The ’76 Fireworks team had a blast attending the NFA Expo in Fort Wayne, IN from September 11-15, 2023. Here’s a recap of our participation at the 2023 NFA convention, hosted by the National Fireworks Association.
Spirit of ’76 Consumer Product Demo – NFA 2023
Featuring Sky Bacon, Tako Pyrotechnics, and Realtree Fireworks on Wednesday, Sept 13th.
’76 Pro Line Product Demo – NFA 2023
We shot a Pro Line demo (including our ITALIA single-shots and new Hammer cakes) on Friday, Sept 15th.
The ’76 Fireworks team will attend the NFA Expo in Fort Wayne, IN from September 11-15, 2023.
Let us know if you’ll be there! We’d love to chat at the expo.
• Trade Show: Visit our booth during trade show hours • Wednesday (9/13) Product Demo: Watch our product demo featuring Sky Bacon, Tako Pyrotechnics, and Realtree Fireworks on Thursday evening. • Friday (9/15) Product Demo: Watch our ’76 Pro Line demo (including our ITALIA single-shots and new Hammer cakes) on Friday evening.
When/Where to Find Us at NFA
If you’ll be attending NFA, we’d love to see you there! View the schedule-at-a-glance below to see when and where our team will be during the event.
Chat with us! Please reach out to your sales representative directly to schedule a meeting.
You can visit with us throughout the week and at our booth during trade show hours. We’ll also be shooting a consumer-branded product demo on Wednesday (9/13) evening and a ‘76 Pro Line demo on Friday (9/15) evening.
As we step into the much-anticipated fireworks season of Independence Day 2023. Our aim is to assist you in choosing the perfect fireworks to stock your shelves this season. We are thrilled to present the following curated selection of our most sought-after 500 gram cakes for the 4th of July, 2023!
Howling Wolf (36 shots)
Howling Wolf is a mesmerizing fireworks spectacle from Brothers Pyrotechnics that will transport you to a world of enchantment and awe. As twilight fades and the moon ascends, get ready to witness a breathtaking display that will ignite the night sky and awaken your senses.
Feel the thrill as the howling begins, accompanied by swirling tails of vibrant colors. Watch in wonder as the sky is painted with trails of red palm bursting with silver glitter, complemented by dazzling orange stars adorned with mesmerizing green glitter. The spectacle continues with brocade effects accompanied by radiant blue stars and magnificent chrysanthemums, creating an ethereal atmosphere that captivates all who behold it. Shop Howling Wolf wholesale.
Backyard King (45 shots)
Prepare to be amazed as Backyard King takes your backyard festivities to new heights. With its stunning assortment of fireworks, each carefully crafted to create a breathtaking show, your nights will be filled with awe and wonder with this Sky Bacon Fireworks favorite.
Watch as the sky becomes a canvas for a symphony of bright comets, shooting up into the night, leaving a trail of sparkling brilliance behind. From vivid blues to radiant reds, from shimmering golds to electrifying greens, the palette of colors will transform your backyard into a kaleidoscope of mesmerizing hues. Shop Backyard King wholesale.
9s Nishiki Kamuro (40sec)
The Nishiki Kamuro effect is renowned for its breathtaking display and awe-inspiring longevity in the sky, and this 9-shot cake from ’76 Pro Line is known as the cake that started the Nishiki trend!! This extraordinary Japanese-style effect has captivated fireworks enthusiasts worldwide, and now you can bring its magic to your own show.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Nishiki Kamuro Firework Effect showcases the culmination of decades of expertise. This masterpiece, hailed as our best-selling cake from the ’76 Pro Line, guarantees to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Shop 9s Nishiki Kamuro wholesale.
One Bad Piggy (30 shots)
One Bad Piggy features an exhilarating display of three comet tails, soaring high above with a flair of elegance. As they gracefully cascade through the darkness, anticipation builds until the moment of pure magic arrives. Each comet bursts open, revealing vibrant, color-tipped dahlias that paint the heavens in a mesmerizing array of hues.
