deaf students heralded the official opening of the 21st Summer Deaflympics in Taipei on Saturday evening. President Ma Ying-jeou, through sign language, announced the opening of the 10-day games, which will be attended by nearly 3,000 athletes from 80 countries and regions. They will compete in some 100 events in 20 sports. The Chinese team boycotted the opening because of Ma's presence, as China sees Taiwan as its breakaway province and does not recognize Ma's title as president. The Chinese team, with nearly 100 athletes, booked a late-night flight so that they arrived after the completion of the opening ceremony. However, in a sign of eased tension, China sent its dance troupe of the deaf to the opening ceremony to perform the "Thousand-Handed Goddess of Mercy" dance - the first time Chinese performers have participated in a Taiwan sports event. This is the second large-scale multi-national sports event held in Taiwan this year, after the World Games held in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, in July. Taiwan has vowed to hold a successful Deaflympics to raise its international profile as the internationally-isolated island has not had many chances to hold large-scale international events, due to a Chinese blockade. Deaflympics, previously called World Games for the Deaf, is sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee and held under the auspices of the CISS, the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. The games, launched in Paris in 1924, are held every four years, and this is the first time it is held in Asia. To qualify for the games, athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their "better ear". Hearing aids, cochlear implants and the like are banned in competition, to place all athletes on the same level. The Taipei city government has recruited some 10,000 volunteers to work at competition venues and to assist the athletes. The volunteers spent months learning international sign language to be able to communicate with the athletes who normally use their own countries' sign language. The government has spent millions of dollars on holding the Deaflympics. The opening ceremony alone cost 600 million Taiwan dollars (18 million US dollars). A big part of of it was spent on the fireworks which continued on and off throughout the opening ceremony, sometimes exploding silmultaneously at six points in Taipei, including from the top of the 508-metre Taipei 101 skyscraper. Taiwan spent great effort in winning the bid to host the event. In March 2003, at CISS's meeting to pick the host city, Taipei beat Athens 52-32 to win the bid due to Taipei's qualification, including a Taiwan sports official making the 20-minute presentation through sign language.

Fireworks display light up local cruise-in event

Display location:Middletown
City:Middletown
State:Connecticut
Date:Sept. 5
Contact: (513) 820-2168
Display company:American Fireworks of Hudson

Details: MADISON TWP. — No it wasn’t Fourth of July, but there were plenty of fireworks in the sky on Saturday night, Sept. 5, as part of a Labor Day weekend event.

Street Lethal Motorsports hosted a cruise-in and fireworks show to help bring some “life” back into the Middletown area, said Marcus Martin, vice president of the company.

“We wanted to do it for July 4th, but just couldn’t get everything to come together so, I said let’s do it for Labor Day,” Martin said. “When we started talking about fireworks, the whole city responded.”

The 20- to 30-minute show was put on by American Fireworks of Hudson. The fireworks were sponsored by Norvell Landscaping.

Martin’s business was located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., but family obligations brought him back home to Middletown.

“Love it here, the people are great. I don’t believe this is a dying city,” he said, noting he plans to make fireworks part of an annual Labor Day weekend event.

Music and a “monster dog” eating contest also were part of the festivities held at the shop in the Posttown portion of Madison Twp., just outside Middletown.

Michael Hall and his family enjoyed pizza and chili fries as they waited for the fireworks to begin.

“This is really cool, especially combined with the music,” he said. Son, Ethan agreed as he munched on a hot dog.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

The 21st Macao International Fireworks Display Contest

Display location:MACAO
City:MACAO
Date:Sept.5

Details: MACAO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 21st Macao International Fireworks Display Contest started here on Saturday, where teams from Asia and Europe lighted up the sky with their splendid and creative fireworks.

Fireworks displayed by teams from Spain and South Korea kicked off the five-day contest Saturday evening. The contest will took place on Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 1 at the sea area across the Macao Tower. A total of 10 teams from Spain, South Korea, the Chinese mainland, China's Taiwan, France, Italy, the Philippines, Japan, Portugal and Austria will participate in the event.

The organizer, Tourist Office of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, will attribute 20,000 U.S. dollars to each fireworks team as subsidy, and the winner will receive 8,000 dollars. First and second runners-up will also get some 4,000 dollars and 2,500 dollars respectively.

To further enhance the event, the Tourist Office and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macao join hands again to present the Fireworks Carnival 2009 on the shorefront beside the Macao Tower.

Caribou celebrates 150th with parade, fireworks display

Display location: Caribou High School
City:CARIBOU
State:Maine
Event website:www.celebratecaribou.com.

Details: CARIBOU, Maine — A newcomer to the city and the state, 38-year-old Nicole Matthews admitted earlier this week that she knows “absolutely nothing” about Caribou’s history.

But the former Hartford, Conn., resident plans to take her first lesson this weekend, as she and her family attend the city’s 150th anniversary celebration.

“It seems like it is a good chance to get out and show my kids more of the city,” said Matthews, who moved to Caribou with her three children in May. “We have been to the schools and the parks and to most of the businesses, but we really don’t know a lot about the city’s history. We also haven’t really gotten out and attended any communitywide events so that we can meet new people. We need to do that.”

Matthews plans to take her children, ranging in age from 2 to 11 years, to most of today’s events.

The Sesquicentennial Celebration based on the city’s founding in 1859 began in February. The largest portion of the fete began Aug. 22 and runs through Sunday.

Many of the events are being sponsored by the 150th Celebration Committee.

Today, Company B, 20th Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry will maintain a Civil War encampment in Teague Park beginning at 10 a.m. They will run drills and participate in the Sesquicentennial Parade, which begins at 1 p.m.

Touted as “the grandest parade seen in Caribou since the 100th celebration in 1959,” the procession will feature pageant queens and marching bands, antique cars and tractors, and floats from area businesses. Entrants will snake along the customary parade route.

At 10:30 a.m., the Queen’s Tea will be held in the Chan Center at Cary Medical Center. The tea will honor the city’s former Miss Caribous as well as Miss Caribou 2009. Tickets at the door are $5. The event will run until 12:30 p.m., and the queens will take part in the parade.

