A History of Fireworks: Globally, Nationally, and at IBK

As Innsbrook property owners and their guests anxiously await our 2014 Fireworks Extravaganza, taking place July 5, we’re looking back at the history of these colorful, thunderous and awe-inspiring bringers of child-like glee.

Photo by Ken Allman

Fireworks originated in China some 2,000 years ago. The most prevalent legend has it that fireworks were discovered or invented by accident by a Chinese cook working in a field kitchen who happened to mix charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter (all commonly found in the kitchen in those days). The mixture burned and when compressed in an enclosure (a bamboo tube), the mixture exploded.

A Chinese monk is credited with the invention of firecrackers about 1,000 years ago. Firecrackers, both then and now, are thought to have the power to fend off evil spirits and ghosts that are frightened by the loud bangs. Firecrackers are used for such purposes today at many events such as births, deaths, and birthdays.

Photo by Cindy Bowers

So why do we use fireworks in the U.S. to celebrate our Independence Day? Because we always have! In 1777, one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia held a massive celebration, one of first organized and most elaborate of its kind, which included fireworks. Read more from the Smithsonian.

Photo by Jennifer Serniak

Well, that explains that. But what about the history of fireworks at Innsbrook? How’d it get to be such a big deal here?  This year marks the 39th year of the fireworks extravaganza at Innsbrook… kind of. The show never had an official start date – it had an evolution.

Photo by Gary VonderHaar

“It all began when we started building Innsbrook in 1971,” said Innsbrook founder and chairman Ed Boyce. “At Innsbrook, all of our utilities are buried, and in the beginning we did all of the work ourselves with the help of many, many cases of dynamite to get through the rock.”

They began to use dynamite they had left over as fireworks on special occasions.

“As I recall, one Fourth of July we had bought a bunch of fireworks at the local stand and we went up to Lake Lucern Dam to set them off,” said Ed. “As an afterthought, we took along a couple of sticks of dynamite for the finale. Our ‘crowd’ of probably 25 aficionados thought the whole thing worthwhile and fun, and that began the gestation process of what is now our signature event of the year.”

Photo by Carolyn Mooney

We haven’t used dynamite in the show in more than 20 years. We’ve gone from a do-it-yourself show to a full “blown” production. The Innsbrook Fireworks Show is more than just colorful lights across the night sky; it’s about making memories with your family and friends that will last a lifetime.

How many fireworks shows has your family enjoyed at Innsbrook?