Amongst the breathtaking dahlias, you’ll witness a thrilling strobe effect that adds an extra dimension of visual delight in this Sky Bacon cake. And, as if that weren’t enough, prepare to be captivated by occasional crackling bursts that add an exciting audible element to the spectacle. Shop One Bad Piggy wholesale.
Patriotic Sky Buster (126 shots)
This showstopper from Winda Fireworks features alternating bursts of red, white, and blue lights, accompanied by fanned shots of gold sizzling tails, palm tails, and crackling tails. And here’s the best part—it lasts for over a minute! Get ready for a mesmerizing display that celebrates patriotism and delivers an unforgettable experience. Shop Patriotic Sky Buster wholesale.
Opposing Forces (48 shots)
Experience a thrilling fireworks showdown in the sky! This dynamic display features 48 shots of rapid-fire color horsetail, crackling mines, and multicolor peony bursts. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant colors, electrifying crackles, and mesmerizing effects. Perfect for any celebration, this awe-inspiring spectacle wrapped in superhero-inspired packaging will leave you breathless. Shop Opposing Forces wholesale.
Hog Smash (28 Shots)
With a mind-blowing combination of 28 shots, Hog Smash promises an unforgettable experience. It wastes no time in captivating your senses, kicking off the show with two rows of double color-comets that streak through the sky, leaving trails of vibrant hues in their wake.
Experience the power, beauty, and sheer excitement of Hog Smash. Perfect for celebrations, parties, or any special occasion, this explosive spectacle will leave your audience in awe and create memories that will be cherished forever. Shop Hog Smash wholesale.
The Hog Father (30 shots)
The Hog Father is an explosive experience like no other. Packed with 30 exhilarating shots, this Sky Bacon cake is a true spectacle of intense neon colors and thunderous bacon crackles that will leave you craving more! Shop The Hog Father wholesale.
Pigzilla (142 shots)
Pigzilla is a a thrilling spectacle that unleashes a symphony of vibrant color pearls, mesmerizing zigzag patterns, and an exhilarating combination of whistling and crackling effects. You will be amazed as this mighty firework crescendos into a grand finale, engulfing the night sky with magnificent walls of shimmering brocade and crackle. Brace yourself for an unforgettable pyrotechnic experience that will leave you in awe. Shop Pigzilla wholesale, and check out its even crazier counterpart, Mechapigzilla!
Sailor’s Nightmare (16 shots)
One of our favorite 500-gram cakes from Tako Pyrotechnics! This cake features alternating with colossal 3-inch shots that unleash mesmerizing jellyfish effects, creating a truly unforgettable visual symphony. Experience the awe-inspiring display of Sailors Nightmare as it unleash a breathtaking combination of brocade tails bursting into a kaleidoscope of vibrant peonies, adorned with enchanting glitter. Shop Salor’s Nightmare wholesale.
As we step into the much-anticipated fireworks season of Independence Day 2023, our aim is to assist you in choosing the perfect fireworks to adorn your shelves this season. We are thrilled to present the following curated selection of our most sought-after Artillery Shells, including each promising unforgettable displays. Best of Tako – 5″ and…
A list of the most popular fireworks with the best displays for Independence Day / 4th of July 2023.
Stay tuned for more…
Keep an eye out for our full lists of the Top 10 Fireworks in other categories (including 200 Gram Multi Shots, and Tube Racks). Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for Top 10 lists and more!
NEW – Hammer cakes, 1000-gram multi shots, bulk Supernova Can shells and 60mm shells with lots of noise to punch up your show. Order now for Pro Use Only.
As we step into the much-anticipated fireworks season of Independence Day 2023, our aim is to assist you in choosing the perfect fireworks to adorn your shelves this season. We are thrilled to present the following curated selection of our most sought-after Artillery Shells, including each promising unforgettable displays.
Best 10 Artillery Shells of 2023
Best of Tako – 5″ and 6″ Shells
Unleash a barrage of awe-inspiring fireworks with the exclusive Tako Variety Pack. This exceptional package combines the very best of Tako’s artillery shells, offering six shells each from RL131 5″ Plutonium, RL132 5″ Nishiki Bombs, RL133 6″ Ring Master, and RL134 6″ Mammoth.
