Longtime fireworks designer Zach Taminosian produces many shows across the country, but he said few compare to his annual New Year’s Eve tradition: launching fireworks from two rooftops in downtown Denver.

It’s a tradition that, for the last 25 years, has celebrated the new year in proper Mile High City style.

“We try to make it a little bit more exciting, little bit more impactful each and every year,” said Taminosian, a designer with Zambelli Fireworks.

“It’s a lot of time, a lot of preparation behind the scenes, a lot of hours to design each show,” the fireworks producer said.

Two free eight-minute shows are scheduled for 9 p.m. and midnight from two rooftop locations: atop the Sheraton Denver and the U.S. Bank building near Skyline Park.

Combined between both rooftops, Taminosian said there are 1,000 electrical connections launching 3,000 firework shots per show. The fireworks show designer pre-plans the show on a computer system. To do so, different firework designs are lined up to shoot off at certain times.

“We often refer to the sky as our canvas,” Taminosian said. “It’s up close and personal when you’re pushing the button.”

The fireworks designer said he has produced many shows, including NYE fireworks in Manhattan’s Times Square during the ball drop. But in Denver, he said, rooftop fireworks pose a unique opportunity to entertain everyone who is in the downtown area.

16th Street offers more viewing spots following reconstruction

Organizers said the best viewing spots are at Civic Center Park and along 16th Street.

Officials with the Downtown Denver Partnership, an organizer of NYE fireworks, stressed the importance of finishing 16th Street reconstruction this year. The $175 million project stifled pedestrian traffic for years as construction fencing blocked pathways along the 1.2-mile corridor.

“There’s no more construction along 16th Street, there are so many new restaurants that have opened, hotels are all filling up,” said Sharon Alton, senior vice president for the DDP.

“We need a reason to actually invite people down,” she said, adding free events, like NYE fireworks, “gives people a reason to come down and then see everything that we’ve been working on for the last several years.”

“Downtown activity has just completely been dialed up since the 16th Street has been completed,” Justin Bresler, VISIT DENVER’S chief marketing officer, said. “We are looking forward to showing it off here during the holidays.”

For Taminosian, it’s all about putting on a show to remember.

“It’s been a lifelong passion,” the experienced pyrotechnic said. “That payoff is when you push the button the show ends and the crowd cheers.”