A fireworks show at a company picnic Saturday at Sesquicentennial Park caught the attention of Lawrence residents.

The display, which lasted about 15 minutes, was sponsored by Hoss & Brown Engineers Inc. of Lawrence.

“We thought this would be fun for our employees,” Hoss & Brown president Pete Laughlin said. “It’s something new and different for us. But a lot of corporate entities are doing this in Kansas City. They’re actually becoming commonplace for corporations.”

Lawrence Fire Marshall Rich Barr approved the company’s fireworks show. Requests for permits for private fireworks displays are received and approved throughout the year, he said. But most of the shows are smaller than the one Saturday.

“This one is probably a little larger than most of them we’ve seen before, so that’s probably why people noticed it,” Barr said.

Fireworks shot off in the city at other events, such as the final summer concert for the Lawrence City Band, go through the same permitting process, Barr said.

To receive a permit, Barr said organizers must have insurance for the event on file at the city clerk’s office and hire licensed pyrotechnicians. Douglas County officials have similar requirements.

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Hoss & Brown hired Topeka-based Matalone Pyrotechnics to set off the fireworks.

Matalone Pyrotechnics owner John J. Matalone Jr. said his business has increased over the years as more municipalities require licensed pyrotechnicians for firework shows.

“We’ve done weddings, birthdays, family reunions, concerts, football games,” Matalone said. “There’s starting to be a lot more firework shows at weddings and family reunions.

“I don’t know why. But it’s happening.”