PGI 2009 won't get to experience the IRON PYRO unique competition invented by Shogun Pyrotechnics in Hong Kong. It has been decided to postpone the event until 2010 so that applicants will have more time preparing for the competition. The competition may even review its application process to allow more variables in the process. To keep up with the Iron Pyro news go to http://www.ironpyro.com/

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The HSBC Celebration of Light, produced by the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, will be wrapping up its affairs ending 18 great years of Vancouver fireworks and the biggest offshore fireworks competition in the world.

 On Tuesday night, August 11th 2009 in Mason City, Iowa, USA, during the Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention ("Host"), three specially selected Contestants will take the stage after several months of hard work putting together what they believe will be an outstanding display of live fireworks set to music and battle it out to become the first ever IRON PYRO!In order to fairly judge the merits and skills of the Contestants, each will start with the same firework "ingredients" selected and provided by the Event's main Sponsor, SHOGUN PYROTECHNICS.  Shells, Mines, Comets, Rockets, and Roman Candles will then be blended with music, chosen and laid out by each Contestant in order to create a six to ten minute Firework Extravaganza. Go to www.ironpyro.com

August 24th 2008 The Trico Homes International Fireworks Competition trophy was awarded to the China team. Products by MF Hunan Fireworks Company Ltd., and choreographed by David Whysall of Whysall International Fireworks in Canada. Their show, entitled Once Upon a Time in China, represented the Chinese culture and music. Click through to get videos of the display.

Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics have won the Silver Jupiter at the prestigious International Des Feux Loto-Quebec held in La Rhonde, Montreal, Canada. Up against the who's who of the world pyrotechnic wizards, Howard & Sons powerful pyromusical titled ‘Evolve' lit up the Six Flags them park in a way rarely seen over the last quarter century that the competition has been held in Montréal. At a special Grand Finale ceremony, the Australian consulate official Peter Evans, accepted on behalf of Howard & Sons, the jury's award of the Silver Jupiter which is the highest level of achievement for an Australian pyrotechnics firm at the competition.

The winners of the 24^th Montreal International Fireworks Competition, L'International des feux Loto-Québec, are Pyrotecnico from the United States (Gold Jupiter), Howard and Sons from Australia (Silver Jupiter), and Sunny International from China (Bronze Jupiter). The awards ceremony was held on Wednesday, August 6^th at La Ronde and followed by the traditional off-competition closing display produced by Panzera. However, the absence of Grupo Luso Pirotecnia was unexpected and surprised several viewers.