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 are known today, have provided exciting and 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’ll be surprised at how easy they are to use and how impressive the effects can be, Shaub said, noting that “the Fourth of July just isn’t complete without fireworks.”
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, fireworks revenue hit a record $500 million in 2023.
“Professional fireworks and special effects displays have never been more in demand. So while the professional display industry took a hit in 2020 and 2021 — losing 90 percent of its business — business is booming. In fact, manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand,” said APA Executive Director Julie Heckman.
Consumer fireworks sales, while still strong, declined slightly from $2.3 billion in 2022 to $2.2 billion in 2023.
“With the rising cost of everything here in the U.S., it seems like people just don’t have the extra money to buy fireworks or to buy as much as they did in the past,” said owner Gary Brumbaugh of Brumbaugh’s Fireworks in Williamsburg. “We’ve noticed a big shift from our larger 16-ounce cakes to our less expensive 8-ounce cakes.”
The state experienced “some unusual weather events in 2023, such as drought conditions and excessive smoke from Canadian wildfires. These events contributed to a decline in consumer fireworks use last year,” Shaub said. “Those conditions are not present this year, so we are looking forward to a strong season in 2024.”
Since this year’s holiday fell on a Thursday, dealers are expecting strong sales.
“Since the Fourth of July falls on a Thursday this year, the law allows consumers to set off fireworks the weekend before and after the Fourth of July,” Brumbaugh said.
“Thursdays have traditionally bled 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 after the Fourth of July.”
Consumer prices have fallen slightly this year due to falling freight rates during the COVID era, which has impacted the industry.
“We’ve reduced prices on dozens of items in our stores this year as we finally have relief,” Shaub said.
“Consumers should see a reduction in consumer fireworks prices this holiday season and get more bang for their buck. This is because ocean freight rates have dropped dramatically this year, so the average cost of fireworks has dropped significantly and most retailers will be passing these savings on to their customers,” Heckman said.
Fireworks continue to become safer to use, as fireworks-related injuries dropped 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. This can be attributed to several factors. First, the fireworks on the market today are the highest quality and safest ever made. The fireworks industry, in cooperation with state and local authorities, is doing a better job of spreading the safety message, including how to use fireworks properly,” Heckman said.
The biggest piece of advice to consumers, however, is to use common sense when lighting fireworks.
“Safety is paramount. If a customer doesn’t know the proper way to put them out, we try to teach them the proper way,” said owner Joyce Knepp of Kneppy’s Fireworks, Morrisdale.
Heckman said consumers need to use fireworks responsibly, and that includes finding a suitable location with a hard, flat, level surface away from combustibles. Additionally, a designated, sober adult should be in charge of all fireworks activities.
It also reminds consumers to read and follow instructions, keep bystanders at a safe distance and “not drink alcohol or use drugs that impair judgment.”
He said young children should not be allowed to handle fireworks as even sparklers can be misused.
When the fun is over, Heckman said fireworks should be soaked in water until they are cool to the touch, overnight if possible. Then, dispose of them properly in a trash container away from the home.
“Safety is always the top concern, and no matter the size of the device, fireworks are dangerous and unforgiving to people when they cause injury,” said Vincent Terrizzi Jr., vice president of sales/manufacturing, Starfire Corp., St. Benedict.
Terrizzi said consumers should “enjoy and be safe and aware” when using fireworks. “Think about your neighbors and animals” when setting off a fireworks display, he urged.
Walt Frank, Mirror staff writer, calls 814-946-7467.