After the parade ends at Caribou High School, the community is putting on a barbecue at the school with band performances. It will run until the fireworks begin. At 7 p.m., U.S. Sen. Susan Collins will speak, and a cake will be cut and served.

The highlight of the day will be the fireworks display at 8 p.m. The show will be set to music at Caribou High School. There is limited parking at the high school, but free shuttles from downtown will run every 20 minutes along parade route locations.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, an ecumenical service will be held at the Caribou Performing Arts Center.

The sesquicentennial fete has been under way for much of the year, with at least one celebration-related event each month. Businesses have held parties, open houses and customer appreciation days, and families have been invited to genealogy workshops to learn to trace their family roots.

Fundraisers, barbecues, snowmobile runs, holiday decorating contests and more will continue through December.

The final event will be the Jefferson Cary Foundation New Year’s Eve Party at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31.

For information go to www.celebratecaribou.com.

Nine nights of fireworks display skies over Salt Lake City

Display location:Salt Lake
City:Salt Lake
State:Utah.
Date:Sept.6.

Details: Salt Lake Bees general manager Marc Amicone has been heard to good-naturedly grumble about not being able to count the 15,000-plus spectators who filled Spring Mobile Ballpark on July 24 against the team's growing attendance numbers for 2009.

The Reno Aces, caught up in a wave of flu, were unable to make the trip. Instead, a pair of high school club teams played five innings. Why did thousands remain inside Spring Mobile Ballpark to watch teenagers play an inferior brand of baseball?

Fireworks.

In a crazy twist, the postponement proved correct the Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment Group's marketing research about the typical minor league baseball fan. Baseball is secondary.

"We discovered that fans come to Bees games once, twice, three times during the season," said vice president of marketing Eric Schulz. "They come for the experience. We also found, thanks to research done by minor league baseball, that 70 percent of the people who come to games go home not knowing what the score was."

So, it gets back to fireworks. Nine nights of fireworks, the Famous Chicken, an Elvis impersonator and a single-engine airplane lugging a Bees banner in the skies over Salt Lake City did more to attract people to the ballpark than a three-time PCL division winner.

Classic Baseball, the driving theme for four seasons, works.

"It's the total package," Amicone said. "Obviously we want to win a championship and be in the playoffs, but we want the fans to have an exciting experience from parking to food to their seat being clean. The experience is part of the whole thing."

So, despite not being able to add 15,000 to their attendance numbers and fielding an inconsistent team that will most likely finish third, the Bees drew more fans to Spring Mobile than anytime since 2000.

When the Bees complete their final homestand of the season, which begins today against Sacramento, nearly 500,000 people will have walked through the gates at 1300 South and West Temple, an average of more than 7,100 a game.

In 2008, Salt Lake averaged 7,053 in 71 dates.

Salt Lake got off to a rough start this season. First came the death of pitcher Nick Adenhart, which pushed back opening day. Poor weather and the sinking economy chipped in to cause a 30 percent drop in attendance.

The Bees discounted tickets throughout June.

Schulz said that the banner-toting airplane, a throwback to the "classic" days, accounts for 20 percent of the daily attendance.

"It's one of the benefits to having a stadium so accessible," he said. "We saw a lot of a later arriving crowd."

As for merchandising -- T-shirts, caps and jackets -- Schulz calls those impulse buys and says the numbers stay the same from year to year.

"Historically, baseball, especially minor league baseball, does well in tough economic times," Amicone said. "We're inexpensive entertainment. We had a great year."

martyr@sltrib.com

Fireworks Display Sunday in Boiling Springs

Display location:Ecker Stadium at South Middle Township School District
City:Boiling Springs
State:NC
Date:Sept.6. 8:30 p.m

Details:Boiling Springs’ annual Labor Day fireworks display will take place Sunday.

The event, hosted by the Bubbler Foundation, will begin at 7 p.m. at Ecker Stadium at South Middle Township School District.

“We always do it the night before Labor Day,” explained Duff Manweiler, who coordinates the event.

The Carlisle Town Band will perform from 7 to 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Seating is available in the bleachers or on the grass surrounding the field.

Fireworks will begin at dusk, around 8:30 p.m., and will last approximately 30 minutes.

In the event of rain, the fireworks will be held Monday.

Manweiler said he has raised most of the $14,000 needed for the fireworks and other entertainment and costs.

“Right now, we’re within $1,200 of our goal and I’m still getting some checks,” he said.

Some of the contributions from businesses or individuals were not as much this year as last, he said, but he was pleased with the continued support for the activity.

“It’s all about the kids and the community,” Manweiler said.

Fireworks display around Indianapolis to celebrate Labor Day

Display location:Indianapolis
City:Indianapolis
State:Indiana
Date:September 5th.
Website:Ticketmaster.com

Details: If you are wondering what to do for Labor Day, Indianapolis is practically teeming with options to celebrate this upcoming holiday weekend.

At aroundindy.com, you can look through their list of events for every day. They have an extremely extensive list with categories including sports, live theater, fine arts & galleries and things to do & special events. If you are wondering what else there is to do, I suggest you visit this site.

Beginning Friday morning in Military Park is the 14th Annual Rib America Festival. Please see my article for more information on Rib America in Indianapolis

Saturday morning at 11am, there will be the Labor Day Parade downtown. It will run on Pennsylvania, Ohio and Meridian Streets. Viewing is, of course, free. For more information on this, please call 317-632-9147.

Saturday evening from 2-5pm, Easley Winery presents Groovin' in the Garden. There will be free live music, you can order food from local restaurants for delivery to your table, local food products and special wine "concoctions and discounts." There will even be sparkling grape juice for the kids, which means this is can be enjoyed by the whole family. Groovin' in the Garden is present throughout the summer every Tuesday (5-7pm) and Saturday (2-5pm) evenings with different musical guests.

Unfortunately (my personal favorite of the Labor Day weekend), the fireworks show, Sky Concert, has been canceled. However, you can still see fireworks.......

The Indianapolis Indians are playing their final home game for the season on Saturday, September 5th. The game begins at 6pm, and afterward, there will be a "spectacular" fireworks show. This show is in addition to the fireworks show after the home game on Friday night. You can get your tickets now by way of the Indian's site, going to the Victory Field Box Office, or from Ticketmaster.com. Adult tickets are $13 & $9, while child tickets (14 and under) are $12 & $8.

