Rules as posted on the Cascades of Fire website:
Cascades of Fire International Fireworks Competition Rules
1. Registration
The Competition is open to fireworks teams from around the world. Contestants must
complete a Cascades of Fire International Fireworks Competition Team Form and provide
photo ID, passport and copies of their valid Firework license
.
2. Deadlines
The completed registration form and all required documents must be received by July 30, 2018,
11:59 p.m., local time.
All registration forms received after July 30, 2018, 11:59 p.m., local time will be rejected.
3. Registration
We will invite TWO members of each team to Niagara Falls to assist and supervise the display
set-up and to ensure accuracy to the script. The event will take place over 2 weeks in November
2018, November 9, 10, 11 & 16, 17 & 18. We understand that this might be a busy time of year
for some companies therefore contestants must indicate their preferred display date upon
acceptance of the invitation.
4. Location
The firing location is the International Control Dam, up river from the Canadian Falls at 7400
Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON
5. Code of Conduct
Team members are representing their respective countries and therefore must conduct
themselves in a polite and professional manner at all times on and off site.
6. Show Installation/Set-up
Installation of each display will be done by local crews under the control of a Supervisor-
in-Charge with assistance from the Team’s representatives. The Supervisor-in-Charge will
reportany problems directly to the Technical Director whose decision is final.
7. Theme
The theme of the series is “Once upon a time in..... (competing country)”. For example “Once
upon a time in Canada”. Teams will be judged on synchronization to music, musical selection,
crowd reaction, use of product and other parameters. The duration of your display should be in
the 16-18 minute range.
8. Product
We will provide each team with a list of product from which they can choose what is needed for
their display. Each team must provide a list of the product to be used before
August 15, 2018.
This will enable us to secure product in good time.
9. Show Script
The final script must be forwarded to the Technical Director by August 24, 2018. Failure to do
so will result in the team being replaced. A .csv file, or a file compatible with Finale Fireworks
is required.
10. Firing Equipment
The firing equipment will be Pyromate digital system. The number and type of modules in each
position is indicated on the site plan.
11. Budget
The budget for each team is up to CDN$25,000 in fireworks shells.
NOTE: However, teams will be allowed to expand their program by including additional product
at their own cost or by sponsorship.
12. Prize Money
Prize money will be awarded as follows:
First Place: $5,000 Second Place: $3,000 Other participants (3): $1,000
The winning team will be invited back to provide the opening display for the 2019 Cascades of
Fire.
13. Licensing
In order to handle display fireworks in Canada one must hold a valid Fireworks Operator
Certificate. We will obtain a “VISITOR” certificate for your team members. Each team member
must provide us with verification of certification/licensing to use display fireworks from your
home country as well as a head and shoulders photograph (digital is acceptable). The deadline
for this is July 30, 2018.
14. Mortors / Igniters / Pyrotechnics
Please note that we have changed the maximum number of mortars available to each team is
as follows: 3” 430 4” 539 5” 199 6” 135
We operate on a one-igniter-per-shell basis. Low level maximum is 963 cues.
We hope to add 7”, 8”, 10”, and 12” shells with the effects and quantities staying the same for
each team.
Comet/candle racks will be built as required.
15. Site Plan
See below for a basic site plan.
16. On-site Access During Show
Only TWO persons are allowed at the firing site during the display. The local supervisor for the
team, and ONE of the visiting team members.
17. Post-show
The mortars must not be approached until 30 minutes after the display at which time the local
supervisor and the visiting team representative will check the mortars for unfired items,
remove them, and when safe to do so, give the “all clear” to the Technical Director or his
designate.
18. Judging/Evaluation
During the Cascades of Fire International Fireworks Competition, performances will be
evaluated by a team of judges. The scoring sheets will be passed to the non-voting Jury
Chairperson who will retain the scoring IN CONFIDENCE until after the final performance. The
Jury Chairperson, together with the jury members, will then tally the total points scored and
determine the First, Second and Third place teams. Please note that the awards will be
presented by the Mayor of Niagara Falls at the closing ceremony now scheduled for Sunday,
November 18, 2018.
The decision of the judging panel is final and teams will be rated as follows:
a. Theme and choice of music 20 points
b. Creativity 20 points
c. Selection of effects and use within the display 20 points
d. Synchronization to the music selection 20 points
e. Crowd reaction and appreciation 20 points
19. Expenses
Air fares, transportation, accommodations and food will be provided to these team members.
20.
Awards Ceremony
If, due to their own commitments, team members are unable to remain for the awards
ceremony it would be appreciated if they could nominate a person to act on their behalf at the
ceremony.
21. Cancellation
Candidates who wish to withdraw from the Competition must notify the Technical Director
as soon as possible.
22. Disqualification
Candidates who do not comply with these rules are disqualified.
Providing false information will result in the disqualification of the candidate.
23. Other
Any situations not covered by these rules are referred to the Technical Director, whose
decisions on such matters are final
