The First Family of Fireworks” · Zambelli Fireworks exhibited pyrotechnics from the South Lawn...
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….”The First Family of Fireworks”
Transcript of The First Family of Fireworks” · Zambelli Fireworks exhibited pyrotechnics from the South Lawn...
….”The First Family of Fireworks”
Antonio Zambelli brought his pyrotechnic dream to America from Italy in 1893
Photo from approximately 1920. Standing left to right: Annabelle, Joe, Connie, Antonio, Maria. In front: George, Louis, Carmen, and Rita. Louis and Rita are twins.
Marie and Antonio
Antonio Zambelli – Founder of Zambelli FIreworks
Antonio’s Little Black Book
Photo is of famous Italian traditional fireworks doll dance
In the early 1900’s, fireworks were often used for religious holidays and Italian celebrations. Antonio’s eldest son Joe’s favorite display was the City of Chicago’s Italian Day Celebration in the 1940’s.
Traditional Fireworks Doll Dance
Antonio and his four sons (from left to right): George, Carmen, Antonio, Joe, and Louis.
Zambelli Men
Antonio’s eldest son Joe Zambelli had a strong interest in the industry and started handcrafting fireworks when he was 12 or 13 years old.
Here Joe, a cavalier master shell builder, is finishing a famous Zambelli crossette multi-break shell.
Joe Zambelli
New York Harbor
Zambelli traditional multi-break shells fill New York skyline
Zambelli Fireworks moved into this building, originally New Penn Hotel, in the early 1950’s. The hotel was
converted to Z Penn Center remains as corporate headquarters today.
Zambelli Corporate Headquarters
Original lobby of New Penn Hotel in the 1940’s.
George Zambelli Sr. attended Duquesne University and joined his family upon graduation. With his business and educational experience, he developed an infrastructure with a number of family and young non-family members (some who would remain with the company for 40+ years).
With the support of his wife Constance, matriarch of the family, George Sr. became an icon in the pyrotechnic industry and the envy of his competitors, increasing the number of displays from 8 the week of the 4th of July to over 800 that week at the turn of the century and over 2200 displays per year.
George reviews annual Washington Mall display with National Park Service.
George Zambelli Sr.
President Kennedy on the White House balcony overlooking the South Lawn, watching a Zambelli Fireworks display in honor of the King of Afghanistan in
September 1963
President Kennedy enjoys Zambelli Fireworks from White House balcony
Zambelli has produced fireworks for every president since and including President Kennedy, earning Zambelli the title “Zambelli, The First Family of Fireworks.”
Canonization of Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint and for whom Seton Hall University was named. 9/14/75
Fireworks breaking behind statue of Mother Seton at Seton University to celebrate canonization
Canonization of Mother Seton
In 1960, with the addition of Alaska and Hawaii to the Union, President Eisenhower ordered a new design and arrangement of the stars in the Union. On July 4, 1960, the 50 star flag was raised over the Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore Maryland.
During the 1960’s, Zambelli Fireworks was proud to be a part of the “Dawn’s Early Light” program commemorating the 1st shot toward Fort McHenry which was fired on September 13th at 6:00PM.
This 5700 square foot Visitors Center was built at Fort McHenry in 1964.
Zambelli Fireworks Highlighted Fort McHenry’s Dawn’s Early Light Program
The Kennedy Cultural Center in Washington DC is a national living memorial to JFK and national center for performing arts opened in September 1971. Zambelli Fireworks was proud to exhibit displays for the gala events.
Kennedy Cultural Center Gala Fireworks
Kennedy Cultural Center, Washington DC
Honor America Day in 1970, which was produced by Bob Jani, Senior Vice President of Disney. The evening belonged to Bob Hope, his one-liners and his entertainers, including Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Dinah Shore, and Glen Campbell, and culminated with Zambelli Fireworks
Bob Hope entertains Honor America Day attendees
Zambelli Fireworks Honor America Day 1970 Fireworks Spectacular
Zambelli’s designer multi-break shells highlight the Honor America Day festivities
Hosted by Bob Hope
Zambelli Fireworks was proud to display their pyrotechnics along side the Washington Monument for decades.
