Fireworks!

[The_Universe]

I'm curious what kind of access ENworlders have to fireworks (if they're pyromaniacally inclined) for the upcoming holiday (July 4 is the US Independence Day for you non-americans ). When I was growing up in South Dakota, you could only buy fireworks for the week before the 4th of July, and one day after. People from out of state (and ID to prove it) could buy from a number of places along the interstate all year.

Apart from strongly limiting when fireworks could be sold, the remainder of South Dakota's fireworks laws are fairly lax. As a normal, unlicensed consumer, I can by large multi-shot displays, "artillery shell" launchers, and even 3-4 foot tall single shot "palm" displays. They're expensive, but they're not illegal. On the more mundane end, we can have normal firecrackers, bottle rockets, etc...just no "real" M-80s or Cherry Bombs or the like.

My family has always been big into fireworks, and it's not uncommon to have a 2-3 hour display on the night of independence day to honor the birth of our nation.

And then I moved to Virginia, where it sucks.

Essentially, fireworks here are limited to tiny displays, wussy waist-high spark fountains. Nothing that "pops" or explodes is allowed, which brings me to the question: what's the friggin' point?

Anyway, I'm curious as to what kind of fireworks you have access to (if any at all). What are your traditions? Let's hear them!

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Here in Massachusetts, you cannot buy the stuff, but across the border in NH you can. Lots of people buy them there and bring them home.

I hate the "personal" fireworks with a passion. Love the professional shows, but hate the stuff you and I can buy. I had a complete fear of them from when I was a little kid (5 or 6 maybe) and saw another kid get hurt when someone threw a string of firecrackers into the crowd at the city fireworks show. In high school, my friends used to travel to get fireworks and then would invite me over to set them off. One year I decided my fear was ridiculous, based solely upon improper use, and joined them. First thing they lit was this block with 36 little rockets that are supposed to launch in succession. The first rocket out of the brick rose to eye level with me, then turned straight at me. I dove out of the way and spent the rest of the evening in the house waiting for my friends to finish.

I'm not advocating it, but a nationwide ban on home fireworks would not bother me in the least.

 

[Hellefire]

I Love fireworks.
Growing up in Alaska, they were always legal. Some cities have specific laws and some bureaus have specific laws (our version of a county) but no state laws (at least there weren't last time I was home). I LOVE blowing up.

Aaron

 

[der_kluge]

I guess I hadn't noticed it, but I haven't seen any fireworks stands. In Kansas/Missourri/Arkansas, we'd see them all the time.

There was even this place on the highway my wife and I would pass called "CRAZY DEBBIE'S FIREWORKS". It was there year 'round, but presumably only open during the summer. But it was enormous.

I always thought it'd be a hoot if they could hire a crazed looking female actress to come in with a straightjacket on to harrass all the patrons screaming profanities and spitting on people saying, "I'M CRAAAAZY DEBBY! BUY MY FIREWORKS! BECAUSE I'M CRAAAAAZY!!!" I've have bought fireworks there if they did that.

I guess they aren't legal to purchase in Virginia? Not that I ever buy fireworks anyway. I can't see my daughter wanting to play with sparklers, though the little snake things might be fun.

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

Here in Arkansas, you can't throw a cat without hitting a fireworks stand this time of year. Different cities have different regulations, but most of them prohibit you from setting off personal fireworks in city limits.

Personally, I've not bought a firework since I became an adult and began earning my own cash. No way can I justify spending money on something that is going to explode and leave nothing behind to show for my investment. I'd get the same net effect if I just piled my cash up and set it on fire. I love to watch the big pro displays, though.

 

[philreed]

I'm in Texas.

'nuf said.

 

[Hellefire]

I'm in Texas.

'nuf said.

????
So...living in a litterbox has what to do with fireworks?
Ahhhhh...sand is good for sticking the guiding sticks into?

Aaron

 

[philreed]

????
So...living in a litterbox has what to do with fireworks?
Ahhhhh...sand is good for sticking the guiding sticks into?

No. Just that they encourage us to use explosive devices. I swear I've got a letter around here from the state ordering me to detonate something big this weekend.

I was thinking of using one of the local gas stations.

 

[Hellefire]

Ah! I suggest using an Exxon.

#$%^$%^ Sorry, still bitter about that whole oilspill thing.

Back to blowing up...I am currently stuck in Kansas (don't ask). If I can see the explosion from here, you will have done your job well and I will certainly applaud you!
Aaron

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

You *can* purchase fireworks in VA. You just can't purchase anything fun.

I will be blowing up a lot of stuff along with The Universe on Monday and I cannot wait. SD's lax fireworks laws totally rock my face off - I love having access to the really *good* stuff (it's not that I don't love a good sparkler, but come on! give me a huge bucket filled with explosives!)

Mmmm... Independence Day rocks.