ZAMBELLI FIREWORKS INTERNATIONALE

Zambelli Fireworks Internationale first became involved with Thunder Over Louisville in 1991. The annual show is larger than the opening and closing ceremonies of the Atlanta and Barcelona Olympics combined. It is currently unchallenged as the largest annual pyrotechnic production in North America.

To assemble a show the size of Thunder, Zambelli Internationale utilizes eight tractor trailers filled with nearly 60 tons of fireworks shells. The physical set-up includes 250 tons of launching tubes, some as high as 10 feet with a diameter of 1 and 1/2 feet. Two million pounds of sand will pack the firing tubes on 1,800 feet of barges. Almost 700 miles of wire cable connecting 20 firing boards are tied to the command post for synchronization to the music. This is the largest show the Zambellis perform each year and the Zambellis are the largest fireworks family in the world.

The Zambelli family, including the late George Zambelli, Senior, has gathered in Louisville over the years using Thunder weekend as a family reunion of sorts. In addition, event producers from all over the country are often hosted by the Zambellis as they showcase their finest product.

Zambelli Internationale has its corporate headquarters in New Castle, Pa., with additional offices in Florida and California. The company has about 75 full-time employees, with a seasonal staff swelling to 1,300 as the July 4 holiday approaches.

In addition to producing fireworks for Thunder Over Louisville – the nation’s largest fireworks display – Zambelli has produced such events as the July 4, 1986, Statue of Liberty Celebration in New York City; the 1991 National Victory Celebration for the return of the Desert Storm troops in Washington, D.C.; presidential displays for Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan and Clinton; and Papal visits to Toronto and the United States.