Washington Mall 4th of July Celebrations
Washington Monument, Zambelli Fireworks Spectacular
Lou and Joe Zambelli prepare special crosette and finale shells for Washington Monument show in the late 1950’s
Philadelphia Veterans Stadium
Criss-crossing comets project from atop Veterans Stadium
Valley Forge July 3, 1976 Zambelli Fireworks Spectacular
Monte Carlo
Joe and Louie with special Zambelli multi-break shells.
In addition to the 100’s of Bicentennial displays that Zambelli Fireworks produced, Philadelphia was the most elaborate in the United States, exhibited simultaneously from 7 downtown locations including the historic Philadelphia Art Museum, Penn’s Landing, Independence Mall, and several rooftops.
Philadelphia Bicentennial Celebration
Zambelli Fireworks illuminate sky behind Independence Hall.
George Zambelli and his brother Louis review aerial shells for Philadelphia Bicentennial Spectacular.
Zambelli fireworks exhibited from South Lawn during President Johnson’s State Dinner.
President Johnson’s White House State Dinner
President Carter Inaugural
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Zambelli fireworks exhibited from the Washington Mall
Zambelli Fireworks exhibited pyrotechnics from the South Lawn of the White House in December 1980. The display was synchronized to music performed by the Marine Band conducted by Andre Kostelanetz. The show culminated with a spectacular finale choreographed to the 1812 Overture.
Zambelli Fireworks exhibited from South Lawn of White House
Zambelli family visits with President Jimmy Carter following the display.
Zambelli Expands to California
Rose Bowl Pyro-Musical Spectacular
Salute to Belgium
Zambelli Fireworks, was proud to exhibit fireworks on the occasion of the arrival of the arrival in the United States of Their Majesties King Baudouini and Queen Fabiola of the Belgians and the official opening of Belgium Today, an American commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Belgian independence on April 20, 1980.
Statue of Liberty Renovation Celebration July 4, 1986
Statue of Liberty Renovation Celebration
Zambelli has been hosting Detroit’s Annual Freedom Festival for over 2 decades. The 2013 display will mark their 25th appearance.
Detroit’s Independence display is one of America’s largest.
Detroit’s Independence Celebration
Historic 24” shell is carefully loaded into a giant mortar
24” shell in the Detroit Annual Freedom Festival show
Target’s “2012” Detroit Independence Celebration Pyrotechnics
Zambelli Fireworks choreographed to music launched from 3 super barges on the river in Detroit.
Now in its 23rd year, Thunder Over Louisville is the grand-daddy of pyrotechnic displays. Created as the opening ceremonies of the Kentucky Derby Festival, it is the largest annual fireworks display in America thanks to the artistry of Zambelli Internationale.
The physical set-up includes 250 tons of launching tubes, some as high as 10 feet with a diameter of 12 inches. Two million pounds of sand pack the firing tubes on 1800 feet of barges. Almost 700 miles of wire cable connect 20 firing computers to the command post for synchronization to music.
The annual display is choreographed by Michael Richards, George Sr.’s son-in-law.
The special themes give each Thunder a unique flavor. Since the beginning, all shows have included a special salute to America. One year, a prelude salute to Connie and George Zambelli to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Zambelli’s Signature Thunder Over Louisville
Zambelli’s Signature Thunder Over Louisville
Michael Richards working on Thunder Over Louisville
Michael Richards on-site on the bridge in Louisville overlooking the set-up.
Barge set-upNiagara Falls and bridge effects
Zambelli’s Signature Thunder Over Louisville
Zambelli’s Signature Thunder Over Louisville
National Boy Scout Jamboree 1985 –George Sr. was the Jamboree Arena
Shows Chairman.
Zambelli Fireworks has exhibited pyrotechnics for regional and national Boy Scout Jamborees for decades at Fort AP Hill, Virginia.
Stationary Boy Scout Emblems in Pyrotechnic Lights
National Boy Scout Jamborees
President Reagan Inaugural
Zambelli Fireworks was proud to have been selected to display fireworks at this year’s National Jamboree on July 20, 2013 at their new facility, The Summit, in Mt. Hope, West Virginia. In addition to the fireworks extravaganza, which was fired from up to 7 locations, Zambelli trained the Boy Scouts on how to produce and choreograph a fireworks display through lectures, demonstrations, demo shells, and computer simulations.
