Issue #6     In stores now.     Subscribe today!       Maltese readers - Click Here

’76 Pyro strives for excellence in content and visual presentation. Each issue is packed with great photos and articles covering the most explosive hobby in the world - FIREWORKS!

Dedicated to sharing information with all fireworks enthusiasts in order to educate and promote the safe, fun use of fireworks.

What's inside Issue #6 of '76 Pyro: Publisher’s Notes – Our publisher, John Bechtold, talks about Maltese fireworks, the PGI convention, John Widmann’s WASP machine, and the hobby of pyrobilia When Your Backyard is the Ocean – Marty Kinnee talks about his annual fireworks show by the ocean. The show looks spectacular with the reflection off of the water, and having friends and family around makes it even more special. British Pyrobilia – John Bennett, the editor of Fireworks (UK), talks about his experience collecting fireworks labels, and describes some of the largest collections in the UK. Pyrobilia – Why do people collect old fireworks? How do fireworks laws pertain to old fireworks collections? What makes a pack of firecrackers worth $800? Read this article to find out. PGI Fire Fest ’08 Gillette, WY – Hear all about the classes, the amazing shows, and the unique shells fired at this year’s show. Beautiful pictures from the fireworks shows, and faces of the PGI light up this issue. The Girandola Incident – At PGI’s Fire Fest, Tony Stader built a 14 ft. girandola. Much to the surprise of many spectators, the giant firework had a great flight. But, that is only half the story. Mira LaCous – The owner of Hollywood Pyrotechnics describes how she is not only “hands on” when it comes to making shells, she is also teaching her suppliers some tricks of the trade. Includes amazing pictures of some of her fireworks, as well as pictures from Chinese manufacturers. The Genius of Jim Widmann and his WASP Machine – Jim talks about how he turned his engineering know-how into a revolutionary device for shell makers. A great article about machinery developed and built right here in the USA. Junior Pyro Association – Hear what it is like for the under-18 crowd to put on a show. Discusses set-up, wiring, and execution – all done by kids (with adult supervision of course). This Island of Fireworks: Malta – Alex Schmitt talks about his trip to Malta, and gives an background on Maltese shells and Malta wheels, and talks about the Band Clubs of Malta, the organizations responsible for the island’s summer fireworks festivals. Our Trip to Malta – John Blogin talks about how he and his wife Nancy ended up in Malta, and the great time they had touring the island and watching the great fireworks shows. Includes amazing pictures. The Saint Andrew’s Fireworks Factory – Read about the founding of the band club Filarmonica L’Unione, and their history of building great Maltese fireworks – from tragedy to triumph. Dr. Worsey’s Explosives Corner – As a regular writer for ’76 Pyro, Dr. Worsey talks about working with a film crew for an upcoming cable TV special. Enjoy the pictures of a demolitions expert using explosives to create a basement. Lightning and Fireworks – Enjoy the beauty of fireworks and the beauty of nature, lighting up the night sky together.