Whatever you decide to do this Labor Day weekend, I hope you have a relaxing time and are able to enjoy your family & friends.

Happy Hour links: Santa Monica Pier centennial fireworks display reminder;

Display location:Santa Monica
City:Santa Monica
State:California
Date:Sept. 9

Details: I’d have to say that Ben & Jerry’s is worth paying $2 for on a flight. Thank you Delta. Scott McCartney over at the Wall Street Journal’s airline blog Middle Seat catches up on the decent food options being served to coach passengers.

> A reminder that there will be a big fireworks show on Sept. 9 to celebrate the Santa Monica Pier’s 100th birthday. Here’s a photo gallery of the local icon.

> I wish there was a travel website all about the people you should know in cities around the world. Mollie Chen’s post over at Concierge.com is a great start: Five People to Know in the Bahamas.

> Are you hungry? Enjoy the food art pics of Insane Sandwiches over on the Happy Hotelier blog.

> Have iPhone will travel? Karen Torme Olson offers some important travel tips she wish someone had given her before she hit the road with her beloved smart phone.

—Jen Leo, Los Angeles Times Travel & Deal blogger

(Photo: Santa Monica Pier: Saturday afternoons nearly always draw crowds during the summer; Credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times / Aug. 8, 2009)

Festival, concerts, fireworks display mark end of summer

Display location: on the harbor
City:DESTIN
State:Florida
Date: 8:30 p.m. Sunday.Sept.6.

Details: Summer officially ends this weekend, and it will be going out in style with a variety of events:

 FORT WALTON BEACH – The members of Saints Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church invite the community to its 18th Annual Greek Festival scheduled over the Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4, 5 and 6 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island.

Hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

This year’s theme is “A Civilization for All Ages.” The event features food, music, dancers and vendors.

Nationally known band Alpha Omega Sound from Atlanta will perform authentic Greek music.

Friday will be “Greek Date Night” featuring a Greek dinner, pastries and drink.

Saturday will include a silent auction, crafters and vendors, as well as activities for kids.

Admission is $2 per adult; free for children under age 12.

Call 850-244-0822. Web site: greekfestivalfwb.com.

 DESTIN – The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin will present “A Musical Farewell to Summer” on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard.

Entertainer/singer David Seering and the Classic Brass will take to the stage at 7 p.m. in Grand Park performing music from Broadway, Big Band to the best of Chicago.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Emerald Coast Coffee & Grille will offer food and beverages during the concert. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will host a pre-concert reception at Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Cafe at 5:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, contact the MKAF office at 650-2226.

During the concert, enter a raffle drawing to win prizes from the merchants of Grand Boulevard to benefit arts and education programs. Visit online at mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.

 DESTIN — HarborWalk Village has a full slate of free music and fireworks planned. Check its Facebook page online for a detailed schedule of venues and performers.

The music starts at 5 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday.

The Apples, a Beatles tribute band, will be featured at center stage 7-9 p.m. Saturday and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Fireworks on the harbor are scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

 MIRAMAR BEACH — Bluz Grill & Bar has a full lineup of music planned for the holiday weekend.

Tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Chronic Jester takes to Stage 13. Chronic Jester, based in Santa Rosa Beach, is a power trio with its own infectious brand of reggae, rock, and blues.

On Friday and Saturday, Good Enough for Good Times, offspring of the famed New Orleans jam band Galactic, will take Stage 13 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. both nights.

On Sunday, Col. Bruce Hampton and the Quark Alliance will play 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Col. Bruce has been making music since he formed his first band in 1963. Since 2006, The Colonel has been playing a unique blend of blues and jazz with his band The Quark Alliance.

Bluz is ½-mile west of Silver Sands outlet center. Call 850-424-5980.

 SEASIDE – Free Labor Day Weekend activities include: Seaside Amphitheater rocks the night away on Sept. 4 with live music from Dread Clampitt 6-8 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, enjoy fresh produce at the Seaside Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon. That evening join the swingin’ rhythm and jumpin’ blues band, Art Harris and the Z-Tones 6-8 p.m.

Then on Sept. 6 at 8 p.m., curl up with a blanket during Central Square Cinema while one of Hollywood’s brightest comedy stars leads the way to this new Disney hit. For more details, visit online at seasidefl.com.

Labor Day fireworks display continues to grow

Display location: Henley Street Bridge
City:Knoxville
State:Tennessee
Date:Sept. 6.

Details: In any other situation, five tons of explosives on a downtown bridge and several thousand pedestrians milling about below might seem like a scene lifted from a blockbuster action movie.

It's a scenario that plays out every Labor Day weekend in downtown Knoxville, however, and this year will be no different. It's the annual Boomsday fireworks spectacular, and this year it's set for Sunday, Sept. 6. Of course, the "explosives" are the fireworks, and they'll go off as they do every year from the Henley Street Bridge in downtown Knoxville.

"The volume of fireworks hasn't changed that much over the years -- sometimes it's a little more, sometimes it's a little less," said operations manager Mike Walden of Pyro Shows Inc., the LaFollette-based company responsible for setting up and setting off the Boomsday pyrotechnics. "The amazing thing is that over the years -- other than the staples of the show, like the waterfall off the bridge -- the product is totally different every year."

That variety is part of what's made Boomsday into the biggest Labor Day fireworks show in the nation, attracting visitors from as far away as Europe. The number of spectators on-site usually numbers between 300,000 and 350,000 people, and the event is simulcast on WWST-FM Star 102.1, and WBIR-TV. The display lasts for almost 30 minutes and caps a full day of entertainment that kicks off at 1 p.m.

Children's activities, games, rides, crafts, live entertainment and food and drinks will be available for participants to enjoy. When night falls, the fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m. And as the festival has grown, so have the logistics of setting them all off.

"We're actually setting them off from the City/County Building now, and we're shooting off much more from Baptist Hospital now that it's closed," Walden said. "Even the product that's shot on the bridge throughout the show has grown (more diverse). I would say, several years ago, we were using four manufacturers, based mostly in China and Australia. Now, we use about eight from China, Australia and Spain."

One of the owners of the Australian fireworks company, he added, came last year to witness Boomsday for himself; his company's product, Walden said, has made a noticeable difference in the pyrotechnics themselves.

