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Locals spend big on fireworks
Published 7/1/2009 in Local News
By RACHAEL GRAY
Many Garden City residents are starting to hear the sizzles and pops that indicate Independence Day is near.
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Brad Nading/Telegram — Kensi Mader stocks one of the shelves with fireworks Tuesday as her family prepares to open its fireworks stand for the day at 2965 E. Mary St.
Fireworks stands have popped up all over the area, and their sales are starting to spike.
For Greg Mader, Garden City, the money from his East Mary Street stand in Garden City will help cover some family expenses.
Mader's daughter, Kensi, 20, plans to attend Wichita State University to study physical therapy. Mader, who works for UPS, said the fireworks stand would cover some of the cost. He said they had the stand before when his oldest daughter, Karli, 25, went to Fort Hays State University.
Mader said selling fireworks helped out "quite a bit."
"The stand helps out with expenses," he said. "It doesn't pay for everything, but it definitely helps."
Reece Pfenninger, 16, works at a family-operated stand on West Buffalo Jones Avenue. His family, his mom's friends and their families help out at the stand.
Pfenninger said Wonder Boys, small, explosive firecrackers, are particularly popular this year because you can buy 100 for $1.25.
"They also go off in water," he said.
Pfenninger said that the larger fireworks were starting to sell faster as of Tuesday afternoon. He said he'd seen people come in and spend $80 to $90.
On Friday and the evening of July 4, Pfenninger said some people will probably spend $150 to $200 on a bundle of fireworks.
"As it gets closer to the fourth, people start to spend more on the bigger fireworks," he said.
At the June 16 Garden City Commission meeting, the city approved its annual waiver allowing fireworks to be set off from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 3 through 5.
Sheriff Kevin Bascue said he isn't too concerned about fireworks violations this year. There haven't been reports of fireworks being discharged outside of the designated times.
"It doesn't mean it's not happening. We're just not getting reports," he said.
Last year there were eight reports of violations and one warning issued. Bascue said the reports were violations of both designated shooting time violations and illegal fireworks violations.
Tami Sauseda, Garden City Police Department crimes analyst, said the department has received no reports of fireworks violations so far this year. Last year they issued one unlawful fireworks citation.
Fireworks safety
- Always read and follow label directions.
- Have an adult present when shooting off fireworks.
- Buy from reliable sellers.
- Use fireworks outdoors only.
- Always have water handy (a garden hose and bucket).
- Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never re-light a firework.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
- Stay away from illegal explosives.
Source: Kansas Fireworks Association
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