Dec. 28 — Fireworks vendors are back open this week for those looking to ring in the New Year.
Although the numbers don’t match the Fourth of July season, fireworks sales in Missouri are open to the public for two weeks from December 20th to January 2nd.
The numbers are shaky, but Kovach Fireworks director Sidney Hoke expects to see an increase in pre-holiday crowds as temperatures warm after last week’s chill.
“Usually we’re steady all day, but nothing too crazy,” he said. “A lot of it depends on the weather. You know, if it’s a good weekend, we might see better sales with better weather.”
Jeff Lake, owner of Three Finger Fireworks, said winter changes the focus, especially since most sales are by appointment.
“For us, especially in the summer, we specialize in a lot of new things,” he said. “We have everything, but we have kids and a lot of people to work with during the day. And this time of year it’s usually very cold and they want to take one or two big shots and then come back. There are. Back in. And stay warm.”
Kovac is currently receiving shipments, including some fireworks that were not delivered in time for summer and others that were shipped early for the 2023 Fourth of July holiday. Trying to restock while handling the flow of customers, despite fluctuations in the number of people shopping between the summer and winter sales periods, Hook said.
“It’s been a little stressful, just because it’s coming faster than we can put it all together,” he said. “Everyone is adjusting to everything at the same time. But at the same time, the year of Covid, when everything was short, it’s reassuring to know you have a product to sell and not worry. No need.”
The most popular fireworks this season vary, but Lake and Hook say they tend to go with options like the 500-gram variety, which keep people together without having to stay out in the cold for long. Allows for multiple shots.
As in summer, large explosives are prohibited within the city limits, small fireworks such as sparklers, fountains and spinners are allowed.
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