Grand Finale Fireworks: Fire Over the Chagrin cancelled due to lost momentum

Marah Morrison, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Oct. 6—Fire Over the Chagrin was originally supposed to debut as what was being called Ohio's biggest fireworks extravaganza on Sept. 17.

But that never happened.

Grand Finale Fireworks out of Eastlake stated in a recent Facebook post that after discussion with their team they decided to retire the concept of Fire Over the Chagrin.

According to the post, Grand Finale staff have already begun communicating with partners for a new event at a new location in 2023.

"We extend our sincere apologies to the community of Eastlake with the cancellation of Fire Over the Chagrin," the Facebook post stated. "We know many of you planned outings and watch parties."

The event was modeled after the much larger scale production that takes place during the festivities leading up to the Kentucky Derby, Thunder Over Louisville over the Ohio River.

When two partners of the event informed Grand Finale they could no longer generate the resources needed to fulfill the fireworks display, momentum was lost.

"These were not just financial resources, they were logistical as well," the Facebook post read. "It was heartbreaking to absorb that news as we felt the community has become family. We look forward to growing even further in 2023 with the surrounding community and welcome all to stay in the loop with us as we venture into the new year."

Grand Finale started in June of 2021. Owner Nick Carmigiano, assistant and safety director Don Wisniewski and partner and pyro technician Keith Kilian started contracting smaller and more modest-sized displays. These displays were for private clients, which later grew to municipal displays, special effects for events, concerts and sporting events.

The Eastlake business has also done gender reveal parties, weddings and the country concert Southern Ohio Freedom Fest. They have done displays in West Virginia and at local country clubs as well.

"We're a niche market, but the new breed of pyrotechnics industry up here by the lake," Carmigiano previously told The News-Herald. "My philosophy is keep things as close to home as possible. Keeping things local is keeping the wheel turning because every one of these local businesses are all a spoke on the wheel. Local to us is huge."