The fireworks in New Brunswick are launched every year by The Santore Family, who have owned Garden State Fireworks since 1890!
I happened to be in San Sebastian, Spain this summer during their annual fireworks competition, the greatest fireworks competition in the Western World. Every night during the annual Semana Grande festival, 70,000 spectators climb Mount Urgull on San Sebastian’s northern shore or crowd the railings of the Playa de la Concha to watch the world's best fireworks artists light up the night. An expert panel judges gives out some of the most coveted fireworks awards in the world. It's stunning!
Imagine my surprise when, among my newfound Basque friends, I discovered that Garden State Fireworks had placed silver in 1986 and actually took first place for the USA in 1991 AND 1994! They've taken top honors in Monte Carlo as well. These guys are world class artists.
Chris Santore is the genius who choreographs the pyrotechnics to music. Check out the video. It's addicting.
The Santore Brothers (Italian immigrants) started Garden State Fireworks in 1890. The company has passed from father to son since that time. They put on the Macy's 4th of July fireworks in New York, Washington DC's Fourth of July fireworks and they were responsible for the Statue of Liberty's Bicentennial display; world class folks.