MUDDY CREEK TWP — Fireworks enthusiasts don't have to wait until next year's Fourth of July to catch a great show.

That is because members of the Pyrotechnics Guild International will host a weeklong event Aug. 11 to 16 at Cooper's Lake Campground.

The 40th Pyrotechnics Guild annual convention will offer the public four nights of fireworks shows. These will be on Aug. 11, 13, 14 and 16.

The convention boasts cutting edge fireworks shows with synchronized blasts and a “pyro musical.” The four public shows will last more than an hour each. Some of the fireworks that will shoot higher in the air can be seen from a mile or two away, but Dan Creagan, PGI president, advises a front-row seat, about 1,200 feet away.

“The sky is a canvas. You don't paint just the top. You paint from the ground up,” he said. “A lot is going on near the ground that you don't see at normal fireworks displays.”

“These are fireworks displays you won't see anywhere else,” Creagan said.

Parking lots will open at 4 p.m. on the nights of the fireworks shows.

Three in-state companies participating are Zambelli Fireworks in New Castle, Fire Art in Clearfield and Bixler Pyrotechnics in Ashland.

During the day, PGI members will take seminars, workshops, safety training classes and socialize. Much of their time will be spent setting up for the evening shows. These daytime aspects of the convention are open only to members.

“Fireworks is a really work-intensive setup,” Creagan said.

He said several members work hours, even days, to set up for one hourlong show. The planning, construction and wiring takes many hours.

Also, there will be children as young as 12 years old learning about fireworks and safety features through the Junior Pyrotechnics Association. Children ages 12 to 17, whose parents are PGI members signed up for the convention, will learn how to build fireworks and learn about safety.

“We treat them special. We make sure we get them enthused about fireworks,” Creagan said. “It's a way of keeping things going, doing things safely, showing to do things safely.”

The junior members unveil a grand finale by organizing a show of their own, on that Wednesday night. Creagan said many of the past junior association performances have produced the most cheers and standing ovations.

The convention is estimated to pump more than $5 million into the economy and bring in more than 100,000 visitors, said Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau.

He said that's more economic impact than is produced by the Big Butler Fair each year.

Cohen said more than 6,000 hotel rooms have already been booked for the event.

Creagan said the 1,400 PGI members staying here for a week could bring nearly $2 million alone into the economy.

“You'll never see fireworks like this in your life,” Cohen said. “These fireworks will touch all five of your senses and leave you truly stunned. No one has seen fireworks like these before.”

Cohen has been meeting with public officials to prepare for the influx of visitors. He's also been meeting with local law enforcement.

The traveling show was last in Western Pennsylvania in 1994, when it was in New Castle. Last year it was in LaPorte, Ind., near Chicago.

Tickets can be bought in advance at www.visitbutlercounty.com/pgi. Advance fees are $35 per carload, with up to six individuals per car. Tickets cost $40 per carload at the gate. Tickets, which are to get into the campground, cover the musical performances, and pre-show entertainment.

Here is the schedule for the public fireworks at the 40th annual Pyrotechnics Guild International convention at Cooper’s Lake Campground in Worth Township.<B>Aug. 11, 8:30 p.m.</B>✓ The week kicks off with a patriotic red, white and blue display.✓ As seen on the Discovery Channel series “Dirty Jobs,” Albert Knoblach’s Little Big Shots will use locally-made shells to explode in the sky.✓ Zambelli Fireworks of New Castle will present a display based on 120-years of pyrotechnic skill and artistry.One-of-a-kind, handmade fireworks will be use at the PGI Competition as members of all skill levels launch their best shells in a number of categories.<B>Aug. 13, 8:30 p.m.</B>✓ Harrison Unger of Kentucky will present “Victory March,” featuring Freedom Fireworks products.✓ The Tour de Force’s display of pyrotechnic rockets will be featured.✓ Fire Art from Clearfield will present a display by award-winning show designer Peter Rogoz featuring his own selection of music and firework choreography.<B>Aug. 14, 8:30 p.m.</B>✓ The first display will be created by the Junior Pyrotechnics Association members, ages 7 through 17.✓ The second display by Celebration Fireworks and PA Pyrotechnics Artists includes a myriad of member-made products and some special effects.✓ Award-winning company Pyrotechnico will use new products and techniques to produce a cutting edge show.<B>Aug. 16, 8 p.m.</B>✓ The all-star display will follow with a segment set to original music using fireworks assembled on-site during the convention.✓ Bixler Pyrotechnics of Ashland, Pa., will present a fast-paced and lively pyro-musical, a fireworks display timed with musical elements.✓ The closing display will be John Sagaria’s Fireworks Extravaganza.