Area firework stands have been gearing up for months for the start of Missouri’s firework season.
“We actually started before the Fourth of July last year,” said Becky Thomas with Kovac’s Fireworks. “We start ordering before the Fourth for the next year for all of our imports. It’s pretty much an all year process but the hard part started in February. We started setting up in February as the containers come in and we’re still working.”
Stacy Blake with Schneitter Fireworks said they have also been preparing for this year’s Independence Day celebrations since last year.
“We’re open all year round so in September we’re already starting to pick out our new fireworks for the coming year,” Blake said. “We’re here all year round trying to get ready for the Fourth but our last push is really the last couple of months.”
Missouri selling season starts Monday, June 20 and runs through Sunday, July 10th. A second selling season is held around Christmas and New Year’s. Blake said prior to the start of the season there are some stipulations on firework purchases.
“If they come in to buy all year round they have to sign a waiver saying they know what the Missouri shooting season is,” she said.
Thomas said there are many new fireworks this year.
“I like to shop and I like to bring new things in every year,” she said. “There’s always something new. We usually do 50 to 100 new items every year.”
In St. Joseph city limits residents will officially be able to start shooting off fireworks Monday until the end of the season on July 10th. However, city ordinance has some stipulations on the types of fireworks allowed. Fireworks with a report or any device that discharges a projectile are not allowed according to the ordinance. Fireworks that met with approval in city limits included items like sparklers, fountains, snappers, and snakes. To view the ordinance in full CLICK HERE.
Blake said many of the fireworks allowed in town can be found in the “safe and sane” section which includes the children’s items, novelty items and fountains.
“You just need to look in what county you’re in and look at their rules and regulations and go with that,” Blake said.
With the Fourth of July falling on Monday this year both Blake and Thomas expect to have a good year when it comes to firework sales.
“If the weather is right this year we have Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then the Fourth is on a Monday,” Thomas said. “It’s really good for the shoppers because it spreads everybody out.”
“It should be a good year with it being on a Monday,” Blake said. “They can shop all weekend.”