Ball Shell Classes

All ball shell classes are open to auditing by anyone, but only paid participants are allowed to be at the build tables for safety reasons.  SAFETY GLASSES ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES!    We prefer single builders in each of the classes but we will allow pairs to participate in the 4” class with each person building only one shell.   All ball shell classes take two days and begin as scheduled Sunday morning with shell assembly and wrapping and conclude on Monday afternoon with shell finishing including lifting, leadering and labeling.  

Once the shells are completed, the Mum Pyro team will maintain control of the shells and transport them to the B-line day box for you to load and shoot yourselves.    The shells will be in the B-line day box Monday-Thursday for you to shoot at your convenience. When the B-line closes for the night, we will collect them and put them in our own storage for the night.  Shells not shot by the close of the line on Thursday night will most likely not be there on Friday unless you make arrangements with us beforehand.   Friday night we will be putting on the Members Built Display and we will not have time to get the shells to the day box and collect them after the end of the night.  In the past we’ve taken class shells home with us and bring them back the following year. If you built shells with us previously in Oshkosh in 2023, let us know and we can possibly track your shell down so you can shoot it in Brainerd.

Member Built Display

The Mum Pyrotechnics team offers PGI members an inclusive opportunity to engage at conventions. Traditionally, other groups like builders and youth have had dedicated activities, leaving many feeling left out. To address this, we created a team open to all, whether families or lone enthusiasts. Members of our team learn and participate in building display effects, from fuel mines to aerial salutes and complex shells. We've grown from 40 to 85 members due to increased interest. Flexibility is key; members aren't pressured to attend every session. Benefits include a credit towards the Display Operators Course for helping with setup and takedown. Our goal is to share the art of pyrotechnics with as many as possible, fostering camaraderie through teamwork. We also host a family BBQ to unwind before the final setup.

Join us to learn, create, and celebrate together at PGI conventions!