New, higher fireworks for massive display over Detroit River

An incredible amount of work goes into making the Ford Fireworks presented by Target show go off without a hitch.

Making sure everyone has a blast isn't easy, but Canadian choreographer Patrick Brault has taken on the task for Monday’s big event.

“Every year I try to look back at years before and try to not do the same thing again,"says Brault.

So this year Brault added some new and rare fireworks.

“Some pagoda or mother and son shells that used to be used only in Japanese traditional fireworks shows and are rarely used because we can't, except in big shows like this," says Brault.

On show day, workers installed last minute effects. They tested all the electronics of the firing system and communication between the three barges.

"These are the things on the last day that are important to the safety of the public and the safety of the people working on the show," says Brault.

Crews start setting up on the Detroit River barge site about one week in advance. The choreographer says for every one minute of show time, it takes about three to four hours of work.

This is the fifth year the Montreal native is choreographing the massive pyrotechnic display. He says this year, the fireworks can be seen from even farther away.

"I decided to get the fireworks higher so more people can see it from more of a distance to go with the theme of this year's event," says Brault.

That theme is One Detroit.

Let's face it, Detroit has gone through a lot.. and we themed this show one Detroit, to bring people together," says Tony Michaels, president and CEO of the Parade Company.

With Ford now the new official sponsor of the event, it looks as if people will continue coming together for a long time.

"These are backbone events,” says Michaels. “They are jewels of the city that are free and we want people to enjoy them. Every great city has great events and Detroit is no different."