The Pyrotechnics Guild International, a 3,000-member organization of fireworks artists, is conducting its 2013 “BOOM & a Blast” convention this week in Butler County.

A month after Independence Day — the zenith of all pyros’ business year — PGI members gather to talk about trends and advances in their profession. They give and receive safety training. And they blow up a lot of their products. The convention is their opportunity to try out innovations and engage in friendly competitions.

As part of the festivities, the guild has scheduled four public exhibits at Cooper’s Lake Campground, at the juncture of Interstate 79 and U.S. 422. The opening performance was Sunday, and if that show was any indication of things to come, then anyone thinking about taking in one of the three remaining PGI shows should go ahead and attend.

Sunday’s show featured two Pennsylvania companies, Zambelli International of New Castle and Little Big Shots of Addison. The fireworks were superb — a Jackson Pollack-meets Vincent Van Gogh energy splashed and swirling upon a black velvet canvas of cloudless night-sky perfection. Synchronized dramatically to a variety of music, the fireworks flirted continually with sensory overload — blinding flashes and bone-shaking booms, which you’d expect; but also the unexpected — walls of flame emitting an instant or two of palpable heat along with odors reminiscent of childhood capguns and frying bacon. Yes, bacon. Who could have expected bacon?

From a logistical standpoint, the show was nearly flawless. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic was arranged for peak efficiency and safety. Attendants were cordial and knowledgeable. Golf cart rides and handicapped parking were available for those who needed assistance. There was an ample variety of food and drink vendors, plenty of portable toilets and acres of seating area, all with unrestricted views of the show’s ground and air elements.

Three musical acts entertained from 4 p.m., when the gates opened, until the fireworks started around 8:30 p.m.

There were only two technical glitches in an otherwise flawless event: traffic tie-ups on I-79, largely caused by construction bottlenecks; and a computer problem that delayed Little Big Shots’ display. After several failed attempts, Little Big Shots set off its rockets by hand, overriding the computer problem, to the delight of a patient and appreciative audience.

The remaining shows are tonight, Thursday and Friday. The weather forecast for all three nights is free of rain. Details on each of the three remaining shows — plus alternate routes to avoid I-79 and a host of other information — can be found at the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau’s website: https://www.visitbutlercounty.com. You can even buy your ticket online. Admission is $35 per carload.

The last PGI convention in our region was 1994 — 19 years ago. There’s no predicting how soon it will return. This is a rare opportunity to see some of the best pyrotechnic performances of all time, right here in Butler County. Don’t miss it.