Blue and gold flitter shells and Gold Comet Roman Candles are just two kinds of fireworks bursting on the previous screen. The display was put on by Performance Pyrotechnic Associates, Inc. (PPA) of Dittmer, Missouri. PPA is in the business of making loud noises and brilliant bursts of color.

“We’re always experimenting and trying out new ideas and formulas for our fireworks,” says Eric Tucker, PPA’s president. Pyro Products makes custom fireworks for PPA, mixing batches of bright-burning chemicals and packing them into cardboard containers called shells.

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