Beginner's Guide to Fireworks

By Cole Bumpus

Are you having problems with understanding all of the terminology in the fireworks industry? I have created this beginner's guide so you can understand the basics of many types of fireworks and what each product does.

Roman Candles: These are long sticks that shoot colorful balls out of them. They come in many different sizes. The smaller ones can be held in the hand while lit and the larger ones come with a sharp point so you can stake them into the ground. The large ones get placed in the ground while they shoot many shots into the air. They often contain up to 300 shots. Roman Candles are a classic firework that everyone has to try. The balls shot out are either colorful or contain effects like crackling or reports.

Firecrackers: This is often one of the first things that people think of when fireworks are mentioned. Firecrackers are the classic firework that people of all ages use during the day and night time. They are essentially little containers of flash powder that explode emitting a loud explosive noise. They sometimes have a little bit of color to them, but their main characteristic is the loud bangs. Firecrackers come in individual crackers or strips of multiple crackers. The strips can be strips of 12, 16, 100, 200, or even upwards of 20,000. The strip firecrackers are often the more popular product because of the multiple explosions and almost machine gun like noise to them. Regardless of the occasion, if fireworks are involved, firecrackers are a must have.

Bottle Rockets: Bottle rockets are almost like a small firecracker attached to a thin stick. You place these rockets at an angle so they can self propel into the air and then explode. Some bottle rockets even feature a whistle effect. When the rocket propels itself upward, it emits a loud shrieking whistle sound before exploding in the air. Bottle rockets are a great product to use in the daytime to get a pyro fix before the night time when you shoot off aerial shells and cakes.

Fountains: Fountains are usually small to medium sized objects placed on the ground. When lit, they emit showers of sparks, crackling, and even aerial effects. Fountains can be a great product to use with the family because they put on a little show of their own. They often stay lit for upwards of 3 to 4 minutes. The sparks and bright colors of fountains are sure to leave the children mesmerized.

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