Crafted with the highest quality materials, our Tako max-load canister shells provide the variety you crave with unmatched potency. Approved by thump junkies worldwide, these shells deliver beautiful effects that will light up the sky. Shop it wholesale.
5″ Hellcat Cans (60-gram Canisters)
Talk about hard-hitting! Our best-selling canister shells from Sky Bacon fill the sky with sizzle and boom. Massive, maximum-load breaks make 5″ Hellcat Cans a summer staple. Multiple kits available include various packing options: 4/24 display boxes (popular with retailers), 6/12 pack (currently on sale!), 12/6 box pack, and 12/6 retail pack. There’s a reason they make it in our Top 10 over and over again!
5″ Plutonium Shells
Prepare to be awestruck by our incredible 5″ Plutonium Shells. These extraordinary shells pack a punch, unleashing an explosive display that will leave you spellbound. Witness the radiance as they deflagrate into a breathtaking spectacle, adorned with shimmering gold, silver, or red remnants that radiate an enchanting glow. Shop it wholesale.
Smoke n Mirrors 1.75″
Smoke n Mirrors 1.75″ packs a serious punch! Prepare to be dazzled as each 5″ monster artillery shell unleashes a breathtaking spectacle. Experience the mesmerizing explosion, leaving behind a radiant aftermath of shimmering gold, captivating silver, or vibrant red radioactive remnants. Brace yourself for an unforgettable pyrotechnic experience unlike anything you’ve seen before! They come in multiple options: Packed 4/18 (most popular), packed 6/12 (currently on sale!), packed 12/6, and packed 4/24.
Titanium Willow Shells – 5″ Canister
The Titanium Willow Shells 5″ Canister is a showstopper! These extraordinary shells are crafted to perfection, ensuring a mesmerizing performance that will leave you spellbound. Designed for maximum impact, their long-hanging effect adds an extra touch of elegance and grandeur. Get ready to ignite the sky with an awe-inspiring spectacle that will surpass all expectations! Shop it wholesale.
Happy Face Artillery Shells 1.75″ Ball Shells
A family favorite! We love the opportunity to offer a variety of shells, including ones with pattern designs, for consumers. These ball shells are designed to create a captivating smiley face in the sky! Shop it wholesale.
Full Speed – 7″ Canister Shells
Prepare to be mesmerized by the extraordinary beauty and breathtaking effects of the Full Speed – 7″ Canister Shells. These twenty-four canister shells each feature a TWO-LAYER design! Each pack comes with an assortment of 20 different effects, all listed in the product description.
Brave New World – 60g Canisters
These extraordinary shells showcase a remarkable array of effects designed to captivate and mesmerize. Brace yourself for a mesmerizing display of garnet stars, accompanied by a stunning combination of yellow dahlias with silver glitter. The vibrant spectacle continues with a dazzling fusion of garnet and green glitter, followed by a mesmerizing collision of cyan and silver glitter. Unleash a world of explosive delight and transform any occasion into a truly unforgettable celebration of light, color, and wonder.
Quest – 1.75″ (12 Canister)
Quest canister shells from Brothers make our list nearly every year, and it’s not hard to see why. These super-charged cans wrapped in gold offer an electrifying experience that will leave you and your audience in awe. They are the ultimate choice for those seeking a thrilling and unforgettable fireworks experience. Each canister shell is meticulously crafted to deliver maximum impact and a mesmerizing burst of colors that will light up the night sky.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to create magical moments, these shells will exceed your expectations. Shop it wholesale as a 4/24 pack or a 6/12 pack (currently on sale!).
5″ Supernova Cans Color-Changing (Bulk) – Pro Use Only
The brand-new 5″ Color-Changing Supernova Cans Bulk Packs from 76 Pro Line are for professional use only, but for good reason. Elevate your pyrotechnic artistry to new heights with ’76 Pro Line’s fully-loaded, professional-grade canister shells. They are bulk packed with NO TUBES to save on freight cost & space. These explosive wonders are designed exclusively for those who demand nothing short of excellence. Shop it wholesale.
