It's called Fire in the Sky, a huge pyrotechnics convention being held in LaPorte. Businesses are thrilled but not all the residents are. Some folks who live near the Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention at the La Porte County Fairgrounds are complaining about everything from losing sleep to freaked out pets and kids.
After a loud boom La Porte resident Garry Robison said, "That's it. It gets louder." Garry Robison said the loud noises are scarring his dog and he's losing sleep. "It'll shake your kitchen cabinets," said Robison.
The Pyrotechnics Guild International Inc understands residents complaints. The event's host, Tim Walczak, said they've been trying to do the loudest fireworks earlier in the day. "Obviously fireworks are loud and we try to be neighborly."
But not everyone is complaining. La Porte Businesses are thrilled with the thousands of extra people in their small town for the week. Crystal Yaw works at Martin's Pizzeria and said they've seen a steady stream of customers coming through their doors due to the pyro event.
"It's good it helps our boss is happy it helps his business," said Yaw.
And it's not just helping the Pizzeria, Walczak said, "we put 3-5 million dollars into your local economy."
And that makes the loud booms sound a little sweeter to the ears of local residents who otherwise may not be thrilled with all the noise. "If it draws any kind of economy to the city of La Porte I'm all for it," said Robison.
The Grand Finale for the event will be held Friday night at the La Porte County Fairgrounds. Organizers are expecting about 20 thousand people for that event.
