Twelve Largest Firework Shells Launched Simultaneously in a Display, world record set in Mott, North Dakota

January 15, 2025

Mott, North Dakota, United States--Garisson Risner and Benjamin Marxen with Pegasus Illuminations and their helpers pulled off the launch of 12 sixteen-inch shells Launched Simultaneously in a Display, during a New Year's Eve celebration where all proceeds raised went to the Great Plains Food Bank – Backpack program, hosted by The Hettinger County Activities Association in Mott, North Dakota, on December 31st, 2024, setting the world record for the Twelve Largest Firework Shells Launched Simultaneously in a Display, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

The world record was sponsored by Pegasus Illuminations, LLC, J & M

Displays, Great Lakes Mortar Racks, AMS Displays, D&N Cinematics, and COBRA Firing Systems.

"On New Year’s Eve, those who traveled to Mott to witness a World Record firework attempt to launch the most oversized fireworks ever, simultaneously, got what they came for. Garisson Risner with Pegasus Illuminations and his partners pulled off the now-certified world record launch of 12 sixteen-inch shells," the KFYRTV reports.

"Risner said the blast was so intense that he could feel the ground shake.

“To hear that deep thump come out of the gun two-thousand-plus feet away knowing what was coming and then to see that whole sky just open up and across that width like that, it was... literally can’t even describe,” said Risner.

"Hettinger County Activities Association is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration where all proceeds raised will go to the Great Plains Food Bank – Backpack program," the official press release says.

"Each year the Hettinger County Activities Association partners with Pegasus Illuminations, a local firework display company, to provide a fireworks display for the community and surrounding areas.

"The goal of Pegasus Illuminations is to set a world record, and this is the year and event they plan to attempt it."

"The Hettinger County Activities Association has chosen to partner with Great Plains Food Bank, specifically the Backpack Program. According to their website, there are more than 33,000 children across North Dakota that qualify and greatly rely on the federal free and reduced lunch program to meet their daily nutritional needs throughout the school year.

"However, on weekends many of these children struggle with hunger. Hunger among children can have lifelong and extremely costly consequences. Currently it costs $5.00 to fill a backpack with milk, juice, snacks, and food for three meals. To sponsor a child for an entire year, it costs $190."

"Pegasus Illuminations will provide the spectators with a 12-15 minute fireworks display that will include the world record attempt of twelve 16” firework shells fired simultaneously.

"This world record attempt will be a certified world record by the World Record Academy. This display will showcase 1.42 pro grade product, 1.3 grade product ranging from 3” to 16” shells, and be synchronized to a selected playlist of musical songs.

"Spectators watching from their vehicles will be able to listen to the show as it is
broadcasted through the Pyrocast App. This pyro musical will also be live streamed on the Great Lakes Mortar Racks, Facebook page."

"Garisson - "I have always had the thought of attempting a world record. Now is the time that this dream comes true."

Benjamin - "This is an amazing opportunity to be a part of, and I am excited for the local community to be involved in such a spectacular event."

Sponsors: Pegasus Illumination, LLC, J & M Displays, Great Lakes Mortar Racks, and AMS Displays

Helpers: Chris Elliot, Iolaus Lee, and Heidi Marxen

Great Lakes Mortar Racks Sponsor statement:
"Here at Great Lakes Mortar Racks, we are very proud and honored to be part of such a wonderful charity event for a great cause, as well as being part of an epic world record attempt.

"Thank you to Garisson & Benjamin from Pegasus Illuminations for allowing us to participate in this event. It has been an incredible experience talking to other companies, asking them to be on board as sponsors to help achieve this World Record.

"The willingness to not only help with a charity event that helps kids in need, being part of the World Record definitely helps! Fingers crossed, we will bring the boom, light up the sky for many to enjoy and raise lots of money for the kids!"
Chris & Jolene Elliot

About Pegasus Illuminations

"Pegasus Illuminations is a firework display company. We have been illuminating night skies for many years, all around North Dakota & Montana. Mott, ND is our home base with one of our favorite shows being on New Year's Eve. We provide a variety of scripted shows for all levels of budgets for private & public events.

"Most importantly, completion of this world record and receiving the certificate is the top achievement, we would also like to gain publicity for our business to grow the platform that would help us reach other communities and charities to provide more events like this."