LaPorte pyrotechnic convention sights/sounds to behold ... or not

August 17, 2012|By Chad Damp (damp@wsbt.com) | WSBT-TV Reprorter

Many people missed out on 4th of July fireworks this year because of the drought. But there's an event in LaPorte this week that's big, beautiful and loud.

The LaPorte County Fairgrounds are home to the 2012 Pyrotechnics Guild International convention. The combination trade show and exhibition is in a different location every year.

Kristen O'Dell and her family didn't have to travel to see or hear the event, they live across the street from the fairgrounds.

“They start at like 1 o’clock, 3 o’clock in the afternoon and go all night,” she says. Her family doesn’t really mind the fireworks, just the time they’re set off.

O'Dell says it makes it hard for the family to sleep … which is tough with school starting this week.

“They shake so much it shakes the windows. It shakes the plumbing. It’s pretty intense,” she says.

LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo defended the convention on her Facebook page, saying it's expected to bring in thousands of people and millions of dollars to the area.

She says, "If you like fireworks, you are not going to be able to wipe the grin off your face until sometime next week! If you don't like fireworks, it will not be a fun week for you."

The O'Dells just wish there was more communication and consideration from the county or convention.

“You think they would have reached out to the people in the immediate area. At least apologized or offered you a free ticket to the show, but they have done nothing.”

The convention wraps up Friday with a grand public display at the fairgrounds, 2581 W. State Road 2 in LaPorte. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets $20 per person; parking is $10.

CLICK HERE to reach Pyrotechnics Guilt Intl. website

CLICK HERE to reach LaPorte County fairgrounds website

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