Top 10 500 Gram Multi Shots of 2023 As we step into the much-anticipated fireworks season of Independence Day 2023. Our aim is to assist you in choosing the perfect fireworks to stock your shelves this season. We are thrilled to present the following curated selection of our most sought-after 500 gram cakes for the…
7 Seasonal Events That Sparked Foot Traffic at Our Fireworks Store and Tent
We hosted several events at our Missouri year-round retail store and tent over the last year. Here’s what worked and what didn’t.
MAY 2023 by Spirit of ’76 Fireworks – Looking for unique ways to get more foot traffic at your fireworks tent, stand, or store? Whether your selling operation is seasonal or year-round, hosting events is a fantastic way to drum up buzz and bring in potential customers.
The Spirit of ‘76 team operates both a year-round retail store and a seasonal fireworks tent in mid-Missouri (located at Midway right off Interstate 70), primarily for research purposes to inform our wholesale customers on the best selling tactics for their own independent retail operations.
Over the past year, we experimented with several different events to see which would bring in the most customers and cash. Here’s what we found.
Pyro Movie Night (June 2022)
We hosted two big events during our 2022 Tent summer season, one of which we called our Pyro Movie Night on the first Saturday we were open (June 25th). We advertised the event on social media, shared press releases to local news organizations, and included it in our seasonal radio spots and direct mailers.
Premise: We offered a free screening of the Disney movie Encanto on an outdoor projector screen, with choreographed fireworks going off behind the screen at key musical parts, across the parking lot from our seasonal tent. We also partnered with a local kids’ football league to sell concessions (popcorn and drinks) to the audience. Prior to the movie screening, we showed a safety video, an advertisement for our year-round retail store across the street, and a video encouraging the audience to shop inside the tent.
Results: We counted over 1,400 people (including kids) in attendance and made over $12k in in-person sales that night. Many audience members voiced gratitude towards our company for hosting the free event, indicating they’d come back again next year. People posted about the event on their social media channels for days afterwards, and we earned several high reviews on Google. One consideration: because the sun didn’t set until nearly 9pm and the movie was an hour long, many families left before entering our tent to shop for fireworks.
Summer Kickoff (June 2022)
The second big event we hosted at our seasonal tent in 2022 was a Summer Kickoff, hosted on Wednesday June 19th before the weekend leading up to the 4th of July. Marketing efforts to promote this event included social media pushes, press releases to local news organizations, and mentions in our seasonal radio spots and direct mailers.
Premise: This was a free-to-attend summer party at our fireworks tent! We had six food trucks (including Dippin’ Dots, Hokulia Shaved Ice, Wrap It Up, Fresh Lemonade Co, and Ozark Biscuits) on-site, a dunk tank with fireworks and coupons as prizes, bounce houses, face painting, and special appearances from world champion Mizzou wrestler Keegan O’Toole as well as two local radio hosts Shags (97.7) and Scotty (Clear99). We rounded out the event with two product demos, a Daytime one in the early evening and a Nighttime one after sundown.
Results: We counted 425 people from the public in attendance and made $20k in sales that day alone. Using the dunk tank as a means to win fireworks was very popular, with people earning a $10 Off Today Only coupon when they missed, which earned us $1.8k in sales from 42 transactions with coupon usage.
Haunt Walk (October 2022)
Using inexpensive decorations from local party stores, we transformed the front section of our retail store into a mini haunted house! Our store manager operated the Haunt Walk throughout the month of October without extra staff. We advertised the Haunt Walk on social media and via email promotions to our subscribers.
Premise: Customers walked through darkened shelves that featured Halloween-themed items like smoke bombs, the SawWorks handheld fountain, and multi-shots like Zombie’s Revenge and Howling Wolf. Once victims – er, patrons – exited the Walk, they were prompted to spin a wheel for a chance to win a prize. We used our digital ‘Wheel of Boom’ (renamed the ‘Wheel of BOO!’ for this particular event) to collect the customers’ email address for a free spin. Prize items included novelty items and merchandise like drink koozies and t-shirts with our logo.
