The full list of companies and dates has been announed. I'm pleased that the three I predicted will be there.

Australia: Howard and Sons (as I suspected by the visitors I saw in the summer)

France: Groupe F

Argentina: Jupiter (as I suspected by the visitors I saw in the summer)

Sweden: Göteborgs FyrverkeriFabrik (this has been known for 2 years now!)

Spain: Ricasa

Czech Republic: Flash Barrandov (I had a feeling this would be the case)

Portugal: Luso

Canada: BEM

USA: Rozzi

Closing: Panzera

It is quite the line up!

Paul

I have to go now but just two comments for the moment:

1) Wow! Luso will be come back!
2) Wow! Five new competitors, like the 2003 vintage!

Fred

I agree with the Wows there Fred. Probably I'll be using WOW in my notes again next year. For those who don't know, Groupe F are the company that did the memboable fireworks on the Eiffel tower for the millenium celebration in Paris.

It should be an excellent competition and interesting since there will no manually fired displays at all (except for the closing show if past years are to be used as a guide).

Paul.

Hey, guys,

Once again, this is most unexpected. I thought at least the firm names would be revealed in January. Anyways, who's complaining?

Anyways, I'm pleased to say that Lars and myself were right about Luso for Portugal.

I'm also pleased about the 5 new firm competitors, as Fred stated. It's always great to have something new, especially in a variety!

Regarding Spain, I don't think I remember Ricasa representing them. This has to be new. I remember the display in France with those beautiful effects on the Eiffel tower for the mellnium celebrations. Well, it's good to know that it's this firm that's representing them! Czech Republic is new to Montreal, so the firm is no big surprise, but we may be in for a surprise! I've got this feeling that we may have a lot of surprises next year! Finally, Australia, I had a feeling that it would be them!

As for the shows being fired manually, except the closing show, I think this will be interesting, indeed. Is this the first year where all the competitors are using manually fired displays?

Regards,

Trav.

Trav, you're reading too fast again. None of the shows will be manually fired *except* the closing show. All the competitors will be using some kind of digital firing system. Ricardo Caballer are famed for their amazing colours and got the Bronze Jupiter in 1998. They did some fabulous displays at the Symposium in Valencia last year too.

The Australian company have never been to Montreal either.

Paul.

A lot of new names!

But does anybody remember the 2000 Rozzi famous fireworks? How did you find them?

I remember I wasn't satisfied! I can remember they always shot one shell at a time... I found it boring, honestly

Paul,

In this case, I was typing too fast! Don't worry, I read properly. I meant it the other way around. Let me rephrase my question: Is this the first year where everyone will not be using manually fired displays?

As for the Australian team, I guess I mixed them up for someone else.

And yes, Enkil, a lot of new firms next year. As I said before, this is good, especially for new experiences. I have a feeling that we'll be in for a nice treat!

Regards,

Trav.

What' the difference between Vicente Caballer and Ricardo Caballer, S.A. (Ricasa) ?

does Caballer mean anything?

Caballer is their family name. Just like there are a lot of Tremblays in Quebec, there are a lot of Caballers in Valencia. There's Vincent, Antonio and Ricardo all running seperate fireworks companies. I think there is a strong rivalry between them, as you'd expect with any family like that.

Hope this makes sense,

Paul.

I must agree with the previous posts - it's going to be interessting with so many new companies, with good reputations.

I was right about some predictions but admit to be wrong about the Czech republic and Argentina - but it's also nice to have a surprise and they probably have something special to show

I agree with paul that it will set at floor to the standard, that all the competition displays are shot digitally
It also makes me wonder - just for how long is Panzera going to keep using a manual system in the competition good old Giovanni meant to show of the pinacle of pyrotecnic skills? Still - i certainly enjoyed their closing show so don't consider it a christisicm. Naturally, the conception is still the most important thing in a show

Well, it would be nice if I had the possibility to again this year after seeing this schedule, i must admit - there are some most interessting participants. This being a thumbs-up to the organisers

Lars

Hey guys,

I have to also admit that my predictions about this year's competition were not as accurate as in January. I remember being on track and getting almost every possible country and company on the dot! I was also sort of psychic about Spain and the firm and the time they were playing! Enkil brought this to my attention back in September.

Take a look at this, and read my second post:

http://www.montreal-fireworks.com/forum/index.php?action=vthread&forum =5&topic=86

It was crazy because it was just a wild dream!

Regarding the firing system of the competition, I think that this will be the first year where everyone will not be using manually fired displays, except, of course, Panzera. Having so many new firms may make next year's competition unique, and I have a hunch that it will be very much different. I'm also happy that we're getting back to the good old gold, silver and bronze scenario. It makes things more exciting, in my opinion.

Make sure you guys check out that link I posted!

Regards,

Trav.

We had two times republic czeck Flash Barandov team in Quebec ( les grands feux loto-québec )and it was a pleasure to work with theses guys. Professional, beautiful bomb effect and a great firework conception...

In my mind, Groupe F has already won !
well, time will tell but you've been warned lol
buy your tickets for june 25th now

Dear "Anonymous",

Groupe F has not won any prize here. This company will compete in Montreal for the first time. But I agree with you that we can expect a great show from Groupe F: they produced the display at Tour Eiffel on January 1st, 2000.

Frédérick

That sounds promising.

Trav.