COEUR d’ALENE — Pyro Spectaculars show producer Richard Knowlton isn’t afraid of a little rain, though he is hoping for a high cloud deck during tonight’s fireworks show.

“We can shoot in any weather except when it’s a safety matter like high wind or lighting,” Knowlton said.

Forecasts are calling for cloudy, but overall favorable conditions and plenty of Christmas spirit for The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s 38th annual Holiday Light Show.

Festivities kick off downtown with the Lighting Ceremony Parade at 5 p.m. and will conclude with fireworks lighting up the sky over Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Knowlton promised an “awe-inspiring” show that involves a total of 5,403 shots, shells and effects, including two 12-inch shells — among the biggest to have ever been shot over the lake.

The audience can expect the show to be even more spectacular than previous years.

“Last year, I was giggling during the finale because it was that intense, and I’ve been doing this for 23 years,” Knowlton said. “It’ll be that intense this year and then some.”

Though it would typically take up to 30 minutes for a traditional show to run through the staggering number of shots, shells and effects, tonight’s display will have a run time of about 10 minutes.

“It’ll be pretty cold, so we don’t want to drag it out,” Knowlton said, “but it’ll pack a punch.”

Hagadone Marine Group President Craig Brosenne has ensured that each year’s display packs a punch for nearly 30 years.

“They (the Hagadone family) challenge me every year to get with these guys and see what we can do differently, what we can do better,” he said.

Fireworks displays have become a cornerstone of the lighting ceremonies in Coeur d’Alene due largely to the Hagadone family, which funds the shows.

“This is a gift to the community from the Hagadone family,” Brosenne said.  

    Hagadone Marine Group president Craig Brosenne, left, talks fireworks with Pyro Spectaculars show producer Richard Knowlton on Wednesday.