Results: We counted 123 customers for the month of October, historically a low-yield month. The store made just over $7.5k in sales (approx. $4.4k more than the previous year). Our decoration costs were under $800, and many of the decor can be reused for future Haunt Walks. While we did see some foot traffic, by no means did we exceed our goals. We learned from this effort that events with limited-time specials, rather than month-long offerings, are more likely to mobilize shoppers. With our next retail push in October 2023, we plan to host at least one single-day Halloween event with exclusive in-store specials and activities.
Food Drive & Black Friday (November 2022)
Food Drive: We partnered with the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri to collect food for their bins, and offered a coupon incentive for anyone who brought in eligible food donations. This effort was advertised on our social media and via email promotions.
Food Drive Results: This event was a bit of a miss for us on the retail front. We only received a few donations from customers, and the coupon was not a large enough incentive. Instead, we turned it into an internal competition among ‘76 employees, which became extremely popular and yielded nearly 1,300 pounds of donated food!
Black Friday: We offered Half Off all fireworks on the Friday and Saturday only following Thanksgiving. This promotion was advertised on social media and via email.
Black Friday Results: 17 customers came in the weekend of our Black Friday deal, with total sales at approximately $1.3k.
Meet Santa (December 2022)
For the holidays, we went all out by hiring a professional Santa and Mrs. Claus to pay a visit to our retail store on Saturday, December 17th from 11am-3pm. Our “Meet Santa” event was advertised on social media, in our email promotions, and in paid local radio spots.
Premise: The event was free to the public and tailored to families with small children. Families were invited to meet Mrs. Claus, take a photo on Santa’s lap, and receive a free goody bag filled with novelty items and safety materials branded with our store’s information. We also offered specials on certain festive items.
Results: Our store filled up that Saturday with families! We counted at least 162 individuals attending the Santa event. We had a total of 18 transactions with just under $1.7k in sales. Many families posted about the event on social media and shared it among their friends, making the event a big success in terms of community awareness. This was one of the more costly events to put on: we spent $2k for the professional Santa, Mrs. Claus, their helpers, and their decorations. The radio ads cost us $3.6k. Next year, we plan to save on the advertising costs and rely more on organic social pushes, owned emails, and word-of-mouth from the previous year’s attendance.
Easter Egg Hunt (March 2023)
When Easter rolled around, we decided to host a free egg hunt across the street from our retail store. We advertised the egg hunt with a banner at the entrance, social media posts, and through our email newsletter.
Premise: The free event was catered to families with small children. The hunt was divided into sections for each age group, with the 7-12 age being the largest area. Eggs filled with candy and fireworks gift cards were scattered on the ground. We also had a retail table set up where we offered small assortment bags for $20 each. We also had a food truck, shaved ice truck, and lemonade stand attend, all of which did reasonable business following the hunt.
Results: Several dozen families came out for the hunt with an attendance of around 175 individuals. While we only sold a handful of assortment bags on that day, the gift cards steadily came back to us as attendees visited our store later (estimated $4.3k in gift card sales).
Fireworks Demo (April 2023)
This year, we decided to invite the public to attend our annual Spring Fireworks Demo on Saturday, April 22nd (in addition to inviting our wholesale customers) to promote our retail store. We promoted the event with a banner at the Midway entrance, social media posts, a press release, and via email to our subscribers.
Premise: Our free fireworks demo took place up the hill from our year-round retail store. We shot 56 items and ended the evening with a fireworks competition between local pyro clubs KCAP and MoPyro. We had two food trucks selling food & drinks, alcoholic beverages sold by Bur Oak Brewing, and bounce houses and lawn games for kids. We advertised 30% off fireworks at our retail store, which was open all day and open the previous day, and we gave out fliers advertising our free fireworks events being hosted at our tent later this summer.
Results: Our retail store made excellent sales, earning just over $11,000 that demo weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and boosting our sales to $7k more than April of the previous year. Despite Saturday’s cold weather (it dropped to 40 degrees!), we saw a great demo turnout of 250 members from the general public in addition to another 200+ of our wholesale customers. Many folks posted about the event on social media, creating free buzz for our company and retail location.
