ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, July 4, 1996                 TAG: 9607050012
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: HOLIDAY 

HOW TO BE AN EXPERT FIREWORKS WATCHER:

Don't get too close. The full effect of aerial shells is best seen 500 feet or more away.

Watch the quality of the colors. Because blue is a hard color to make, a deep blue hue is a true accomplishment.

Count the number of "breaks" or individual explosions in each shell. The fanciest display shells have multiple breaks. After being launched into the air, they can produce up to five, six or seven "effects," which are the bursts of color or thunder-like explosions.

Know the difference between the shells. An oriental shell will spread a spectacular chrysanthemum shape across the sky when it bursts. An American shell is distinguished by its random pattern of color and its duration.

Be on the watch for imported shells as well. The French multibreak shells are famous for "precise colors" and "dazzling effects." Brazilian fireworks often change color many times before going out. The Spanish prefer old-fashioned rockets, Italians like a lot of noise and German fireworks may use parachutes.

Appreciate the patterns you see in the sky. A pyrotechnician decides what he wants his fireworks to do by packing in the stars and powders in a certain way to determine when the colors and sounds are heard. He must use the laws of physics and the beauty of color to make a good firework.

See how much time passes between events. A good technician will be able to keep ground fireworks in the air to keep spectators entertained while he reloads the mortar with aerial shells. This way, there won't be a break in the show.

Listen to how the fireworks are coordinated with music, if there is any. A pyrotechnician can choreograph with live or recorded music if desired.

- Source: National Council on Fireworks Safety Inc.

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