VALLEY VIEW — You don’t have to wait until Independence Day to see celebratory pyrotechnics light up the sky.
The CrackerJacks Inc. are coming to Valley View Park this Friday and Saturday and will host a public showing of fireworks Saturday.
CrackerJacks, with about 125 members, is the largest pyrotechnics club on the East Coast, according to Jeff Kline, club president and operator of Tri-Valley Pharmacy, Valley View.
“They were in the Valley View Park last year but were not able to allow the public into the park because of their insurance,” David Williams, park event coordinator, said. “They got additional insurance for this year’s event and the public will be allowed to come and watch the competition fireworks on Saturday night.”
“It is important to keep local people informed because of the noise associated with fireworks. In particular, knowing how to prepare pets for the fireworks,” Williams said.
40th anniversary
The CrackerJacks will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. The public is invited to watch the special competition fireworks that will be held on Saturday night in celebration of this anniversary. The park will be open to the public at 7 p.m. Saturday, with the firework show starting at 9:15 p.m.
Four groups will be competing for the best fireworks show of the night. Each group will be given approximately 10 minutes for their fireworks show, which must be choreographed to music.
There is no charge to watch the fireworks. The Valley View Park will be providing donation buckets to help defray the costs of maintaining the park, according to Williams. Some parking will be available in the park. Overflow parking will be available at the Valley View Gun Club grounds. Hegins Valley Fire and Rescue will be on hand for the event.
Enthusiasts
The CrackerJacks is a club that was formed in 1976 for people who like fireworks, according to Kline. Their members range from professional fireworks manufacturers and shooters to dedicated hobbyists and are from all the states on the East Coast and as far away as Washington state.
They hold events in northern Virginia and Pennsylvania. Members make firework safety their first priority and learn how to setup a display, manufacture rockets, shells and shoot both 1.4G (Class C, consumer) and 1.3G (Class B, professional) fireworks. Every member is required to know, understand and follow the safety guidelines. All club activities are closely supervised by their safety team to ensure that members can safely enjoy their mutual hobby of pyrotechnics.
Safety training is provided to club members and others on a wide range of topics, including storage, handling, transportation, display setup/operation and manufacturing. The Pyrotechnic Guild International, which is also dedicated to fireworks safety, developed the PGI Display Operator Certification also know as the PGI Shooter’s Course. This course is regularly offered by the CrackerJacks.
The CrackerJacks is a registered nonprofit corporation that holds a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives license that enables the club to store, manufacture and use fireworks. All events abide by the rules, laws and regulations of federal, state and local agencies such as BATFE, the state Department of Transportation, National Fire Protection Association and the fire marshal. The CrackerJacks regularly offer the Pyrotechnic Guild International Display Operator Certification Courses and also train people to become PGI Certified Trainers.
Fire marshals from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio and New York have also received training.
CrackerJacks’ members build some of the most advanced and spectacular rockets, girandolas, ball shells and other pyrotechnic devices.
Several seminars are offered at each shoot covering everything from electrical firing and choreography to the latest fireworks manufacturing techniques. In the past, several seminars have covered classic fireworks designs, plastic shell construction and end-burning drivers. Seminars are taught by members ranging from experienced hobbyists to leading experts in the field, including members who participate in world-class firework competitions, PGI Grandmasters and those who worked on the largest firework shows ever.
Some fireworks create loud sounds. In particular, fireworks known as “Salutes” create a loud noise that sounds like a cannon being fired. The CrackerJacks will be limiting these fireworks to a time period from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
Watch pets
Loud noises from fireworks may frighten animals and pets. The SPCA offered several tips to help minimize any discomfort to pets. Some suggestions are as follows:
1. Know when the fireworks are happening and mark the dates on a calendar. Make sure that your pets’ ID tags and microchips are up to date. Prepare pets for dealing with the noise by exposing your pets to other sounds by playing appropriate music.
2. Prepare the house to become the pets’ safety zone by keeping lights on, closing curtains and playing the television or music.
3. Prepare a suitable room where the pet will stay. An inner room that is least impacted by noise is ideal. It should be a room that can be closed off to prevent the pet from running around the house. Make the room comfortable by adding clean bedding and familiar toys. The room temperature should be pleasant.
4. Pets can become upset by reacting to their owners’ anxiety. Keep calm in front of your pet.
5. Provide food and hydration to your pet. If your pet has access to water, it will help calm him, and food supplied in your pet’s regular portion will make him feel like it’s a normal day.
6. Keep an eye on your pet, and if possible, stay with your pet. Comfort your pet by talking to it. Be friendly but don’t fuss over your pet too much; this can increase its anxiety if it picks up on yours and can reward and encourage fearful behavior. Allow your pet to hide somewhere in the room if wished. It’s your pet’s way of coping and dragging them out of a safe spot can increase their anxiety levels. Don’t fuss over your pet too much.
7. Check on your pet after the fireworks. Reassure him as long as you’re sure that the loud fireworks are over. Let your pet have free run of the house to see how it behaves before considering letting your pet return outside. Check for signs of stress in your pet.
The CrackerJacks regret any discomfort animals and pets may experience because of the event and request that owners review these helpful suggestions. The CrackerJacks want everyone to enjoy the fireworks, Kline said, and invite everyone to come to the Valley View Park to enjoy the show.
For more information, visit www.crackerjacks.org.