Conclusion
With each of these events, our ultimate objective was to raise awareness of Spirit of ’76 as a company while simultaneously promoting both our year-round retail store and seasonal tent. We sincerely hope that the success we’ve achieved through these events serves as inspiration for you to embark on similar ventures at your own retail location. It’s time to spark excitement and make your presence known!
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The ’76 Fireworks team attended the NFA Expo in Kingsport, TN from September 6-10, 2022.
Original Post: Published August 22, 2022:
Join us at the following events!
• Trade Show: Visit our booth during trade show hours • Hospitality Room: Hang out with us in MeadowView Ballroom A • Thursday Product Demo: Watch our product demo featuring Sky Bacon, Tako Pyrotechnics, and Realtree Fireworks on Thursday evening. • Saturday Product Demo: Watch ’76 Pro Line ITALIA in action on Saturday evening.
Visit us at our booth during trade show hours or in our Hospitality Room (MeadowView Ballroom A). We’ll also be shooting a consumer-branded product demo on Thursday (9/8) evening and a ‘76 Pro Line demo on Saturday (9/10) evening.
When/Where to Find Us at NFA
If you’ll be attending NFA, we’d love to see you there! View the schedule-at-a-glance below to see when and where our team will be during the event.
Please reach out to your sales representative directly if you’d like to schedule a meeting.
Save your spot! Click the link above to register for free.
In addition to the fireworks demo, we will be offering a shooter’s training course hosted by J&M Displays and a Fireworks Display Choreography Showdown with local firework clubs KCAP vs. MoPyro. More details to come.
We had a blast filming our first season of virtual demos. While it doesn’t compare to meeting in person, we were thrilled to have so many viewers turn in and talk to us through the chat. Keep watching and commenting!
Friday, June 5th – Consumer Demo
A late-season demo worth checking out! Features over 40 new items for 2020 – including 25+ items that arrived after our May 8th demo. Check out a range of conusmer items including 5″ shells, 6″ shells, plenty of nishiki effects, and the premier of Tako brand fireworks.
Friday, May 15th – ‘76 Pro Line Demo
Follow Ken on the field to see the best fireworks designed for professional displays from our 2020 product line. This demo features both consumer use and professional use only products, plus a pandemic-themed pyromusical at the end.
Friday, May 8th – Consumer Fireworks Demo
Showcasing the hottest fireworks for retail sales from our 2020 product line. Brands include Brothers, Winda, Shogun, Firehawk, Mighty Max and more, plus our in-house brands Sky Bacon and Realtree Fireworks.
Friday, April 3rd – Fireworks Demo
Our first ever online demo! This demo features our newest and hottest products for 2020 from Brothers, Winda, Shogun, Firehawk, Sky Bacon, Realtree, ’76 Pro Line, and more.
Our customers had a blast this year at our annual Spring Demos! Our biggest and best event to date featured seminars from guest speakers, daytime demos, plenty of food and drinks, nighttime demos, and amazing fireworks shows by Rich Bader, KCAP, and MoPyro.
Each day started with customer pick ups. Our new warehouse was a big hit with fireworks dealers and enthusiasts picking up throughout the day and night.
During the day we had classes and seminars from experts in the field. New this year was APA certified shooter’s training. Roger Nurnberg from J&M Displays was gracious enough to set up and train pyros interested in getting their license. Nancy Blogin and Linda Garcia from the National Council on Fireworks Safety had a wonderful booth and explained the importance of safety to our audience. Jesse Ververka from Passfire and David Tromsness from Miami Missonary Tents set up booths as well. Tige Sealscott, owner of Fuse ConneX was also on site showing people how to use the product for better fireworks shows.
Reinhardt Circle catered a great chicken dinner Friday night, and the crew from Lutz’s BBQ did our traditional pig roast on Saturday. Our catalog girls were a big help at registration and our drink station, serving cold drinks to thirsty customers. New this year was a snow cone machine from Kona Ice. The Bruce Poe Band was on hand both nights as well entertaining our guests during supper.
Check out video from our demo below or scroll down for a photo album from our May demos.
