Hours of hard work goes in to 4th of July fireworks display in Lancaster

LANCASTER, N.Y. (WIVB) — What many across Western New York see on the Fourth of July is a sky full of colorful fireworks displays. But some probably aren't aware of the enormous amount of effort it takes to put on these shows.

It's the patriotic passion of pyrotechnics that has kept Jay Roll going for the past two decades with Skylighters Fireworks. It's something he said he's wanted to do since he was a kid.

"Either you're into pyrotechnics or you're not," Jay said. "When you're a kid, either you were blowing up firecrackers or doing something else. It's guys that really have the fever for it that get into it. ... I was working with a guy, and he goes, 'Would you like to shoot fireworks professionally? And I go, 'People can do that?' And he's like, 'Yeah.' It was unbelievable. It changed my life."

Jim works alongside his wife, Wendy, every year on a number of shows across Western New York, including the fireworks extravaganza in Lancaster.

For a big fireworks show like this one, setup and prep time can take anywhere from six to eight hours.

"We get the truck in the morning and we have to put the product on it," Wendy said. "Jay and I are CDL/Hazmat drivers, so we can drive it."

"You get up nice and early in the morning and you've got to head to where we have our magazines located and load up product, and make sure you've got all of your equipment," Jay said. "Then head out to the shoot site, make sure you know where you're shooting, get familiar with the area, and get the guys going."

Jay said they put on shows for all sorts of occasions all year long. He encourages anyone wanting to get involved to give them a call.

"If anyone has an interest in shooting fireworks professionally, which is the only way you should do it, you shouldn't be doing it at home; get ahold of our company," Jay said. "We're always looking for strong backs and people that are into it."

Anyone interested in learning more can visit the Skylighters website or call them directly at 716-903-3291.