In McDonald County and throughout the country, people are flocking to the fireworks tents to buy those things which sparkle, pop, and explode to celebrate our country's independence. It is a time of joy and giving thanks for our free and great country.
Though there have been interludes of rain recently, "fireworks sells are up," Cindi Hicks said. Hicks and Gales Smith have been operating a fireworks tent in Anderson off of South 59 Highway for more than 15 years.
"We've had close calls with high winds at times," Hicks said, when asked if they have experienced any mishaps resulting in losses over the years. "But we have never lost any merchandise due to weather."
Open hours at the Hicks and Smith fireworks tent are 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day except July 4; on July 4 they will be open until midnight.
In Pineville, next to the Country Mart on U.s. Highway 71 is the fireworks tent which Cassandra Porter manages. At times, she has had to wait for the rain to stop to resume sales.
Porter, who has been selling fireworks for two years, said "We expect to sell a lot of fireworks this year."
Porter said her fireworks business is offering a promotion by selling tickets for $1 each or six tickets for five dollars to win a $175 package of bigger fireworks. The drawing will be at 4 p.m. July 3: "You don't have to be present at the drawing to win," Porter said.
In Jane there is a large fireworks building where Lenore Diem manages fireworks sales. "I've been doing this for 23 years." Diem said. "Business is going to be good this year." Diem's building is on U.s. Highway 71 -- just look for a large gorilla facing the highway. The gorilla, Diem said proudly, is named "Fred."
Open hours at Diem's fireworks business are 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on weekends until 10 p.m. "We are open on July 3 and 4 until the people quit coming," Diem said.
When lighting fireworks, the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends keeping a bucket of water and a hose ready. Other safety tips include only lighting one firework at a time then quickly move away. Other precautions recommended are:
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
Missouri permits all types of consumer fireworks to be sold to residents during the Independence Day selling season from June 20 to July 10. In Missouri, fireworks cannot be sold to children under 14 years of age unless accompanied by an adult.
If you have any questions regarding local restrictions and what fireworks may be banned in your town/county, call your local Fire Department or City Hall.
Community on 07/02/2015