Pyrotechnics company leaves many celebrations in a huge bind after last minute backout
Many fireworks shows in the Twin Lakes region have had to scrambled to salvage celebrations after a Missouri pyrotechnics company pulled out last minute from producing their shows. AM Pyrotechnics out of Buffalo, Missouri was the pyrotechnic supplier for many shows such as the Mountain Home Red White and Blue, the Norfork Lake Fireworks Display and the Calico Rock Lions Club Fireworks. The company stopped responding to calls and messages in the weeks before the Fourth of July, then some events got emails from the vendors lawyer stating that they had filed for bankruptcy and would not be able to hold up their obligation.
Luckily another company, Premier Pyrotechnics has stepped up to help keep many of these events from being cancelled. Unfortunately, with no reimbursement from AM pyrotechnics, these events have had to find last minute help to pay for the new vendor. In hopes to help with the cost the Calico Rock Lions club recently set up additional ways for people to donate.
A post to the Calico Rock Lions Club Facebook says:
We want to give special recognition to the following businesses for stepping up so quickly and generously to ensure our annual fireworks display will happen:
Special thanks to Premier Pyrotechnics (Casey Helfrich) for stepping in on short notice to provide this year’s fireworks display.
For many years, the Calico Rock Lions Club has prepaid AM Pyrotechnics, the same company many other communities in our area use, for the annual fireworks show in order to secure a bigger show. We prepaid $10,000 for this year’s show in July 2025, expecting to receive the biggest display we’ve ever put on. We received notification late Wednesday, July 1st, from AM Pyrotechnics stating they would not be able to fulfill their contract with us this year.
Although these five businesses have stepped up to pay the new company we were able to secure, our local Lions Club is still out this $10,000 and we are not expecting AM Pyrotechnics to refund us, as they have filed bankruptcy.
We are asking those that enjoy the show each year to consider giving a donation tonight after the show. We will have Lions Club members stationed at each exit. We have also setup Venmo and Paypal accounts if you would like to donate electronically. You can search for calicorocklionsclub or scan the QR code we have provided.
Again, we thank you for your continued support and we ask that you show your appreciation to each of these businesses for stepping up in such a big way to ensure the show goes on!
