WIR pyrotechnic convention draws 20,000 visitors, economic boost; loud noise for neighbors

“Each time we get together, we have a weeklong event of pyrotechnic training, because that’s what we do,” said Pyrotechnics Guild International Media Chair Connie Widmann. “We train for safety and the safe use of fireworks.”

Their organization even trains fire departments on how to handle pyrotechnics.

The convention has three fireworks shows for visitors, a big trade show and even people making fireworks. Visitors come from across the country, with the group saying it injects nearly $5 million into the Fox Cities economy.

The organization also is helping out in the local economy, organizing a blood drive with over 60 donors and raising money to support tornado victims.

But, as expected, it also injects significant noise into surrounding neighborhoods.

Neighbors say the noise caused their their baby to wake up late at night, shake their entire house and scare their pets.

“I do take your complaints very, very seriously,” said Tom Meyer, a Buchanan Town Supervisor. “I know that a number of folks around here are losing a bunch of sleep and that sucks.”

Meyer voted in favor of issuing a permit to the Pyrotechnics Guild.

“Most of the town’s residents enjoy it quite a bit as spectators,” said Meyer. “The other thing is WIR is a fairly big business within the Town of Buchanan, so we like to do things that support our local businesses.”

Widmann had this to say about neighbors complaining about noise.

“Well they should come on down,” she said. “We are a volunteer organization dedicated to the safety and training of fireworks.”

The convention runs through Friday night.

With the new middle school being built next door, 2026 is the last year the convention will be held at WIR. In 2027, it’s moving out of state.