For some kids and adults in other Kansas towns the excitement of July 4 begins when the firework tents start to pop up in late June.
Shooting off fireworks is far from the only way to celebrate our nation’s birthday but it is a tradition with some families. And for those who don’t light their own fireworks, some enjoy attending a community firework show.
For those reasons, the recent decision by the Emporia City Commission to sell (and discharge) fireworks inside the city limits is worth trying.
With firework safety comes first. There’s no arguing that statement. Had the city not done its homework and approved a vague or weak ordinance allowing firework stands to pop up where they don’t belong, we would be against it.
However, the new firework sale law has many provisions that should limit many safety concerns. Stands have to be in temporary sites that can only be located in non-downtown commercial zones in Emporia more than 250 feet away from a nursing home, hospital and flammable liquid storage facility and more than 150 feet away from any permanent structure. The stands can’t be on public parking lots, parks or city property.
Stands also have to be secured during non-daylight hours and the high permit fee and insurance requirement makes it unlikely fraudulent vendors will come to town.
If vendors do decide to open a stand, likely destination will be parking lots at Wal-Mart, Staples, Guion’s and the old Big Lots.
With the $2,500 permit fee, it’s not certain vendors will be willing to spend that amount. Jake’s Fireworks based in Pittsburg has indicated they are interested in an Emporia stands and company officials at city work sessions haven’t balked at the permit amount.
With the county reducing by $5,000 the amount they are putting into a firework show, the city could and should use the permit money towards a community show. It’s difficult to image a city’s of Emporia’s size not having a community show.
The perceived downside of Emporia stands is more competition for the Lyon County stands. But Tom Riley, who has sold fireworks for 10 years five miles outside the city, said it could help his business. With the high permit fee, those vendors will likely have to charge more for their fireworks to make up for having to pay the fee, he said.
A number of Kansas towns allow fireworks sales inside the city limit. With the safety provisions in place, it’s worth a try here.
Jeremy Shapiro
Reporter
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I hope we don't get more than we need.
January 12, 2011 at 1:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.infowars.com/wayne-madsen-...
January 12, 2011 at 1:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7ekoP...
January 12, 2011 at 1:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://loveforlife.com.au/content/10/...
January 12, 2011 at 2:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eldiablo (anonymous) says...
Didn't think it was possible to spend less money on the Emporia fireworks show.
January 12, 2011 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )