Junior Pyrotechnics Association (JPA)
The Junior Pyrotechnics Association (JPA) is made up of youth,
aged 6 to 17, who are either related to a PGI member or who are PGI
members on their own. JPA members are dedicated pyrotechnic
enthusiasts who want to learn how to safely handle, manufacture and
use fireworks.
Working under the close supervision of experienced hobbyists and
fireworks professionals JPA members learn how to plan, how to setup
and, most importantly, how to shoot a public fireworks display. They
gain hands on experience working side by side with their parent or
guardian (2). Most of the fireworks
used by the JPA are donated by PGI Members and Consumer Fireworks
Vendors. Some of the effects are built on site by the JPA members
themselves. On Wednesday night, the week of the PGI Convention, the
JPA invites PGI members and the public to sit back and enjoy their
fabulous display.
The week ends with a party where the JPA members celebrate their
success and start planning for next year. After it's all said and
done it's hard to tell who's prouder, the members of the JPA or
their parents.
(2) The JPA member's parent or guardian is
required to attend each session.
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Congratulations!
Harrison Marchio, at 12 years old, is the youngest Old Snort (1).
Harrison's 1st PGI Convention was in 1999 before he turned one.
He joined the JPA in 2008, along with many of his friends from the
NLP, and regularly attends the JPA's safety class. What he enjoys
about the PGI and the JPA is camping with his family and friends,
getting to see great shows every night. Harrison's favorite thing to
do is to shop in the Class C tent and then to shoot them on the
C-Line.
At Convention Harrison likes to help the JPA, spend time with his
friends especially those he can only see there and helps with
lemonade sales to raise funds for JPA. As of 2010, he has attended
13 Conventions.
(1) The Old Snorts are PGI members that
have attended at least 10 PGI Conventions.
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