CAMBRIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (WCMH) – Most only think about fireworks a few times a year around holidays or certain celebrations, but up a dirt road through the woods, on top of a hill, about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh, they're top of mind all year long.
It's where Starfire Corporation manufactures and tests their fireworks. The company fired off a test of one of the fireworks which will be used at Red, White and BOOM!
“Small taste, not even quite an appetizer,” said Ralph Piacquadio, a fireworks show designer with Starfire. “Well look at the title, Red White and BOOM! We’re going to make sure we have the boom in boom.”
He works closely with David Hunter. They listened to the soundtrack for Red, White and BOOM! created by WNCI Radio. Then they carefully laid out which fireworks they think will go best with the music. Combined, the two have worked with Red, White and BOOM! for more than 25 years. 2024 is the first year some of the fireworks they're using for the show are from Starfire.
“We’re just very fortunate to be there for this year and we’ll do everything we can to give the wonderful folks of Columbus a show they’ve never seen before," said Vince Terrizzi, Vice President of Starfire Corporation.
The family run company was started almost 60 years ago. Terrizzi said his dad calls the new firework which NBC4 got to see tested, the "Super Blaster."
“It’s going to be loud,” Terrizzi said. “The finale is going to be something I don't think you’ve ever seen before.”
