It’s time for even more fireworks in the area as New Castle is set to unveil yet another Fireworks Festival on Saturday. This year’s event will take place along the Columbus Innerbelt in downtown New Castle.
The fun all begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 10:30 p.m. with, obviously, fireworks. Pyrotecnico will provide the fireworks display at approximately 10:30 p.m. to conclude the festivities.
Pyrotecnico and Zambelli, the two companies that help make up the distinguished title for New Castle as the ‘Fireworks Capital of America,’ take turns each year showing off their respective firework display.
The history of Pyrotecnico all began in Italy, similar to the story of Zambelli.
In 1889, Constantino Vitale initiated his fireworks company in his hometown of Pietramelara, Italy. In 1920, he immigrated to the United States, making a home for his family and company in New Castle.
During the 1940s, Vitale’s firework company was briefly used to manufacture explosives for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
In 1990, the fireworks company officially established the name “Pyrotecnico.” Today, Pyrotecnico is in its fifth generation of the Vitale family, with Stephen Vitale, the great-grandson of Constantino, becoming president and CEO.
“We’ve become one of the premier fireworks and special effects companies in the world,” states Vitale. “We take pride in these skills and use them to provide the best show possible for each event.”
Other Fireworks Festival Activities
- Children’s rides will include a giant slide, obstacle course, palm tree bounce and a trackless train. New this year will be a mechanical bull and cash cube.
- The American Cancer Society’s Ducky Derby is scheduled for 8 p.m.
- The entertainment schedule includes DJ Buck and Zak Golba on the community stage; strolling entertainers Brigadoon Highlanders playing bagpipes from 4 to 6 p.m. and Ray Ryan and New Orleans Riverside Band playing jazz and Cajun music from 6 to 9 p.m. Also planned is a special appearance by the Steelers mascot, Steely McBeam at 8:30 p.m.
- Six finalists will compete for a grand prize of $10,000 and a year of professional artist development during the “Rocket to the Stars” competition. This year’s finalists are Christian Beck of Beaver Falls, Dawn Savage of New Brighton, Kiersten Kelly of Imperial, Mariah Keefer of Monaca, Shannon Davies of New Castle and Hunter Cook of Franklin.
- Main stage acts are scheduled throughout the day and they include Sound Bite (3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Train Wreck (5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.), Phat Cats (7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and the Dorals (9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.).
