OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — After months of uncertainty, an international fireworks convention is moving forward with its backup plan.
The Pyrotechnics Guild International had been hoping to return to the Wisconsin International Raceway in Buchanan for its convention in August. But after residents pushed back against bringing the convention back for the fourth time because of the noise, PGI is pivoting and heading to Oshkosh.
The PGI convention will now be held at the Sunnyview Expo Center from Aug. 12-18 — two weeks later than the original plan for Buchanan.
PGI posted to its Facebook page Friday, saying that “all parties are working on final approvals, and we are optimistic that we can finalize this deal in the coming weeks.”
This comes after the Buchanan town board voted last month to bring the convention to the town. Even with the seemingly encouraging vote, PGI will not be at WIR.
Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff has said he expects the event to be the city’s second largest — following EAA.
The international fireworks convention tends to bring in up to 12,000 people — a number that Kaukauna Mayor Tony Penterman had said would bring in at least $5 million to the area if the convention was in Buchanan.
Looking ahead, PGI is now working on the details for onsite camping and plans to get information out about reserving campsites in the new year.
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