This September, Turtle Creek Stadium in Traverse City, Michigan, will become the canvas for an extraordinary display of pyrotechnics, as the International Fireworks Championship returns with an expanded lineup and an additional night of competition. Last year’s inaugural event left attendees in awe, and this year, from September 6 to 7, the spectacle is expected to be even more breathtaking.
Lighting the Fuse on International Talent
The competition will feature some of the best pyrotechnic teams from around the world. Among them are:
- Australia’s Foti Family Fireworks, renowned for their New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney
- Harbor Selstar Fireworks from the United Kingdom, with a trophy shelf full of international awards
- Morani Fireworks from India are known for their vibrant displays at large-scale music concerts and sporting events.
Teams from the Philippines, Finland, and the United States will join them in Michigan, each bringing their unique styles and celebrated pyrotechnic talents.
Traverse City Tourism President, Trevor Tkach, shared the global appeal and local excitement surrounding the event. “Last year’s competition was a sight to behold. We watched as the night sky transformed into a canvas of color and light, leaving everyone spellbound. With more teams and an extra night, we’re gearing up for an even more impressive show this year.”
Ticket Sales and Event Details
Tickets will go on sale in May. There will be a variety of seating options available, from box seats at $50 to exclusive suites that range up to $2,500. The event is structured so that spectators can also purchase tickets for both nights, ensuring they don’t miss any of the awe-inspiring performances.
What sets this competition apart is not just the dazzling displays but the stringent criteria against which these teams are judged. Competitors have 15 minutes to impress the audience and judges with their creativity, synchronization to music, and overall impact.
The competition also features a dual award system: audience members vote for the “Best of Show” each night, and a panel of pyrotechnic experts selects the winners of a juried award.
Competition Structure and Community Impact
Local businesses and community organizations are throwing their full support behind the event. Sponsors include the Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel, Ebels General Store, and several other local establishments, highlighting the strong community involvement that helps make the event possible.
As the teams prepare for their performances, the excitement builds not only for the spectacle of the shows but also for the economic and cultural boost they bring to Traverse City. This event is more than just a fireworks competition; it’s a celebration of international talent and local community spirit, set against the backdrop of northern Michigan’s scenic beauty.
For those interested in attending or learning more about the competitors and the event itself, details from last year’s festival can be found on the Traverse City Tourism website. With the stage set for a showdown of lights and creativity, this September promises to be unforgettable for both the city and its visitors.
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Stepping onto Mackinac Island feels like entering a storybook setting. It has a Norman Rockwell meets Disneyland’s Main Street type of feel, which had us immediately enchanted, soaking in the nostalgic charm and timeless beauty around every corner.
Recently, my family and I were invited to come and experience what Mission Point Resort has to offer on Mackinac Island. Not having been before, we weren’t sure what to expect of an island where cars weren’t allowed, but we were (very!) pleasantly surprised by the charm and quaintness the island offers.
Here’s what it was like to spend a few days in this laid-back Michigan town.
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Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, focused on discovering destinations and experiences that captivate and inspire others through her writing. She is also the founder of Our Woven Journey, a travel site focused on inspiring others to create memory-making adventures with their loved ones. Karee is passionate about encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and live the life they dream of. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. You can learn more about Karee on her about me page.
