3, 2, 1, Fireworks

A scouting trip to China where the explosives are made.

Credit: APT

This explosive special takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Washington, D.C. July 4th celebration, featuring one of the largest and most colorful fireworks displays in the world. Shot in high-definition, 3, 2, 1 Fireworks, airing Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV, captures every step of the renowned fireworks production. It opens in China as the crew observes the making of fireworks and dazzling new pyrotechnic effects. Once the fireworks are shipped to America, an army of technicians undertake the delicate and dangerous tasks of setting up thousands of explosives-filled mortar tubes in preparation for the spectacular display.