American tradition; Firework businesses urge safety amid record sales
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Corey Walters of Mount Union shops for fireworks.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Deb Walters of Mount Union scans a barcode to see the selected firework item in action on the monitor above.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Corey Walters of Mount Union shops for fireworks.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Deb Walters of Mount Union scans a barcode to see the selected firework item in action on the monitor above.
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Firework sales rocketed in 2022 even as related injuries fell to an all-time low, the American Pyrotechnics Association said.
Fireworks sales reached a record 461.7 million pounds, about 33 million pounds more than 2021, while fireworks-related injuries fell from 2.7 in 2021 per 100,000 pounds to 2.2, according to the association. Estimated injuries last year totaled 10,163, down from 2021's 11,659.
"It is phenomenal when the consumption curve is going up and the injury curve is going down," said William Weimer, vice president of Youngstown, Ohio-based Phantom Fireworks.
As always, safety remains a big concern for sellers of fireworks with Weimer citing what he calls the "ABCD&W" of fireworks safety.
"A is for adults; only adults should handle the fireworks. B is for bracing; 'upshoot' products should be braced. C is for common sense; the products burn. You need to respect them and handle them with care. Sober adults need to be in charge. D is for distance; make sure there is distance between the audience and shooters; and W is for water. Always have water available," Weimer said.
It is more common sense than anything, said Bill Dutil, owner of Freedom Fireworks, East Freedom.
"Just adhere to safety guidelines. ... People set off fireworks to have fun, not to cause damage, but fires can happen. You need to be aware of your surroundings," he said.
Jake Simonis and Todd Covert, owners of Epic Pyrotechnics LLC, Hollidaysburg, advise setting off fireworks in an open field away from people and structures.
"Yes, fireworks are great and beautiful, but accidents can still happen. Read the warning labels on the products you purchase and feel free to ask questions of proper handling techniques," they said.
Community sporting events, concerts, Independence Day and Labor Day events returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, contributing to the rise in sales.
"Backyard consumer fireworks sales continued to rise bringing revenues for that sector of the industry to a new high of $2.3 billion," said Julie Heckman, APA executive director.
Epic Pyrotechnics gained numerous display shows throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland and its consumer store saw a huge influx of customers, Simonis and Covert said.
Fireworks have been popular for many years, with sales per million pounds doubling since 2014. Only 29 million pounds were sold in 1976 when there were 11,100 injuries, APA statistics state.
Fireworks are symbolic of how Americans celebrate their pride and patriotism.
"Fireworks were part of the very first Independence Day -- a tradition that continues every Fourth of July when we celebrate as John Adams had hoped 'with pomp, parade … bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other,'" Heckman said.
Fireworks were popular during the Great Depression, said Joyce Knepp, owner of Morrisdale-based Kneppy's Fireworks.
"An old friend said people would find their pennies, nickels and quarters to buy their fireworks at the local stands. That is the way it is today, and it will remain that way. Fireworks will never lose their popularity," Knepp said.
However, sales might be down a bit this year with the holiday falling on a Tuesday, sellers say.
"Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the three least advantageous days for us in the fireworks business," Weimer said.
Those heading out to make purchases should find prices similar to last year.
"While manufacturing prices continue to rise, the cost of chemicals, paper, etc., the ocean freight and transportation-related costs have declined a bit, which is good news," Heckman said.
Brumbaugh hopes higher food and gas prices will lead to people staying home and celebrating the Fourth in their backyards.
Many people in Pennsylvania used backyard fireworks for the first time during COVID, said Kevin Shaub, owner of Lancaster-based Keystone Fireworks.
"They were amazed at the quality of our items, and how much backyard fireworks have changed since they were kids," he said. "To some, 'fireworks' meant bottle rockets and firecrackers, and we offer so much more than that."
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.