"It does neat stuff, but to me, the colors are what are so vivid," he said. "I've had a lot of people who have been around a long time who notice a difference in the show. When we saw his stuff in China -- that's where his company makes it -- the colors are so much better than some of the other formulas. Being a chemistry guy myself, I'd say that's because the chemicals he uses in them are cleaner."

Fireworks display unloaded for 2009 Boomsday Festival

Display location:Knoxville
City:Knoxville
State:Tennesses
Date:Sept. 6. 9:30 p.m.

Details: An explosive part of Knoxville's famous Labor Day weekend tradition has rolled into town.

Fireworks are being unwrapped and loaded into tubes for the 2009 Boomsday Festival.

Pyro Shows of LaFollette began loading 10,000 pounds of fireworks onto trailers that sit a quarter mile away from the show site on Thursday.

"We're doing the four, five and six inch shells and getting them fused together and tied up," said lead technician Scott Goins.

The 8-inch shells will be eased into place on Friday.

Saturday night, the trailers will be moved to the Henley Street Bridge for Sunday night's 21 minute firework show.

"Boomsday has a standard, and it will meet the standard and hopefully go above and beyond," said Michael Walden, Vice President of Operations for Pyro Shows.

Three additions have been added to the 2009 firework extravaganza.

Walden said spectators should look for more vivid colors in the sky. They should listen for the voices of coaches Pat Summitt, Bruce Pearl and Lane Kiffin, which are added into the radio soundtrack. Then, there is a secret piece that will make an appearance from the past.

"It bleeds Tennessee," Walden said.

The Boomsday Festival begins at 1 p.m. Sunday along Neyland Drive in downtown Knoxville.

Fireworks should begin around 9:30 p.m.

WBIR will carry the show live starting at 9:00 p.m.

You can find more information on this year's Boomsday on the festival's official website.

Fireworks Show at The 2009 Saskatoon Fireworks Festival

Display location:Saskatoon
City:Saskatoon
Country:Australia
Date:Sept.4-5.
Event website:www.saskatoonfireworksfestival.ca.

Details:Rodrigo "Chico" Ruggieri has that rare double talent of creating explosions and making people happy.

Blowing stuff up and making his clients and spectators smile is what it's about for Ruggieri, owner of Ruggieri Fireworks and Special Effects.

Ruggieri will bring his talents to Saskatoon on Friday and Saturday for the Saskatoon Fireworks Festival.

His company puts on about 60 shows a year, ranging from indoor pyrotechnics for concerts, corporate and sporting events through to traditional firework shows and pyromusical musical productions such as the upcoming Saskatoon show.

The complexity of his shows stretch from the basic 'I'm having a big barbecue and want to pop off a few fireworks,' to full-on pyromusical productions that take weeks, and sometimes months, to design, package and co-ordinate crews and logistics.

Ruggieri has put on many fireworks shows in Saskatoon during the years, and he's looking forward to this weekend's event, where the fireworks will launch each night from the Traffic Bridge.

It's not every day you get the opportunity to shoot a show off a bridge so it really stretches the imagination in the design process, Ruggieri says.

"The bridge is what makes the Saskatoon Fireworks Festival different than the other festivals in Canada," he says.

For fireworks designers, a bridge is a unique opportunity. It's a challenge that really gets the heart pumping.

"There is no comparison to our other gigs. It's a bridge, and we have only begun to scratch the surface of all the design possibilities."

Ruggieri started out as a DJ at 15 and slipped into using fireworks as a means to add a cool edge to his show.

"One thing lead to another and 20 years later, 'Boom, here I am.' "

Ruggieri plays the role of artistic/technical director of the Saskatoon show, which means he not only takes care of his own company's contributions, but he's also responsible for co-ordinating the requirements for the invited company.

Ruggieri Fireworks will join forces this year with Archangel Fireworks from Winnipeg, with Ruggieri facilitating the fireworks site logistics such as security, audio systems and safety of the spectators and crews.

Ruggieri's show is Friday at 10:30 p.m., with Archangel Fireworks' production blasting off on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Both shows are choreographed to music, which will be amplified throughout River Landing and Rotary Park and available on the 106.9 FM radio signal.

Organizers say this year's fireworks festival cultural showcase at the River Landing Amphitheatre offers some of Saskatoon's most talented cultural performers. The showcase kicks off each night at 5 p.m. and admission is free.

The 2009 Saskatoon Fireworks Festival features three performance venues: A Sparkler Social (ticketed event) featuring singer-songwriter Carrie Catherine hosted at the Frank and Ellen Remai Arts Centre; the free showcase at the ampitheatre and the festival pavilion at Rotary Park with live bands and a beer garden.

For more information visit www.saskatoonfireworksfestival.ca.

National Day Fireworks display to be held in several locations in Beijing for 60th National Day anniversary

Display location:Beijing
City:Beijing
Date:October 1

Details: October 1 2009 is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Beijing will host a grand celebration. On August 24 a spokesperson for the 60th National Day Celebration Preparation Committee of Beijing Municipal Government explained the arrangements and preparations for the celebration.

Approximately 200,000 people will attend the parade

According to the spokesperson, the 60th National Day celebration will be held in accordance with the general requirement of “being grand, joyful, economical and harmonious.” The specific arrangement for the celebration is as follows: a grand National Day reception will be held in the Great Hall of the People on the evening of September 30; a general assembly will be held in Tiananmen Square on the morning of October 1, at which Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the CPC, president of the PRC and chairman of the Military Commission of the Central Committee of the CPC, will deliver a keynote speech. This will be followed by a grand military parade and a mass pageant. The military parade will showcase the achievements China has made in national defense and military construction over the past 60 years since the founding of the PRC, and in particular over the past 30 years since reform and opening-up. It will also demonstrate China’s resolution to safeguard global and regional peace and stability. Meanwhile, it will demonstrate the spiritual outlook of the mighty, civilized and peace-seeking army. With the theme of “I progress together with my motherland,” the mass pageant will be divided into seven parts including “laying the foundation,” “reform and opening-up,” “a leap-forward in the century,” “scientific development,” “outstanding achievements,” ”splendid China” and “bright future.” The mass pageant will involve 200,000 people and 60 floats.

