Team Germany Sweeps First International Fireworks ChampionshipTraverse City, Mich. – Team Germany claimed the bragging rights Saturday with awards during the first International Fireworks Championship presented by GFL Environmental in Traverse City. Germany won both the juried competition and Best of Show.
The juried title was awarded by a panel of pyrotechnic experts, while Best of Show was given through a popular vote of those attending the fireworks championship. The awards reflected choreography, synchronization to music, design, and overall experience of the performance. “This is an honor for our whole team,” said Timo Luettmann of the German team. “We take great pride in all our performances, and to get the recognition by our peers and the public is tremendously gratifying,” added teammate Daniel Schaeffler.
Each team had about 15 minutes to stage their fireworks performance. France was represented by Fetes Et Fêaux, Germany by TOF Feuerwerk, Mexico by Fantastika Pirotecnia, and the USA by Rozzi Pyrotechnics.
The highly anticipated Fireworks Championship was sold out within minutes when tickets went on sale.
“You could feel the excitement the moment the gates opened,” said Trevor Tkach (Tah-koch), President of Traverse City Tourism. “There is nothing like this fireworks championship anywhere in the country. To see people’s reaction to this show was amazing.”
Fireworks competitions are rare in the U.S., but more common in Europe and other parts of the world. The teams were invited to the Traverse City event only if they had won other competitions. Each had to follow specific guidelines that challenged their creativity and artistic ability.
“We are hoping this is the first of many years for the Fireworks Championship. And based on the public reaction we anticipate that will be the case,” added Tkach.
Sponsors included GFL Environmental, Little Town Jerky, Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel, Ebels General Store, The Carrithers Family, Fox Grand Traverse, On Core AV, Blast! Events and TVC Airport.
More information about the fireworks and travel to Traverse City is available at: http://www.traversecity.com./
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Team Germany celebrates win during Fireworks ChampionshipA sold-out crowd enjoys the first International Fireworks Championship in Traverse City###
ABOUT TRAVERSE CITY TOURISM
Traverse City Tourism is an independent, not-for-profit destination management organization (DMO) that promotes the greater Traverse City area as a leisure and business destination with an excellent quality-of-life. Through the impact of travel, Traverse City Tourism helps strengthen the local economy and supports a thriving entrepreneurial community. Details on the region’s lodging, attractions, and area events are available at TraverseCity.com.
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Photo credit: ToF Feuerwerk
