ROSSBURG – Eldora Speedway is going have its largest fireworks show in history on Saturday as part of Family Fireworks Night.
Fans of all ages will see the show after the Eldora Stocks and UMP Modifieds race on the half-mile clay oval.
But who does shoot off the largest fireworks show in Eldora history?
The answer is Randy Bast and his team from High-Tech Special Effects, Inc., from Memphis, Tennessee.
Bast, 55, who hails originally from Ontario, Canada, has more than 30 years of experience in fireworks, flames and movie special effects. He has worked with Eldora promotor Roger Slack for several years in previous ventures and came to Eldora when Slack was named general manager in 2011.
“Roger worked with us before he got to Eldora,” Bast said. “He was the one that really got into the fire thing. The fireballs that you see, Roger and I worked on that and made it the staple that it is right now. And when he went to Eldora, he brought us with him.”
Bast and his team have worked huge events, including the 2005 presidential inauguration with George W. Bush, episodes of the popular television show Duck Dynasty, NASCAR events, the Memphis Grizzles and Houston Rockets of the NBA, the MTV Music Awards and World Championship Wrestling.
Every event is different, however, and Eldora is always one of High-Tech’s favorite events.
“Once Roger gets an idea on a budget and what he wants to do, I sit down and get an order put together and what racks we need,” Bast said. “We’ll then wire up the racks and get the products we need and fill out the paper work to get on the road. We’ll drive the 10 hours up to Eldora, set up and then tear down and drive home.”
In the past, there have been huge balls of fire, stunning fireworks and more. And fans can expect bigger and better effects on Saturday.
And for Bast, he is a large racing fan as well.
“I love racing,” Bast said. “You put a motor on anything and make it go quick, I’m all about it. It’s great that I get to do fireworks and racing at the same time. It’s perfect. I’m down near the start/finish line during the races and I have guys up on the hill. And I call the races and when they need to shoot fireworks. It’s pretty cool.”
In addition to the exciting racing and fireworks, there are bounce houses, balloon-twisting clowns and an autograph session with the drivers. Gates open at 5 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and the racing starting at 7:30 p.m.
Kids 12 and younger are admitted for free while for those older than the age of 13 tickets are $8. Also, uniformed firefighters, police, boy scouts and girl scouts are also admitted at no cost.
Ticket information can be found at www.EldoraSpeedway.com or by calling 937-338-3815.
