Behind the boom: What it takes to put on Frederick’s Fourth of July fireworks shows

FREDERICK, Md. (7News) — As thousands of people prepare to celebrate Independence Day by watching fireworks light up the sky, crews in Frederick are spending hours behind the scenes making sure every launch is safe and perfectly timed.

Preparations began Friday morning at Nymeo Field, where technicians from Mr. Pyro, led by founder Matt Routzahn, carefully loaded fireworks into mortar tubes for the Frederick Keys’ postgame fireworks show. The display is the first of two major productions the company is putting on this holiday weekend, with the same crew returning Saturday to produce the City of Frederick’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Baker Park.

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Long before the first firework is launched, each shell is individually placed into its designated mortar tube, connected to an electronic firing system, and tested to ensure every effect is launched in the correct sequence. The displays are programmed in advance so fireworks can be fired with precise timing throughout the show.

Professional fireworks productions also involve extensive safety planning.

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Mr. Pyro’s licensed pyrotechnic crew coordinates with local fire officials throughout the setup process, with launch sites undergoing inspections before spectators arrive. Fireworks are only launched after crews verify weather conditions, safety distances, equipment, and emergency procedures.

The Fourth of July is the busiest time of year for professional fireworks companies, with many crews producing multiple displays across the region in just a few days. Companies often travel from one community to the next, setting up and executing shows that require hours of preparation before lasting only minutes in the sky.

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According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, nearly 17,000 professional fireworks displays are conducted across the United States each year. Those shows are handled by licensed operators following strict federal, state, and local safety standards.

7News goes behind the scenes of Frederick’s Fourth of July fireworks shows on Friday, July 3, 2026. (Raul Candia/7News)

Officials continue to remind residents that professional fireworks displays are the safest way to celebrate the holiday. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that thousands of fireworks-related injuries occur nationwide each year, with the vast majority happening during the weeks surrounding Independence Day.

In Frederick, spectators will have two opportunities to enjoy professional displays this weekend.

Friday night’s fireworks will follow the Frederick Keys game at Nymeo Field, while Saturday night’s annual City of Frederick celebration at Baker Park is expected to draw thousands of people for one of the community’s largest Independence Day traditions.