Illinois

[boostedmx3]

any clubs or shows in IL? preferably clost to the northwest suburbs/chicago land area.. Im willing to drive but i would really like to see how some of the "pros" do things

[nater]

HPA and WPAG are in the area. Most of the HPA shoots are in the NW Indiana / SW Michigan area. WPAG is the Wisconsin guild and others here might have more information about them.

 

It is a little ways away, but on September 19-20 HPA is hosting the Midwest Fireworks Festival at our location in Mentone, IN. It'll be about a 2 - 2.5 hour drive from Chicagoland, but well worth it. Open shooting on B and C lines, a few shows, demonstrations, camping, campfires - all in all a great time. Stay tuned for more information.

[dagabu]

The IPA (Iowa guild) is 4 hours to the West, BOOMTown Festival in August.

[boostedmx3]

figures.. all the good stuff happens out of state

[nater]

Illinois has some strange laws regarding professional fireworks. Due to them, it is difficult to legally offer a club shoot in that State. Basically, ALL shooters who fire product in Illinois, need to have a license with the State Fire Marshal's office. It is not hard to get or maintain if you shoot shows regularly in Illinois, but becomes more difficult for the club member who wants to bring a few things to a club shoot.

 

To get a permit in Illinois, you have to have a person with a lead license in the State as the lead for your permit. The AHJ also wants a list of the site plan AND all product that will be shot in the display. Again, easy stuff for a commercial display, but more difficult for open shooting at a club meet. Lastly, and the least difficult requirement since you should be doing this anyways, someone needs to return to the shoot site at daylight to search and dispose of any duds.

 

Really though, what's a 2-4 hour drive for a weekend of good friends, good food and pyro?

[boostedmx3]

im not saying its not worth it... just harder to pull off for me..

also the way i understand it as of liek 2012 1.3g is legal in the state of IL however all the county laws say no.. except for like 3 but i never figured out which ones those were

[Mumbles]

The WPAG shoot site is about 4hr away from Chicago. Occasionally the Michigan club (MPAG) has shoots 3-4hr away as well. There are members of the HPA, WPAG, MPAG, and probably IPA available on the forum if you have any questions. I've been to a few HPA and several WPAG shoots previously, and hopefully a few MPAG shoots in the near future. They're all populated by great people. If you can, try for one of the bigger shoots of the year. They're always the most fun and tend to have the most product and people to meet.

 

Most will allow visitors to their shoots if you're at least a PGI member. www.pgi.org

[nater]

1.3g is the designation for professional fireworks. They are not legal anywhere except by those with a license or permit from the ATF to purchase or use them and can only be used with a permit issued by the State or local government.

 

1.4g fireworks are consumer product and are heavily regulated by various government agencies. Federally, they can be used in any place and at any time, unless prohibited by local and State governments. I do not know Illinois laws concerning them. In Indiana, all 1.4g fireworks are legal to purchase, possess, store and use if you are over 18 on your own property, unless your town has a more strict policy. By State law, there are 10 days where local governments cannot restrict firework use on your own property until 11 pm. My town, has strict laws and firework use is banned with the exception of those 10 days. However, citations are complaint driven. Be a good neighbor and be respectful and you should be okay. I have a small yard with trees, so I only shoot fountains at home. Shells and rockets would not be safe.

 

Homemade fireworks are not 1.3g or 1.4g, literally, they are homemade explosives. It is generally accepted to treat them like 1.3g fireworks regarding permits and setback distances.

 

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HPA allows prospective adult members to attend 1 shoot as a guest, for a fee of $25. This fee is due to insurance costs and allows you to shoot on the B and C lines if you like or just view as a spectator. If you decide to join, the fee is credited against the annual membership of $100.

 

One exception to this is the MFF. Anyone is welcome to the MFF. There is a registrstion fee and camping fees for the weekend to cover expenses for the event. This would be a great event for anyone to make plans to attend and see how great club meets are.

Edited June 8, 2014 by nater

[boostedmx3]

ya i always cross the 1.4g and 1.3g stupid me.. lol

 

 

i always think cuz 1.3g is "smaller"

Edited June 8, 2014 by boostedmx3