Pyros behind the show celebrate 10 years

For the last decade, the Haley boys have entertained Greybull with their pyrotechnic skills each summer. 

This year’s Fourth of July display saw over 1,000 rounds consisting of colorful shells and brilliant fountains. Shells ranged in size from three-, four-, five- and six-inches. Launched from the bluffs overlooking the Big Horn River, people gathered in the city park, the east bridge landing, along the roadways and the walking path - none with a bad view. 

Dale Haley, of Shell, is a licensed pyrotechnic who has been at the helm of the firework displays for the last decade, trained by Big Sky Fireworks out of Helena, Montana. Along with Shannon Armstrong, Johnny Haley, Quinton Haley, and John Haley, the group together sets up and sets off the show. 

While the fireworks are enabled to be lit by hand, as a fail-safe, the team uses electronics to wire the shots that are setup in racks and banks of plastic tubes. 

In the hours leading up to the show, the men tediously worked to prepare. A piece of thin masking tape covers each tube so the crew knows if any rounds didn’t explode. 

Their favorite part is “when it goes boom,” said the group collectively. For Quinton, “It’s suspenseful before I hit channel one button one,” he said of the electronic firing. 

For Armstrong the best part is “listening to the cheering and excitement from the crowd.” With the oohs and aahs echoing from the bluffs last Thursday night, one would say their display hit a home run. 

Carla Mowell, of Shell, said, “I’ve been coming to the fireworks in Greybull for years and this was the best display yet!” 

Greybull mayor Miles Foley said, “It was a very nice show. A lot of public support. I’m happy that we are continuing with the firework tradition yearly. And we’ll be back next year. I want to thank the Haley boys and everyone who helped and donated to make this possible for our town.”