Elitch Gardens fireworks show tonight will be a real blast

Get out your earplugs! All summer long, Elitch Gardens has been ending every night with a fireworks show -- although the amusement park modified the display, muting the "high-percussive" explosions when some neighbors complained about the noise. But tonight, as part of a competition, the park will offer a real blow-out.

As a thank you to neighbors and Denver, tonight Elitch Gardens will offer a free viewing of IGNIGHT, the nightly show that's been running since Memorial Day and is always capped off with fireworks. And since the park is up for a national award, the fireworks show will be epic.

Here's the release from Elitch Gardens:

August 11, 2011 -- Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park will be celebrating through the end of the summer with ten fireworks displays August 11 through September 3.

On Thursday, August 11, a full version of the nightly show, IGNIGHT, will feature a complete fireworks display as part of the park's nomination for two national entertainment awards. Both "IGNIGHT" and "Cirque Innosta Bosque" are being considered to honor Denver's live, downtown entertainment at Elitch Gardens. The park will also be celebrating the un-official end of summer with an amazing holiday light show on Labor Day Weekend.

All plans for pyrotechnic displays have been thoroughly reviewed by the City and County of Denver Department of Safety and determined to be in order. On the days of the displays technicians will be on site to inspect setup and supervise production.

We would like to thank our neighbors by opening the Elitch Gardens' main parking lot for a free viewing of our fireworks on Thursday, August 11. The parking lot will open on a complimentary basis at 8:30 pm with the show concluding by 9:30 pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

And before any killjoys start whining, here's the official word from the Denver Fire Department, which oversees fireworks in this city.

August 10, 2011 M E M O R A N D U M

FROM: Louis Keller, Assistant Chief
Scott Buccieri, Lieutenant
Department of Safety - Fire Prevention

PUBLIC FIREWORKS DISPLAYS SCHEDULED

August 10, 2011 -- Department of Safety Fire Department would like to inform you that Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park will be celebrating through the end of the summer with eleven fireworks displays between August 10 and September 4. On Thursday, August 11, a spectacular version of the nightly display, IGNIGHT, will feature enhanced fireworks as part of the park's nomination for two national entertainment awards. Both "IGNIGHT" and "Cirque Innosta Bosque" are being considered to honor Denver's live, downtown themed entertainment at Elitch Gardens. Four of the remaining shows will take place on weekdays, six will be on weekends. The park will also be celebrating the un-official end of summer with an amazing light show on Labor Day Weekend. All displays will begin at approximately 9:00 pm and last approximately 15 minutes...

We have thoroughly reviewed the plans for these pyrotechnics displays, including visiting the site in the company of the professional, licensed pyrotechnics technician. We have determined that all safety margins are in order, including separation distance from spectators to mortar areas, use of listed firing equipment and aerial shells, and an adequately large secured area for the number and size of the shells to be used. Our regulations and inspection procedures address current pyro technics technology and further enhance the safety of fireworks displays for spectators and employees. On the days of the display, technicians will be on hand to inspect the setup and supervise the display from beginning to end, with a fire apparatus present in the designated drop zone.

For nearly three decades, City ordinance has permitted public displays of fireworks by professional pyrotechnicians operating under tight regulation and close supervision of the Fire Department in an effort to deter the use of illegal fireworks and reduce the awful tolls of injury, death and damage caused by illegal fireworks.

So get out your earplugs, grab a seat with a good view, and enjoy!

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