Ah, for some reason, I was under the impression that only Gold Jupiter winners, as of 2005, would be invited for the 30th edition of the competition, assuming, of course, that 2014 consists of all-Gold Jupiter winners. Under this scenario, however, it is difficult to gather a sufficient variety of entrants, as the United States collected three golds, along with Canada being awarded with two, since 2005. On the other hand, there were two Spanish entrants involved in the 2004 competition (20th edition), so it may be possible to have duplicate country participants. In any case, I certainly welcome those winners prior to 2005, as well, as this makes for a much greater challenge to guess/predict potential participants and opens the possibility of seeing IPON for 2014, in addition to other firms that we have long awaited to see compete again in Montreal.

As for the links posted above, I am left breathless after that ear-ringing finale, and I am more than positive that Pierre (Salutes lover) would be, too! Really, a solid ~three and a half-minute finish, jam-packed with massive salutes - that was simply phenomenal. The gradual increase of noise and salute size toward the climax was reminiscent of Italy (IPON) 2004. Can you envision how that would appear at night? Now, if only a competitor could do something of this nature as part of their conclusion, coupled with large amounts of colorful shells bursting beyond control in the background. I wait for that night with much impatience! Curious as to how many salutes (of all kinds) were fired for the duration of the finale, and for the display in its entirety.

I would highly recommend using either earphones, or a surround sound system, when watching the two displays that Paul posted above! Believe it or not, but I have already viewed the finale by La Rosa Fireworks 14 times - it seems to stay fresh with every viewing!

Thank you for sharing these spectacular videos with us! This is certainly the kind of boost that I require in the dead of January.

Trav.

Hi Everyone ! Getting closer to a full schedule ! Have a look here : Mylene & Artifice

Looks like mirnovec will be there since Croatia's the new country!

Vander

Full list of participants and their themes will be announced on February 28th! Watch this space!

Paul.

Oh my God! I just watched those clips on you tube that Paul suggested in this thread! This finale is PURE pleasure to my ears and eyes! My eyes just filled with water watching the salutes explode endlessly and getting more intense as time went by. THIS is the kind of finale I long for every single time I stand on the Jacques-Cartier bridge waiting for the finale to start off. I hope this Summer brings huge, intense and endless finales loaded with salutes. You are right Travis....I did enjoy the clip more than I can say!

And thank you Paul, for letting us know about those clips!

I am still waiting for IPON SRL and Benito Pagano to give us the pleasure of attending one of his noisiest finale ever! The same goes for Fireworks Spectacular from Alberta!

A great month of February to you all!

Pierre

The 28th is still a long time from now!

In addition to the videos that paul have sent, let's not forget about the finales that Vaccalluzzo makes in their home country! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXA8LTfmn0U
That was atleast 2 minutes worth of finale

Vander

The 28th is still a long time from now!

Not really! It will arrive before you know it! Years seem to be passing by like months!

And what a nice finale by Vaccalluzzo - far more monstrous and enduring than the one they devised here last year! Thank you for sharing! This thread is becoming a compilation of memorable finales!

And I'm glad that you enjoyed those finales, Pierre! I knew that you would find them more than fulfilling!

As for the 2013 schedule layout, I find it interesting that it closely resembled my predictions, especially with respect to the date of the closing show, which is expected to take place on the same day as last year. It would also seem that the "full" schedule will be released on a date similar to that of last year, where last year's release occurred on February 22nd.

Trav.

Croisières AML's website now lists the same dates than Mylène's blog.

I find surprising and very strange the pattern of Saturday and Friday nights, in addition to (only) two Wednesdays. Are construction works scheduled on Jacques-Cartier bridge once again?

Fred

I am also mystified by the return of a similar unconventional schedule structure. It might be possible that construction activity on the bridge is expected to continue into this Summer, which may be necessary if the nature of last year's work warrants an extension into this year. Either that, or perhaps some find it advantageous to hold a schedule like this (after last year's experience), for one reason or another?

Looks like mirnovec will be there since Croatia's the new country!

Is Croatia really a participant for the 2013 competition?

Trav.

Hello ! Only 9 days left !

Are construction works scheduled on Jacques-Cartier bridge once again?
It's not much on Jacques-Cartier bridge itself, but on other bridges around, which anyway affect Jacques-Cartier. When the International met with the Bridge people last year, there was a talk about 3 years for construction. Tuesday was not a good idea following last year attendance... so we are back to wednesdays.

Is Croatia really a participant for the 2013 competition?
Yep.

10...9...

Mylene.

Thanks for the update, Mylene.

Final week to make predictions!

Trav.

Here are my predictions

Austria - Pyrovision
Croatia - Mirnovec Pirotecnika
Spain - Zaragozana
China - Dancing Fireworks
Italy - Pirotecnia Scarpato
Canada - FAE Pyrotechnie
Argentina - Fuegos Artificiales Jupiter
U.S.A - Pyrospectaculars by Souza
United Kingdom - Jubilee Fireworks
France - Intermede Artifice

Vander

Vander, you have 10 there! Since there's only 9 dates this year, that means there will be 8 competitors.

Only days away from knowing the 2013 line up now!

Paul.

It was very hard to break it out to just 8 so i just went with 10

Vander

Vander, it would appear that your prediction for the appearance of Zaragozana of Spain was correct!

Trav.