Wyoming Pyro Takes Top Prize At Fireworks Convention [VIDEO]
The largest fireworks convention in the world is back in Wyoming this week and, fittingly, a Cowboy State native was the best in show. Riverton resident Kevin Adams was the big winner at the 50th annual Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention in Gillette, taking first place with an explosive tribute to Alice in Wonderland.
"It's an honor," Adams told Spirit of '76 after his display claimed the top prize in the Unlimited Class C division. "To be part of the 50th anniversary and to be shooting a show this year in Wyoming, my home state, it's a cool thing."
Adams took second place at the 2017 PGI Convention, losing by 1/10 of a point. He spent three weeks preparing for this year's event, working 8-hour days to wire shells and cakes and choreograph the five-minute show to composer Danny Elfman's Alice in Wonderland soundtrack.
The weeklong PGI Convention, which draws hundreds of fireworks manufacturers from around the world, wraps up tonight at the Cam Plex Morningside Park in Gillette. During last night's show, organizers detonated the largest firework in the world, a "Super Nuke" charged with 1,000 gallons of gasoline and 50 pounds of powder.