Pyrotechnicians ready Space Needle for annual New Years show
SEATTLE - It's an annual tradition - watching the dazzling New Years fireworks at the Space Needle.
But in order for this to happen, a plethora of pyrotechnics need to get from the ground to 600 feet up in the Seattle sky.
"Fireworks are fireworks, but taking those fireworks and putting them on this unique building - that's where the special challenge comes in," says Ian Gilfillan of Pyro Spectaculars.
The challenge starts in the belly of the Needle, where thousands of fireworks are pulled to the top through a tiny hatch.
"It is fun, but it's a labor of love. It's called fireworks for a reason," says Ryan Arnold of Pyro Spectaculars.
Once through the door, boxes of fireworks are rolled into 64 positions by carefully tethered technicians. It requires safety and Mother Nature's cooperation. This year - so far so good, but …
"I don't want to talk about the weather because it'll turn on us in a heartbeat," says Gilfillan.
It takes a crew of a dozen men to set up more than 210,000 fireworks.
This year technicians say we can expect a more dynamic show, with more movement and less smoke thanks to new explosive material that'll color the sky from every angle.
"We've got mines, we have comets, we have candles," says one technician. "From the very top saucer roof all the way to the 100-foot level and everywhere in between."
The show will start just minutes before midnight on New Years Eve and lasts eight minutes.
But in order for this to happen, a plethora of pyrotechnics need to get from the ground to 600 feet up in the Seattle sky.
"Fireworks are fireworks, but taking those fireworks and putting them on this unique building - that's where the special challenge comes in," says Ian Gilfillan of Pyro Spectaculars.
The challenge starts in the belly of the Needle, where thousands of fireworks are pulled to the top through a tiny hatch.
"It is fun, but it's a labor of love. It's called fireworks for a reason," says Ryan Arnold of Pyro Spectaculars.
Once through the door, boxes of fireworks are rolled into 64 positions by carefully tethered technicians. It requires safety and Mother Nature's cooperation. This year - so far so good, but …
"I don't want to talk about the weather because it'll turn on us in a heartbeat," says Gilfillan.
It takes a crew of a dozen men to set up more than 210,000 fireworks.
This year technicians say we can expect a more dynamic show, with more movement and less smoke thanks to new explosive material that'll color the sky from every angle.
"We've got mines, we have comets, we have candles," says one technician. "From the very top saucer roof all the way to the 100-foot level and everywhere in between."
The show will start just minutes before midnight on New Years Eve and lasts eight minutes.
The first song played, silent lucidity, so profound.there is hope for us, all of us. Happy new years and god bless us all.
I would bet that most people attending this year will be higher than the space needle. God help us all.
 @Good Grief if you honestly think that the number of people getting stoned will be signifigantly higher than its ever been then you are high. god help you
8 minutes?? why not just round it off to 10?!  I don't understand why everyone drives to downtown just to see a very short show and then have to deal w/the traffic afterwards?? Not worth it at all. Maybe they do it for the experience but standing in the cold for a short show is a joke and then sit in a parking lot for over an hour? Pass!Â
@nikki404 There is a lot of music and fun first and then the fireworks are at the end to bring in the year. I see your point though, but if you go with friends it can be really nice.
This is such a great tradition. Thanks for the fun!
Thankfully I can see this from Issaquah so I don't need to be caught in no traffic jam trying to get out of Seattle after the show. Everyone who is going, drive safer than usual and watch for bad drivers!
What about the King Co. burn ban?Â
Happy New Year everybody!!!