Although not well-known, the profession of a fireworks maker is less risky than in the past, but the excitement remains high when the fireworks are ignited.
Camille Léonard-Rioux, 32, has been a part of the Grands Feux Loto-Québec team for several years.
While the term “fireworks expert” is sometimes used interchangeably, Camille Léonard-Rioux is not a deminer or a fireworks technician, but a specialist responsible for preparing and setting off fireworks. She is in charge of the preparation, installation, and firing of the fireworks from the launch barge.
Fireworks expert Camille Léonard-Rioux in action preparing for the Loto-Québec Grand Fireworks.
Photo provided by GRANDS FEUX LOTO-QUÉBEC
In the Rioux family, the passion for fireworks has been burning for generations, and Camille grew up in a world of pyrotechnics, surrounded by explosives.
Eager
“I saw my father, Michel, designing and creating fireworks. I know the company’s soundtracks from the 90s by heart. I couldn’t wait to be 18 to get my license! It was my greatest wish when I turned 18,” explains the fireworks expert who also learned a lot from watching her uncle Claude.
To earn a living from her art, she sometimes works as a producer on other contracts with GFA Pyro and as an actress like her mother, Sylvie Léonard, who is well-known in Quebec.
While the world of fireworks has become more environmentally friendly over time, Camille Léonard-Rioux still has memories that excite her. Manual launches are a thing of the past, and safety measures have improved.
“The ecological aspect is important. The materials used have changed, and the chemical components too. We have reduced the debris. At the beginning, I lit most of my fireworks by hand. It’s not the same feeling, I miss it a lot. It was truly a passion, but on an artistic level, it’s more limited.”
Photo provided by GRANDS FEUX LOTO-QUÉBEC, CARL DESJARDINS
A Challenge
In 2024, the field remains predominantly male, but women are gradually making their mark to create a magical experience. Recruitment is primarily done through word of mouth. “Our company is paying special attention to this shift towards more female participation. We rely on interest and passion.”
In Quebec and Lévis, the Saint-Laurent River presents a challenge that needs to be tamed on every occasion.
“There are many partners to coordinate: the seaway, the airway, the Port of Quebec, the three levels of government. We also have to consider maintaining the barge, challenging weather conditions, tides, waves, wind. These are additional factors to consider.”
However, the fireworks expert recalls another experience after spending a day assembling fireworks at -30°C for the New Year’s fireworks in Kuujjuaq.
28th Loto-Quebec Grand Lights
- From August 1 to 24, 2024
- On the agenda for Tuesday, August 6: Wedding evening. Pyromusical show under the theme of love during a romantic wedding celebration.
- Also upcoming: 60s evening, western special, and LGBTQ+ evening
- Two locations: Place des Canotiers in Quebec and Quai Paquet in Lévis
The Thrilling World of Fireworks Making: An Insider’s Perspective
Still little known, the profession of fireworks maker involves fewer risks than in the past, but the adrenaline remains just as high when the fireworks are fired.
Camille Léonard-Rioux, 32, has been part of the Grands Feux Loto-Québec team for several years now.
Although the term “fireworks expert” is sometimes used in other ways, Camille Léonard-Rioux is neither a deminer nor a fireworks technician, but a specialist in charge of preparing and firing fireworks. In particular, she ensures the preparation, installation, and firing of the fireworks from the launch barge.
In the Rioux family, passion has been burning for a long time and Camille grew up in a world of pyrotechnics, surrounded by explosives.
Impatient
“I saw my father, Michel, designing and creating fireworks. I know the company’s soundtracks from the 90s by heart. I couldn’t wait to be 18 to get my license! It was my greatest wish when I came of age,” explains the fireworks expert who also learned a lot by watching her uncle Claude.
To make a good living from her art, she is also sometimes a producer on other contracts with GFA Pyro and an actress like her mother, Sylvie Léonard, well known to the Quebec public.
While the world of fireworks has taken a green turn over time, Camille Léonard-Rioux has one memory that still thrills her. Manual launches are a thing of the past and safety has improved.
“The ecological aspect is important. The materials used have changed, the chemical components too. We have reduced the debris. At the beginning, I lit most of my fireworks by hand. It’s not the same feelingI miss it a lot. It was really a passion, but on an artistic level, it’s more limited.”
Photo provided by GRANDS FEUX LOTO-QUÉBEC, CARL DESJARDINS
A challenge
In 2024, the environment remains predominantly male, but women are gradually making their place to create a kind of magic. Recruitment is still largely done by word of mouth. “Our company pays particular attention to this female shift. We rely on interest and passion.”
In Quebec and Lévis, the Saint-Laurent River represents a challenge to tame on every occasion.
“There are many partners to coordinate: the seaway, the airway, the Port of Quebec, the three levels of government. We also have to think about maintaining the barge, bad weather, tides, waves, wind. These are additional weather conditions.”
The fireworks expert, however, saw others after a day of assembly at -30°C for the New Year’s fireworks in Kuujjuaq.
28th Loto-Quebec Grand Lights
- From August 1 to 24, 2024
- On the menu for Tuesday, August 6: Wedding evening. I love you, a little, a lot, madly! Pyromusical show under the sign of love, during a romantic wedding party
- Also coming: 60s evening, western special as well as an LGBTQ+ evening
- Two developed sites: Place des Canotiers in Quebec and Quai Paquet in Lévis
