MCIN - Fireworks from the annual Western Pyrotechnic Association event filled the skies in Hawthorne Thursday through Saturday.

MCIN – Fireworks from the annual Western Pyrotechnic Association event filled the skies in Hawthorne Thursday through Saturday.

Filling the desert sky with flashes of color and thundering booms, can only be accomplished by The Western Pyrotechnic Association who were in town over the weekend for their annual “Do-It in Hawthorne – 2016” event.

Members of the Western Pyrotechnic Association come from various background. Professional pyrotechnics who design firework shows for large venues to amateur pyro’s who find the challenge of the hobby, a thrill.

Mineral County residents are the ones who benefit from the efforts of the Western Pyrotechnic members. Shot off from the racetrack, just outside of town, the lights can be seen from most homes in town, as well as the sounds.

As in town residents watched the light show, many children (young and old) could be overheard exclaiming their excitement for the event. Unfortunately, Hawthorne is unable to have a 4th of July celebration and fireworks are only seen on Armed Forces Weekend, when the El Capitan shoots them off from their roof. (This year, the production was brought to residents by Western Pyrotechnics Association).

The finale this year was a 50-gallon drum filled with powder that rocked those at the site and startled many at home.

Local businesses benefit from the convention yearly as most who participate wander through town during the day or when not building their fireworks.