Large-scale fireworks displays will take place in several locations

On the evening of October 1, a gala with the theme of “Praising our motherland and our times, and raising Chinese people’s spirits” will be staged in Tiananmen Square. Fireworks will be let off in Tiananmen Square and other designated places. On that night, senior Party and government leaders will stride onto the Tiananmen Rostrum with representatives from all walks of life, sing and dance with Beijing residents and view splendid art performances and a large-scale fireworks display.

From October 1 through 3, major parks and public green spaces in Beijing will host parties and activities to celebrate National Day. In mid to late September, an exhibition named “60 splendid years--China’s achievements over the past 60 years” will be held at Beijing Exhibition Center. In late September, “Road to Revival,” a grand musical integrating dance, singing, orchestra performance, plays, recitals, opera and multimedia, will be staged at the Great Hall of the People. It will illustrate the Chinese nation’s history of fighting for national independence and liberation. It also records the nation’s course to search for a road toward the revival of China. In addition, it will showcase the bright future ahead of China and the splendid achievements which contemporary China has made in the reform and opening-up and modernization drive.

Fireworks Display for the Capitola's 60th birthday

Display location:CAPITOLA
City:CAPITOLA
State:CA
Date:Sept.2

Details: CAPITOLA -- Local restaurants are ready if crowds show up Wednesday for the final twilight concert of the season capped off by fireworks for the city's 60th birthday.

Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria typically packs 45 box dinners for concert-goers, and more can be prepared if needed, said manager Kathy Getty. The $9.95 dinner includes oak-roasted chicken breast, Caesar pasta salad, grilled summer vegetables with cookies or a raspberry brownie.

Pizza My Heart can pump out plenty of large cheese pizzas $19.75, according to staffer Joe Roberts, comparing Wednesday nights to a busy weekend.

Zelda's on the Beach, which sold 30 half-racks of baby back ribs on each of the past three Wednesdays, will beef up staffing for the fireworks.

"It's all weather-related how busy we're going to be," said floor manager Shannon Stark. "A temperature of 65 and 70 is perfect for dancing on the beach."

The Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce, gearing up for the Begonia Festival starting Friday and the art and wine festival the weekend after, has been fielding calls and e-mails inquiring about the date of the fireworks.

The $25,000 show, to be presented by Fireworks & Stage FX America, is sponsored by two local businesses, Devcon Construction and Redtree Properties.

In March, when the City Council was asked to approve the fireworks permit, some suggested that given the economic downturn, the money should be spent on something positive and meaningful.

Others pointed out the city wasn't funding the fireworks and said the event was an opportunity to bring the community together.

That view carried the day with council members Kirby Nicol, Ron Graves and Dennis Norton, so the show will go on.

The fireworks will be shot from the wharf, which will be closed at 3 p.m. to set up the display.

The Digbeats, a local rock and roll band, will perform at 6 p.m.

Both the twilight concerts and movies on the beach, which started Friday night, have been popular, according to Toni Castro of the chamber.

"They're free events and it's been extremely hot," she said.

For those wanting to make a day of it, the Capitola Museum will be open from noon to 4 p.m. featuring an exhibit on Capitola in the 1950s.

"I think we broke a record in July," said museum director Carolyn Swift, referring to attendance. "This is the best summer I can remember."

About 100 people viewed the exhibits Aug. 9, and 90 came Saturday, which was a scorcher.

"Part of it could be the exhibit," Swift said. "It could be the city's birthday, or it could be the economy."

New time, place for Grand Prix Festival fireworks display

Display location:Watkins Glen State Park
City:Watkins Glen
State:NY
Date:9 p.m. Sept. 11.

Details: The fireworks show scheduled as part of the 17th annual Grand Prix Festival in Watkins Glen will take place at 8 p.m. Sept. 11 at Watkins Glen State Park off of Franklin Street, the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce has announced.

The festival, sponsored by Chemung Canal Trust Co., is free and takes place in downtown Watkins Glen from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 11.

The fireworks show was originally slated for 9 p.m. but the time is now 8 p.m. The show is is sponsored by Community Bank NA.

Fireworks Display, monster dogs part of Saturday fun

Display location:6249 Germantown Road
City:Middletown
State:OH
Date:Sept. 5.
Contact: (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

Details: Middletown-area residents will get to see something in the sky Saturday, Sept. 5, they don’t normally see locally on Labor Day weekend: fireworks.

Street Lethal Motorsports, which has been holding cruise-ins throughout the summer, will have fireworks near the end of their weekend event, said Marcus Martin, the vice president of the company.

The fireworks show will start around 9 or 9:30 p.m. near the business at 6249 Germantown Road. The show is being put on by American Fireworks, based out of Hudson, Ohio, and will last 20 to 30 minutes.

The cruise-in event runs from 3 p.m. to midnight. Other events will include the monster dog eating contest, Martin said, The monster dog is a 14-inch long chili dog that includes steak fries on the dog. It costs $10 to enter the contest. If a person can eat three of these dogs in a row, they get their $10, plus the entire pot of money collected — to say nothing of a full feeling.

“Nobody’s been able to do it yet ... the contest will be ongoing all day to anyone who doesn’t feel like eating for two weeks after that,” Martin said.

A number of bands will play, including the female rock band Jadis, the classic rock band Endangered Perspective, and the Josh Pilot band, which has played at several of the cruise-ins.

Admission to the cruise-in is $7 per car with up to four people, and $10 per car up to eight people.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

Harrisburg's Kipona Festival includes art show, food, boat races, fireworks display

Display location:Harrisburg
City:Harrisburg
State:PA
Date:8:35 p.m Sep 6

Details: The annual Harrisburg Kipona Festival, named after a Delaware Indian term meaning bright, sparkling water, actually rolls several festivals into one. There is no shortage of activities. Catch all the fun Saturday through Monday along the banks of the Susquehanna River with these events.

Arts festival

The PSECU Artfest is a slightly smaller version of the summer-opening Patriot-News Artsfest and features artists both familiar and new. Admission to the artist area, which ranges from Market Street to the historic Shipoke neighborhood, is $3, or $5 for a three-day pass. Hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday.

