Changes are in store for this year's Holiday Lights fireworks display

The Holiday Lights display at the Decorah Campground will again have a fireworks display this year. Fireworks will be shot off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

There will be changes in this year's show.  The originator of the fireworks show, Jerry Kelly from Clermont, has retired. In his place will be a fireworks show staged by Flashing Thunder Fireworks, a family owned and operated fireworks business from Mitchell, Iowa.

The company is working with Decorah resident Mick Layden, who is the Artistic Director for the fireworks show. Layden tells decorahnews.com that he grew up "like every teenage boy" enjoying fireworks displays. He attended a fireworks convention in Mason City in 2009—and has been hooked ever since. He remembers thinking at the time, "I have found my people."

Commercial fireworks companies are licensed by the federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency, with requirements which must be met for insurance coverage and hazmat certification. Commercial fireworks companies also regularly hold conventions to share the latest training techniques.  Layden says he has attended several meetings of the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association.

Saturday's fireworks display will have one important difference from last year's display - instead of having the fireworks be set off by hand, they will be fired electronically. Layden says that will allow for the creation of effects that haven't been seen in the past.

Saturday's fireworks display will be tied into the Christmas season, with lots of reds and greens and whites and glittery fireworks. A number of fireworks also will be shot off from the soccer field instead of from Pulpit Rock, a measure which will make it easier for Flashing Thunder Fireworks to meet the requirement of a minimum of 600 foot wide buffer zone.

Layden says the program will be semi-scripted to get everyone in the mood for the holidays, including fireworks which will look like snowfall.

However, Saturday's forecast includes the chance of real snow.  Layden says if a decision is made to postpone Saturday's fireworks, it will be announced on Friday, to give people more advanced warning.