Poplar Bluff’s Gladiator Pyro was selected to provide fireworks Saturday for Missouri’s Bicentennial Celebration in Jefferson City.
“It was great. It was a great honor for our company,” said Brian Wisdom of Poplar Bluff.
This third-generation business was started by Brian and Troy Wisdom’s grandfather, then run by their father, and now the brothers are the owners. Their children are currently learning the business.
When they were told they had won the bid to do the celebration, it required a quick turn around.
“The governor’s aide called me to tell me that we had won the bid. He said I had two days to get to Jefferson City and speak with the fire marshal,” said Troy Wisdom, of Springfield, Missouri.
The firework display was set off across the river directly behind the Capitol building.
Brian Wisdom said it lasted about 16 minutes and cost roughly $30,000.
He explained the night before they also worked at a fundraiser, with a firework’s show set to three musical numbers. The company has worked with the Republican party before, he said.
Safety is a very important consideration, according to the brothers.
Brian Wisdom said he teaches classes in safety to all of his workers. His daughter, Demi and son, Dace help. Troy’s children Courtney and her boyfriend, Will Bowman, also helped. Poplar Bluff’s coach Jeff Mannon and J.P. Hayes also work with the group.
Their fireworks are set up electrically, which is the same method that Walt Disney World employs, according to the family. They use fireworks up to 12 inches, and they were a distance of 59 square feet in the sky.