Native American Pow-Wow

The 13th annual Gathering of the People, Native American Indian Pow-Wow, will be held Saturday to Monday near the miniature golf course on City Island. Sample traditional Indian American foods including elk and bison hamburgers and chili along with fry bread/tacos, elk jerky and sassafras tea. See tribal dances and participate in tribal arts and crafts.

An American Indian flute and hoop dance performance will take place at 11 a.m. and noon Saturday at the Comcast Market Street Stage. For the first time, the powwow will include an Indian American procession. The first one will honor Mayor Stephen R. Reed and start at about noon on Saturday at Swenson Plaza on Walnut Street and wind its way to the festival encampment on City Island. Later in the day a second procession will honor Peggy Grove, a former city councilwoman.

Chili cookoff

The 31st annual Pennsylvania State Chili Cookoff, better known as Chili Bowl XXXI, is sponsored by Giant Food Stores. It starts with setup at 7 a.m. Saturday in Riverfront Park. The official lighting of the stoves is at 10 a.m. and the fun doesn't wind down until 4 p.m. with the wild and wacky awards ceremony. Serious cooks -- all members of the International Chili Society -- compete for top honors in red and verde (green) chili and the chance to qualify to compete in October at the World's Championship Chili Cookoff in Charleston, W.Va.

Walk around and sample chili for 25 cents a pop and help pick the People's Choice Chili winner. Otherwise, cooks compete for the Belly Burner trophy for the hottest chili, the Pride of the Susquehanna trophy for best local chili and top honors in the Members 1st salsa competition. Brave souls are welcome to compete in three different eating contests -- jalapeno eating, hands-free chili eating and wing eating.

Cool off with beer and free 1800 Silver Tequila margarita tastings at Second and State streets with proceeds benefiting River Rescue.

Dick Reese Kipona Canoe Races

Part serious and part fun, the canoe races are a Kipona institution. Anyone from novice to expert can join in the fun participating in several divisions as long as you pay the $5 registration fee. The first race begins on the Susquehanna River at 10 a.m. Monday. The races start and finish at the Concert Barge in Riverfront Park near Locust and Front streets.

Participants can win awards, cash prizes or a tandem canoe. Proceeds support local volunteer canoe and kayak instruction through the Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg.

Youth street soccer

State Street will be converted into a one-of-a-kind soccer field on Monday. Players ages 7 to 18 are invited to play in this street soccer competition. It kicks off at noon. Kids will be paired randomly and according to age, and trophies awarded at a 3:30 p.m. ceremony.

Drinks on the Pride

For the first time during Kipona you can step into the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat at the East Shore dock off of Front Street and relax with a cocktail, beer or wine. In between cruises the boat will be open to the public.

Gourmet burgers

Take a break at Karen's at the Civic Club, 612 N. Front St. and order jumbo gourmet burgers. Proceeds will benefit the Middletown Area Arts Collective. Sit in the garden and watch the talent perform on the Giant Liberty Cove Stage. Open 10 a.m. -10 p.m. Saturday and Monday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday.

For the kids

The Belco Children's Village will be humming all weekend long. The Puppen Meister Productions, direct from South Williamsport, and its cast of homemade marionettes will take the stage in the Country Kids Jamboree complete with a barn stage. If you miss them, you might catch the Popcorn Hat Players version of Aesop's Fables and Rapunzel or the antics of the husband-and-wife clown duo Buttons & Bows from Harrisburg.

The fireworks

Last but not least, don't forget the gala fireworks display. It will light up the sky 8:35 p.m. Sunday, with a rain date set for the same time on Monday.

Parking

Some downtown Harrisburg meters may be reserved for festival parking, but all others are free during festival hours. A fee is charged to park in City Island parking lots, and special rates are available in select high-rise city garages. Visit HarrisburgParking.org for information on fees and operation times. Harrisburg will detour North Front Street traffic for Kipona.

Fireworks show at the Lakes

Display location:Lake
City:Lake
State:FL
Date:Sep 6

Details: Five communities participating in Labor Day festivities Light the Lakes is a ground-breaking historical event where the community lights the Chautauqua Sky in one of the largest fireworks displays in North America that can be seen from space. All of Chautauqua County is invited to participate as this event draws spectators regionally as well as locally to our area. Light the Lakes will be one of the largest fireworks shows in America — so powerful it can be seen from NASA’s space station. Light the Lakes will take place during Labor Day weekend with the big “take-off” on Sunday. The event will include a collaboration of different events throughout the day leading up to the spectacular lighting of the Chautauqua Sky at 10:10 p.m. At each “take-off” location the fireworks will run simultaneously to a live music broadcast via radio feed. As well as radio feed, there will also be a live television feed broadcasted from an airplane above as the fireworks display takes place. Light the Lakes will be held in Bemus Point, Findley Lake, Jamestown, Mayville and Westfield. BEMUS POINT Festivities start with the BrewFest on Thursday evening. On Friday at 6:30 p.m. John Marcellus of the Eastman School of Music presents the Bionic Bones Trombone Salute with special guest Shaynee Rainbolt. The first of two nights of fireworks begin Saturday with the full symphonic Bemus Bay Pops Orchestra. ABBA Mania will perform a tribute concert on Sunday from 8-9:30 p.m. ending just before the Light the Lakes fireworks display. JAMESTOWN Bergman Park will play host to a day-long event of entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s games and food concessions. A laser light show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. FINDLEY LAKE Join in the festivities at the 12th annual Findley Lake Harvest Festival. The event kicks off on Friday and concludes with a grand fireworks display as part of Chautauqua County’s “Light up the Lakes.” The event features live music, farmer’s market, crafters, samples from local wineries, kid’s crafts and much more. Throughout the weekend talented singers will vie for the coveted title of “Findley Lake Idol” accompanied by a $1,000 grand prize. New this year is the first annual Findley Lake “Idol Jr. Talent Show” and first annual “Pretty Baby” contest. Flares will be lit around the lake at 9:30 p.m. followed by the countywide fireworks show at 10 p.m. Admission is free and the event will take place rain or shine. MAYVILLE In conjunction with the Light the Lakes fireworks displays being held simultaneously at 10:10 p.m. throughout Chautauqua County on Sunday, the Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce will also hold its own event, a Labor Day Festival. Held at Lakeside Park (located along Route 394 on the shores of Chautauqua Lake) in Mayville, the festival will take place from noon until the 10:10 p.m. Mayville fireworks display. WESTFIELD The evening skies over Chautauqua County will be illuminated Sunday as Light the Lakes, the record-breaking fireworks extravaganza, returns for its second year. The Dan Reed Pier in Barcelona, located on the scenic shores of Lake Erie, will be one of five fireworks “take-off” locations. The fireworks at Barcelona will cap off a full evening of events and attractions in Westfield/Barcelona with music, food and fun for all ages. The festivities kick off in Barcelona at 5 p.m. with food vendors serving hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, curly fries, funnel cakes, shaved ice, popcorn and more. ZeBro’s Harbor House will offer live music and a special menu. Local bands Harbor Knights and Blackman’s Gold will perform and there will be a special performance by Chautauqua Idol Shawn Wilder. Craft and farmers market vendors will also be on hand, glow necklaces will be available for sale and the Chautauqua County Corvette Club will be at the pier throughout the evening. A live simulcast from all five fireworks sites (Westfield/Barcelona, Bemus Point, Findley Lake, Mayville and Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena) will feature live interviews and a countdown to the fireworks. The evening will culminate in a stunning fireworks display, launched off the Barcelona break wall, at 10:10 p.m. Following the fireworks, many local Westfield/Barcelona businesses will have extended hours. For further information on Light the Lakes, go to www.ilovenylakes.com.