2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree
George Sr. explains fireworks set-up to White House ushers Rex Scouten and Gary Walters.
White House Display from North Lawn
White House Congressional Picnic 1990
Toured China’s fireworks factories to incorporate Zambelli manufacturing technology, safety, and quality control.
1992 Visit to Taiwan and Peoples Republic of China
Dr. George Zambelli Jr. builds a 12” chrysanthemum shell
George Jr., George Sr., and Howard Simmons visit a Chinese government fireworks facility
George Sr. discusses pioneering bar codes on pyrotechnic articles with world renowned Japanese firework maker Mr. Oh at one of his
Taiwan facilities
1992 Visit to Taiwan and Peoples Republic of China
George Sr. and George Jr. visit one of Jim Shih’sSunny Fireworks facilities.
George Zambelli Sr. critiques Sunny-manufactured shells that he designed
Howard Simmons demonstrates how Zambelli Fireworks produces quality controlled finale chains
Gulf War Victory Celebration, Mall (Washington Monument) 1991
1991 National Victory Celebration
George Zambelli III with General Norman Schwarzkopf
1991 National Victory Day Celebration
National Victory Day Parade
George Zambelli III atop Army amphibious vehicle.
President George Bush watching national Victory Day Parade
4th of July Celebration at Presidential Compound in Kennebunkport
George Jr. and George Sr. with President and Mrs. Bush at their Kennebunkport
compound prior to Independence Fireworks. The fireworks were exhibited
from the compound.
Tall Ship Eagle Independence Celebration at Kennebunkport
Tall Ship Eagle
Zambelli family with President George H.W. Bush aboard the Tall Ship Eagle
Zambelli toured the US exhibiting fireworks for the Saudia Arabia Yesterday and Today program. The tour developed an effective style of outdoor show staging and productions that forged a renewed interest in laser shows in theme parks such as seen in Hershey park’s Night Light Laser Show.
Zambelli Fireworks is also proud to produce the Hershey Parks fireworks laser displays.
Saudia Arabia’s Yesterday and Today US Tour 1989
George and Connie Zambelli with Saudi Arabian Prince Bin sultan Bin Abdulaziz before a fireworks exposition.
President Clinton with Prime Minister John Major during their visit to Pittsburgh on November 12, 1992
President Clinton’s Visit to Pittsburgh
George Zambelli Sr. with Michael Eisner, chairman and CEO of Disney, at the premiere of Angels in the Outfield
Walt Disney’s 1994 Premiere of Angels in the Outfield
Pocahantas premiere in Central Park on June 10, 1995. Specially constructed 8 story high screens visible above the trees. In true Disney fashion, a spectacular live show and sensational fireworks by Zambelli. It was the largest film premiere in history.
Premiere of Disney’s Pocahantas in Central Park
Zambelli Fireworks performed a display for the Pope John Paul II’s visit to Baltimore in October 1995.
Papal Visit to Baltimore
George Sr. with Pope John Paul II prior to the display.
Papal Visit to St. Louis on June 27, 1999
George and Louis Zambelli inspect special ZambelliXXX in preparation for Papal fireworks display.
Pope John Paul II’s visit to St. Louis. George Sr. and Connie had special audience with the Pope.
Zambelli Fireworks highlighted the Premiere of Disney’s Hercules on June 14, 1997 in New York City
Premiere of Disney’s Hercules
Pittsburgh Pirates Skyblast
Fireworks explode outside PNC Park.
Zambelli Fireworks has been host to Pittsburgh Pirates fireworks for over 4 decades at Forbes Field, Three Rivers Stadiu, and PNC Park.
Skyblast fireworks illuminate Bill Mazeroskistatue.
Mt. Rushmore Independence Celebration
Mark Spielvogel, pyrotechnic graphic designer, creates theatrical and animated sets as illustrated in these design illustrations for Hagley Museum.
