Western WinterBlast 2021 Will Go Virtual

By Nicole Matheson

Although the popular Western WinterBlast has been cancelled this year because of the pandemic, the pyrotechnic show will go on virtually in a special interactive event produced by the WPA, Western Pyrotechnic Association. Western WinterBlast has taken place in Lake Havasu City annually since 1990, and now with some ingenuity and determination, no one will miss this event.

RiverScene Magazine spoke with Tom Calderwood, WPA former board member and photographer, about Western WinterBlast and the direction that was taken this year. “Normally when we get together for WinterBlast, a large part of our time is spent in learning,” he explains, which includes safety regulations as well as building the fireworks themselves.

“Only part of what everyone sees are the firework shows at night,” Calderwood goes on, emphasizing how much of the WinterBlast event is socializing and coming together as a team to create these dazzling displays, learning from each other.

Gina and Victor Papini build firework shells during a past Winterblast to prepare for fireworks display. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

How to translate that experience into the virtual world was the big question in putting this event together. Not only will participants be able to see shows and demonstrations designed specifically for this online experience, there will also be virtual tours behind the scenes, interviews with individuals working in the industry from around the world, and glimpses into the firework manufacturing process.

People from all over the world will come together for the virtual WinterBlast 2021, and now anyone, anywhere can also attend. If you are not a member of the WPA, registration for the event is $30. Visit the WPA’s website for more information and to register Click HERE.