Don Wolford of Altoona shops at Brumbaugh Fireworks on a recent afternoon.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Just as John Adams predicted in 1776, Americans celebrate the Independence Day holiday with “bonfires and illuminations,” said William Weimer, vice president of Youngstown, Ohio-based Phantom Fireworks.
“Illuminations,” or fireworks as they’re known today, have been providing exciting, clean family entertainment for many years, he said.
“Every celebration is taken to the next level with a fireworks display,” said Kevin Shaub, owner of Lancaster-based Keystone Fireworks.
For those who haven’t used backyard fireworks recently, they will be amazed at how user-friendly they are and how impressive the effects can be, Shaub said, noting that “July Fourth just isn’t complete without fireworks.”
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, display fireworks revenue hit a record high of $500 million in 2023.
“Professional fireworks shows and special effects have never been in more demand. So while the professional display industry was crippled in 2020 and 2021 — losing 90% of their business — business is booming. In fact, the manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the demand,” said APA Executive Director Julie Heckman.
Sales of consumer fireworks, while still strong, dropped slightly from $2.3 billion in 2022 to $2.2 billion in 2023.
“With the increase of cost of everything else here in the U.S., it seems people just don’t have the extra money to either purchase fireworks or to purchase as much as they have in the past,” said owner Gary Brumbaugh of Brumbaugh’s Fireworks, Williamsburg. “We have noticed a big switch from our larger 500g cakes to our cheaper 200g cakes.”
The state experienced “some unusual weather situations in 2023, such as drought conditions and excessive smoke from Canadian wildfires. Those events contributed to a dip in consumer fireworks usage last year,” Shaub said. “Those conditions don’t exist this year, so we’re looking forward to a strong season in 2024.”
With the holiday falling on a Thursday this year, dealers are expecting strong sales.
“Since the Fourth falls on a Thursday this year, the law allows for consumers to set off fireworks the weekend before and after the Fourth,” Brumbaugh said.
“Thursdays traditionally have bled the celebrations into the weekend. We expect sales on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
July 5, 6 and 7, to be strong,” Weimer said, adding that “many country clubs and communities are celebrating the Friday and Saturday following the Fourth.”
Consumer prices have dropped a bit this year due to a drop in COVID-era shipping rates that affected the industry.
“We’ve lowered prices on dozens of items throughout our stores this year, as we finally got relief,” Shaub said.
“Consumers should experience a decrease in consumer fireworks pricing this holiday season and get more bang for their buck. This is because the ocean freight rates have dropped dramatically this year, so the average cost of fireworks has come down significantly and most retailers will be passing those savings on to their customers,” Heckman said.
Fireworks continue to become safer to use as fireworks-related injuries were down to 3.6% per 100,000 pounds in 2023, according to the APA.
“As states relax their fireworks laws, the injury rate continues to decline. That can be attributed to several factors. First, the fireworks on the market today are the highest quality and safest fireworks ever made. The fireworks industry, in cooperation with state and local enforcement authorities, are doing a better job at getting the safety message out, including how to properly use fireworks,” Heckman said.
The biggest piece of advice to consumers, though, is to use common sense when setting off fireworks.
“Safety is paramount. If a customer doesn’t know the correct way to put them off, we try to teach them the correct way,” said owner Joyce Knepp of Kneppy’s Fireworks, Morrisdale.
Heckman said consumers need to use fireworks responsibly, and that includes finding a proper location with a hard, flat, level surface away from combustibles. In addition, a designated, sober adult should be in charge of all fireworks activities.
He also reminds consumers to read and follow the instructions, keep spectators at a safe distance and “don’t drink alcohol or use drugs that impair judgment.”
Young children should not be allowed to handle fireworks, as even sparklers can be misused, he said.
When the fun is done, Heckman said fireworks should be soaked in water until they are cool to the touch, overnight if possible. Then properly dispose of them in a trash receptacle away from the house.
“Safety is always the biggest concern, and no matter the size of the device, fireworks are dangerous and unforgiving to people when they injure,” said Vincent Terrizzi Jr., vice president of sales/manufacturing, Starfire Corp., St. Benedict.
Terrizzi said consumers should “enjoy and be safe and mindful” when using fireworks. “Think of your neighbors and animals” when shooting off a fireworks display, he urged.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.