Don Wolford of Altoona shops at the Brumbaugh Fireworks Display on a recent afternoon. Miller photo by Patrick Waksmanski
As John Adams predicted in 1776, Americans will celebrate Independence Day with “bonfires and illuminations,” said William Weimer, vice president of Youngstown, Ohio-based Phantom Fireworks.
“Illuminations,” or what are known today as fireworks, have provided fun, clean entertainment for families for many years, he said.
“A fireworks display really takes any celebration to the next level,” said Kevin Shaub, owner of Lancaster-based Keystone Fireworks.
Those who haven't set off fireworks in their backyard recently will be surprised at how easy they are to use and how impressive the effects can be, Schaub said, noting that “no Fourth of July is complete without fireworks.”
According to the American Fireworks Association, fireworks revenue is expected to hit a record $500 million in 2023.
“The demand for professional fireworks shows and special effects has never been higher, so while the professional fireworks show industry took a hit in 2020 and 2021, losing 90% sales, business is booming. In fact, manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand,” said APA Executive Director Julie Heckman.
Consumer fireworks sales remain strong but have declined slightly to $2.2 billion in 2023 from $2.3 billion in 2022.
“With the price of everything going up in the U.S., it seems like people can't afford to buy fireworks anymore, or in the quantities they used to,” said Gary Brumbaugh, owner of Brumbaugh's Fireworks in Williamsburg. “We've seen a big switch from the big 500-gram cakes to the less expensive 200-gram cakes.”
The state “experienced some extreme weather events in 2023, including drought and excessive smoke from the Canadian wildfires. Those events contributed to a decline in consumer fireworks use last year,” Schaub said. “We don't have those conditions this year, so we're hopeful that 2024 will be a strong season.”
With the holiday falling on a Thursday this year, dealers are expecting strong sales.
“Because Independence Day falls on a Thursday this year, the law allows consumers to set off fireworks on the weekend before and after Independence Day,” Brumbaugh said.
“Thursday is traditionally the day for celebrations which continue into the weekend, and we expect sales to pick up on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“July 5th, 6th and 7th are Get Strong days,” Weimer said, adding that “many country clubs and communities celebrate on the Friday and Saturday after Independence Day.”
Consumer prices have fallen slightly this year due to lower COVID-era shipping rates that have impacted the industry.
“Now that we finally have relief, we've reduced prices on dozens of items across all our stores this year,” Shaub said.
“Consumers should be able to get better deals on fireworks this holiday season because ocean freight rates have dropped dramatically this year, significantly lowering the average price of fireworks and most retailers will be passing those savings on to their customers,” Heckman said.
According to the APA, fireworks-related injuries are declining to 3.6% per 100,000 pounds by 2023, and fireworks are becoming safer to use.
“As states relax their fireworks laws, injury rates continue to fall. Several factors contribute to this. First, the fireworks on the market today are the highest quality and safest fireworks ever made. The fireworks industry is working with state and local enforcement officials to more effectively communicate safety messages, including how to properly use fireworks,” Heckman said.
But the biggest advice for consumers is to use common sense when setting off fireworks.
“Safety is number one, and if a customer doesn't know how to set off fireworks properly, we try to show them how to do it properly,” said Joyce Knepp, owner of Kneppy's Fireworks in Morrisdale.
Heckman said consumers should use fireworks responsibly, which includes finding a suitable location that is hard, flat and level, away from flammable materials. Additionally, all activities involving fireworks should be supervised by a designated, sober adult.
It also urges consumers to read and follow directions, maintain a safe distance from spectators and “not to consume alcohol or use drugs that may impair judgment.”
Even sparklers can be misused and young children should not be allowed to handle fireworks, he said.
Heckman said after enjoying fireworks, people should soak them in water, preferably overnight, until they're cool to the touch, then dispose of them properly in a trash can away from the home.
“Safety is always a major concern and no matter the size of the fireworks, they can be dangerous and unforgiving if they injure someone,” said Vincent Terizzi Jr., vice president of sales/manufacturing for Starfire Inc. of St. Benedict.
Terizzi said consumers should “have fun but be safe” when using fireworks. “Think of your neighbors and animals” when setting off fireworks, he urged.
Mirror reporter Walt Frank can be reached at 814-946-7467.
