The American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) makes its way to Branson, MO, next week to hold its Annual Meeting and Convention. And what can you expect from the premier trade association of the fireworks industry holding its annual convention? Dazzling fireworks displays like none other and an amazing trade show where fireworks retailers, importers and suppliers show off their latest wares.
According to APA Executive Director, Julie L. Heckman, “We are delighted to bring our annual convention to Branson, where we have felt so welcome by that beloved mid-west Missouri spirit. Missouri is a fireworks-friendly state, allowing the full array of consumer fireworks which are stringently regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, for sale and use by the general public.”
During the APA convention, professional fireworks companies from all over the world (U.S., Canada, Mexico, China, Italy, Australia, Spain, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Japan) will gather to learn the latest in safety, display design, choreography and regulatory requirements. They will hear from local speakers: Mayor Raeanne Presley, and Jim Hagale, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, on how the fireworks industry supports the local economy; and from U.S. Congress Representative, Roy Blunt, along with a variety of U.S. Federal regulators on legislative and compliance initiatives. “Most people only think about fireworks one day a year, July 4th, but the fireworks industry is an incredibly complicated and stringently regulated industry,” said Ms. Heckman.
In Branson, locals can enjoy two wonderful evenings of fireworks displays produced by APA members. Friday, September 25, 2009, APA members will be firing up the sky at The Branson Landing, a $425 million dollar waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment destination located in Historic Downtown Branson along the beautiful Lake Taneycomo. The evening’s festivities will kick off at 8:00 p.m. with a LIVE Concert featuring performances by Clay Cooper & The Clay Cooper Music Express Band with special guest STARS, Collin Raye, Barbara Fairchild, Dusty Rogers and the Liverpool Legends. What to look for: at approximately 9:15 p.m. a beautifully orchestrated “close proximity” / roof top fireworks display, choreographed to a lively “gaming” theme, and at 10:15 p.m. a grand fireworks finale on the waterfront fired from a barge featuring a tribute to “Beatles Love” – followed by an unforgettable live performance from the Liverpool Legends, who together provide the Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show. For more information about the fireworks event in partnership with The Branson Landing.
On Saturday, the APA will open its trade show to the general public (admission is free) from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Branson Convention Center. And the big signature showcase, or APA’s fireworks finale, will occur on Saturday night at 9:45 p.m. at Moon Shine Beach (located near Table Rock Dam), fired over Table Rock Lake, in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Table Rock Dam. The Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Highway Patrol and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers will oversee access and parking in the area.
Ms. Heckman said, “We look forward to our time in Branson and we hope to delight the community with amazing fireworks that leave a lasting impression for all, fireworks at their finest! Please join us and see what the premier trade association of the fireworks industry, APA, has to offer.”
The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has a diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers, suppliers and professional public display companies.
Publication of this press release, on this site, sponsored by Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800- 785-1550or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.