Hagley Museum
Pyro illuminated carousel with animated horses
Hagley Museum…Where the du Pont Story Begins
Over 150 Millenium shows including the famed New Year’s Eve show in Las Vegas launched from 13 locations
Las Vegas Millennium Display
In 2003, George Sr. received the Silver Buffalo Award for distinguished service to youth and is awarded to those who give noteworthy and extraordinary service to youth. Also receiving Silver Buffalo Awards were H. Ross Perot and Yogi Berra.
Boy Scout Silver Buffalo Award
White House State Dinner Fireworks
Zambelli family visits with President George W. Bush at White house after State Dinner for President Fox of Mexico in September 2001. The Presidents and their wives viewed the fireworks from the White House South Portico.
Zambelii family photographed with President George W. Bush and Barney.
2001 – 300th anniversary of Yale University
Yale University’s 300th Anniversary
George “Boom Boom” ZambelliFireworks Icon
George Zambelli’spyrotechnic magic
Author Hunter Thompson’s ashes were put in shells and fired in the air at his memorial service on August 20, 2005.
Author Hunter Thompson’s Memorial Service
Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve
Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Philadelphia Art Museum July 4th Celebration
Three generations of Zambelli’s produce Philadelphia’s July 4th Celebration at historic Philadelphia Art Museum.
Louis, George Jr., and Jared Zambelli load multi-colored grand finale shells.
Children’s Book
One of the largest displays ever launched in the country with a U.S. record 17 launch positions.
Almost 40,000 pyrotechnic effects filled the Pittsburgh sky in addition to a 500-feet of a white waterfall cascaded off the West End Bridge. October 4, 2008
Pittsburgh 250Imagine Pittsburgh Fireworks Spectacular
Mythbusters
They Mythbusters came to the Zambelli facility in their quest to prove whether an ancient Korean Hawacha could do what it claimed. The episode aired on October 22, 2008.
Larry the Cable Guy’s visit to fireworks facilityHistory Channel’s “Only in America”
Larry the Cable Guy’s visit to fireworks facilityHistory Channel’s “Only in America”
Larry the Cable Guy’s visit to fireworks facilityHistory Channel’s “Only in America”
Lou Zambelli, George Sr.’s youngest brother who is now 87 years old, still works 7 days a week at the plant manufacturing custom specialty shells
Lou Zambelli preparing shells for Pittsburgh 250
Oman
Zambelli Fireworks celebrated Oman’s 40th National Day for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Sain on November 9, 2010.
Peoples Gas Light the River Spectacular – September 2011
The combination of flame work and Zambelli Fireworks made the show one of a kind. Isopar flame canons propelled propane flames as large as 60 feel high and 8 feet in diameter. The Firewater system shot
rotating narrow flames 10 to 20 feet long creating effects replicating the water fountain at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Chesapeake Jubilee 2013
Chesapeake Jubilee 2013
Dr. George Zambelli Jr. and Buddy Bagley discuss the fireworks display
Michael Richards, Buddy Bagley, and Dr. George Zambelli Jr. Giant American flag flying over the
Chesapeake Jubilee
Chesapeake Jubilee 2013
Buddy Bagley, fireworks chairman of he Jubilee for the 30th year, in front of Bagley Stage
Buddy Bagley and Dr.George Zambelli Jr.
Dr. George Zambelli Jr. and Buddy Bagley give a root beer toast to that evening’s
display
West Virginia’s 150th Birthday CelebrationJune 20-23, 2013
West Virginia’s 150th Birthday CelebrationJune 20-23, 2013
West Virginia’s 150th Birthday CelebrationJune 20-23, 2013
2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree
2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree
2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree
Pyrotechnics Guild InternationalAugust 11, 2013
Congressional Medal of HonorGettysburg, PA
September 21, 2013
Congressional Medal of HonorGettysburg, PASeptember 21, 2013
Congressional Medal of HonorGettysburg, PA
September 21, 2013
2014 Calendar Photo
Today Dr. Zambelli guides Zambelli Fireworks as Chairman of the Board, continuing his grandfather Antonio’s dreams and the leadership of his father George Sr. while mentoring his
sons Jared and George III in the artistry of pyrotechnics.