Fireworks display at Libya celebrations

Display location:Tripoli
City:Tripoli
Country:Libya
Date:

Libya has started a week of massive celebrations to mark 40 years since the coup that brought Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to power.

Jets flew over Tripoli, ahead of a military parade featuring soldiers from many African countries.

Hundreds of performers showcased Libya's history in drama and music, which was followed by a fireworks show.

Several African and Arab leaders are attending the celebrations, but Western leaders have decided to stay away.

This follows a political storm over the release from a Scottish prison of Libyan Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi, the only man jailed for the Lockerbie bombing.

Celebrations

The BBC's David Willey in Tripoli says all eyes were on the Libyan leader, wearing a general's uniform as he sat on a reviewing platform next to Libya's top military brass.

Col Gaddafi was seated behind bullet-proof glass on a huge stage - a tent-like structure with cascading white cloth - two seats from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

As the parade continued, an army band played while low-flying helicopters trailed banners bearing the portrait of Col Gaddafi, our correspondent adds.

As night fell, the heads of state were driven in golf carts across the street from the main square for a lavish banquet dinner by the sea.

A theatrical musical performance began later, in which 800 dancers and musicians depicted Libya's history over the past 5,000 years.

The fireworks display was launched from ships anchored off the Tripoli coast.

The celebrations are scheduled to last six days.

Col Gaddafi took power on 1 September, 1969, after a bloodless coup against the king.

A small group of military officers led by the then-unknown 27-year-old army officer staged a coup against King Idris, who was exiled to Egypt.

The new regime, headed by the Revolutionary Command Council, subsequently banned political parties.

For years, Libya was ostracised by Western democracies who accused it of fostering terrorism abroad and displaying nuclear ambitions.

But relations improved after Col Gaddafi renounced his pursuit of nuclear weapons in 2003.

Libya also paid hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation to victims of the Lockerbie bombing.

But the only convicted bomber, al-Megrahi, was freed by the Scottish authorities on 20 August after he had served eight years of a life sentence for the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103, in which 270 people died.

His subsequent hero's welcome in Tripoli generated anger in the US and UK. The British government has also been forced to deny reports that his release was linked to an oil deal.

As Libya marks its anniversary, British authorities have published all correspondence with Scottish ministers over his release.

Fireworks Show at Disneyland Resort Halloween Time Returns Sept. 25

Display location:Space Mountain
City:Disneyland Resort
State:California
Date: Sept. 25
Show contact:

