Pyrotechnic Perfection in Webster Groves

During a Fourth of July fireworks display, as the "oohs" and "aahs" peak, John Weiter, President of Gateway Fireworks Display, is watching for mistakes.

Weiter is the founder of Gateway, a locally owned and operated pyrotechnics company based in St. Louis. He and his team will be in charge of the two firework shows that will light the Webster Groves sky Sunday and Monday as part of the city's Community Days celebration.

Weiter has been working with the city for nearly 20 years. He calls Webster Groves Community Days, an 85-year tradition thanks to the Lions Club of Webster Groves, “the quintessential Americana celebration.”

“Fireworks transcend socio-economic boundaries,” Weiter said. “Almost everyone, of all walks of life, enjoys a good firework show.”

Weiter organizes shows across the St. Louis metro region. Busch Stadium, Ballwin Days and Fair St. Louis all feature Gateway displays of color and sound.

Weiter, a retired St. Louis City police officer, began working in pyrotechnics in 1995. In 1999, Weiter set out on his own when he and his wife opened Gateway Fireworks Display.

“I’ve done about 150 shows on the riverfront alone,” Weiter said. “There’s nothing like it on the water.”

Weiter and his team are prepared for the Webster Groves shows.

Mike Oppermann, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Development for the city of Webster Groves, said Weiter and his team go “above and beyond” safety and showmanship expectations.

“Safety is so important because of the location,” Oppermann said. “It’s residential; it’s right next to a highway; it’s a challenging space; and they always meet the challenge.”

Two shows will grace community days this year. Sunday will be the opening night for fireworks.

“It’s the opening act, because the big show is obviously on the Fourth,” Oppermann said.

Each show will be different in style, length and appearance. While many Gateway shows include a soundtrack, Webster's does not. The size and scope of each show is limited, but not without quality, according to Weiter.

Shells 3-inches and smaller in diameter will be used in the Webster show because of its proximity to a residential area. By comparison, shells can exceed sixteen inches in diameter, and a 6-inch shell will travel more than 600 feet in the air before detonating.

The largest shells fire from the center of the formation, exploding higher and directly between smaller displays. Tactics like this maximize entertainment value, Weiter said.

Fireworks and pyrotechnics is a heavily regulated industry and safety precautions, permits and certifications make the business detail-oriented. But Weiter says this time of year makes it all worth while.

“If you’re in my business, Fourth of July is like Christmas time,” Weiter said. “I’m just a big kid, you know?”

The first show begins Sunday at 9:30 p.m. The July Fourth show will start at 9:45 p.m.