Details: Chilling Halloween Changes at Space Mountain, Spooky New Fireworks Plus Favorite Halloween Traditions Create Fun for Everyone at Disneyland Resort Halloween Time Returns Sept. 25 as Mickey and Pals and Disney Villains Transform Parks for the Season ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Spooky new fireworks and ghoulish screams at Space Mountain add to the fun when Halloween Time returns to Disneyland Resort Sept. 25-Nov. 1. Halloween Time offers families a chance to celebrate the season as they interact with some of Disney's most beloved characters decked out in seasonal costumes at Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure parks. Guests will also enjoy a unique opportunity to experience some spooky fun with Disney's more sinister characters, the Disney villains. In addition, Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party returns for 12 special nights in October. For older kids and adults, Halloween Time offers a new attraction: Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. The scary new experience will begin as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but will suddenly launch voyagers into an uncharted and haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music. The Halloween transformation occurs outside the mountain as well, as frightening images, audio and lights illuminate the Space Mountain exterior. Also new this year is "Halloween Screams-A Villainous Surprise in the Skies." The new fireworks spectacular will haunt the nighttime sky throughout the Halloween season. To start the show, "Master of Scare-omonies" Jack Skellington appears in a flash of fire above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Thanks to Jack's ghoulish charm, haunting melodies fill the air and a Halloween pyrotechnics extravaganza explodes into the night. Such classic Disney villains as Maleficent, Ursula the Sea Witch and Oogie Boogie join in the "spirit" of the celebration, and even Zero, Jack's faithful ghost dog, will make an appearance. Spectators in Disneyland are encouraged to participate in a bone-chilling Halloween Scream-Along during the show. Jack Skellington also returns to take over the Haunted Mansion and bring back Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film "Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas." Jack and his friends provide plenty of havoc and surprises as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in their unusual style. Jack's return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year's design. For not-so-frightful fun, Halloween Time offers special pleasures for children and parents. -- Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is again transformed for the Pumpkin Festival, where more than 300 "non-identical" pumpkins will be on display in shop windows. -- Visitors to Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland will sometimes find the ranch animals dressed in costume for a seasonal Halloween Roundup, with pumpkin carvers, Halloween decor and activities for youngsters, all presided over by Sheriff Woody. -- Next door at Big Thunder Barbecue, Miss Chris and the Roundup musicians add Halloween songs to their repertoire. -- Meeting favorite Disney characters will be easier than ever as Disney villains gather to plot Halloween mischief in "it's a small world" Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in seasonal costumes greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and Sunshine Plaza in Disney's California Adventure. -- Also available throughout both parks are special Halloween treats, including menu items such as Zero's Ghostly Ghoulash served in a dog dish in honor of Zero. -- Special Halloween Time gifts are offered in Disneyland Resort shops. Gifts include jack-o-lantern mouse ears and collectable pins depicting Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends in Halloween costumes. More spine-tingling fun can be found in Disney's California Adventure at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, where a "supernatural" event happened on Halloween evening, 1939, forever haunting the building. Also at Disney's California Adventure, Sunshine Plaza becomes Candy Corn Acres, with Mickey's pal Goofy up to his tricks again - attempting to wow the world with his unusual candy corn treats. Candy corn carrots, candy corn pumpkins and candy corn grapes are just a few of the candy corn items Goofy is harvesting. Back by popular demand is Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party, a one-of-a-kind celebration that returns to Disney's California Adventure for 12 nights in October (2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 and 31). Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party lets adults and children alike dress up and trick-or-treat in the ultimate Disney neighborhood. Highlights this year will include: -- 25 Treat Stops located throughout Disney's California Adventure -- All your favorite Disney's California Adventure rides and attractions -- A Hollywood Bat-Lot Bash in Hollywood Pictures Backlot -- A nightly "Mickey's Trick-or-Treat on the Street" cavalcade -- Character photo locations featuring Disney villains, princesses and other favorites -- Pirate's Wharf, a transformation of the Pacific Wharf area into an entertainment, photo location, craft area and games area This separate-ticket nighttime event gives children and their families a chance to dress as their favorite princesses, goblins or heroes and trick-or-treat throughout the park. Tickets purchased in advance are $32 most days, while tickets purchased on the event day are $39. For Oct. 30 and 31, all tickets to Mickey's Trick or Treat Party are $42. Favorite Disney characters, including Mickey himself, will be in attendance in their favorite costumes. It's the ideal environment to have fun, eat special holiday treats, play interactive games, listen to "spirited" music and watch a nightly character cavalcade that celebrates the season. For more information about Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, see www.disneyland.com/halloween. This site will be updated as frightfully fun details become available. Value-minded vacationers can celebrate Halloween Time with a special travel offer this fall: savings of $400* at the Disneyland Resort. From Aug. 12 through Dec. 19, 2009, guests will save $400 when they book a 4-Day/4-Night Disneyland Resort vacation package, featuring Disneyland Resort hotel accommodations - Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier - and park hopper tickets. The offer is valid for arrivals through Dec. 20, 2009, with a final booking day of Dec. 19. Details are at www.disneyland.com/Save400 . Disneyland Resort features two fantastic theme parks - Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure park - plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The resort's three guest-welcoming hotels are the luxurious 745-room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 988-room Disneyland Hotel and the 489-room Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel with its "day-at-the-beach" fun. For information on new attractions, and vacations at Disneyland Resort visit www.disneyland.com, call 866/60-DISNEY or contact local travel agents. *$400 savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same 4-night package, with 4-Day Disneyland(R) Resort Park Hopper(R) souvenir tickets, at a Disneyland(R) Resort hotel for a family of four (3 adults and 1 child [age 3-9]). Offer is valid for bookings from 8/12/09 through 12/19/09 and for arrivals from 8/23/09 through 12/20/09 with travel being completed by 12/24/09. Not valid for previously booked rooms or for suites. Check for offers associated with different package lengths of stays. The Disneyland(R) Resort Park Hopper(R) souvenir tickets expire 13 days after first use or 12/30/09, whichever occurs first, and each day of use of a ticket constitutes one full day of use. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial purposes. The number of rooms allocated for this package may be restricted and are subject to the blockout dates of 11/25/09-11/27/09; advance reservations required. Not valid with group rates or any other discount or promotion. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Walt Disney Travel Company CST: 1022229-50, NVST No. 2006-0198. (C)Disney

Fireworks Display and music for Labor Day Weekend

Display location: over the Destin harbor
City:Destin
State:FL
Date:at 8 p.m. Sept. 6
Show contact:650-2226
Event website:www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.

Details:Summer's Edge: Labor Day Weekend Celebration

SEASIDE – The Merchants of Seaside will host an end of summer celebration with events ranging from music to movies to crafts for the kids in the Seaside Amphitheater.
Events include:
•Dread Clampitt from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4.
•Art Harris & the Z-Tones from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 5.
•Bedtime Stories at 8 p.m. Sept. 6.

HarborWalk Village Labor Day Concert Celebration

DESTIN – The Apple Beatles will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at HarborWalk Village. Fireworks begin at 8 p.m. Sept. 6 over the Destin harbor.

A Musical Farewell to Summer with David Seering and The Classic Brass

SANDESTIN – The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin will present “A Musical Farewell to Summer” at 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at Grand Boulevard.
Entertainer/singer David Seering and The Classic Brass will take to the stage performing music from Broadway, Big Band to the best of Chicago. Emerald Coast Coffee & Grille will serve kebabs, pinchitos and bruschetta, including a variety of beverages during the concert. Admission is free and open to the public.
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will host a pre-concert reception at Tommy Bahama at 5:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 650-2226.
During the concert, enter a raffle drawing to win fabulous prizes from the merchants of Grand Boulevard to benefit arts and education programs.
For reservations or more concert information, call 650-2226 or visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.

Labor Day fireworks Display at South Lake Tahoe

Display location: over Lake Tahoe
City:South Lake Tahoe
State:CA
Date:September 6 at 8:30p

Details: On Sunday, September 6 at 8:30p, the South Shore Lake Tahoe Labor Day Weekend Fireworks Extravaganza explodes over Lake Tahoe. The fireworks show creator, Pyro Spectaculars, Inc., claims this show is one of the largest in the West coast based on volume of fireworks

One of the best places to watch the South Lake Tahoe fireworks display is at Nevada Beach at South Lake Tahoe.

The exhibition features a simultaneous musical broadcast that can be heard on local radio stations KRLT-FM 93.9 and KOWL-AM 1490.