Each summer, many Georgians brave the heat and humidity to celebrate Independence Day at fireworks displays. But while even rainy weather or a weekday holiday will still draw out a crowd, the coronavirus pandemic has put many celebrations on hold.
With annual events like the fireworks at Laurel Park in Gainesville and Demorest's Glorious Fourth either canceled or postponed, plenty of revelers have decided to host a private party for America's birthday.
"It's been drastically increased," said Jason Sillay, owner of Xtreme Xplosives Fireworks in Gainesville, on their sales of fireworks this summer. "It's kind of a perfect storm from what's going on."
Sillay said the cancelation and postponement of fireworks displays, no sports games to have displays after and the holiday falling on a Saturday night all lead to the new interest in at home fireworks.
"In addition, I think people are just aching to get out and do something," he said. "And I think part of it too is that we've had so much bad news lately, that this has really been the first opportunity that people have had a reason to get together and celebrate family and friends and country. So I think they're going all out."
Since Xtreme Xplosives Fireworks is typically open by appointment only during the off-season, the pandemic and resulting shutdowns didn't really disrupt their sales schedule. So as the holiday approaches, they've seen upticks in shoppers at their stores and pop-up tents.
"Some novices may be a little tentative coming in for the first time this year too, purchasing because they do want to do something with their family but they're used to going to shows," said Sillay. "So we try to educate them as much as we can about safety, how to use the products, we question them on what type gathering they're going to be having."
Fireworks have changed quite a bit since 1776, so Sillay said they ask questions to help customers find the right rockets, kegs and cakes for their parties.
"There's a fit for everybody. We have small packages all the way up to large packages," he said. He said they can even help locate fireworks that are more colorful and less loud, a popular choice for gatherings with kids.
Whether you've been buying fireworks since Georgia legalized sales in 2015 or if this is the first year you're trying a show at home, Sillay said common sense is key and safety comes first. Some safety tips from Sillay include:
- A sober operator should light the fuses, and a good pair of gloves can prevent finger burns and blisters.
- Keep a bucket of water and a hose, turned on and stretched out, nearby, while kids and pets stay away.
- Use bricks to support box fireworks, and screw tube-styles to plyboard for better stability. The dog, the wind, sometimes just the movement of the fireworks igniting can accidently knock them over, Sillay said, and possibly shoot them in an unwanted direction.
- Keep the rest of your fireworks away from the fireworks you are currently lighting. Sillay said it doesn't take more than a spark to ignite the whole box quickly.
More tips on fireworks safety can be found here.
One of Sillay's favorites for beginners is the 200 gram cake (tube fireworks connected by a single fuse) paired with an assortment of smaller fireworks, like sparklers.
"Bigger doesn't necessarily always have to mean better," said Sillay. "These [200 gram cakes] really pack a punch, and for the price point of about $15 to $30, you've kind of got a show in a box."
However you chose to celebrate, Sillay said the most important thing is that people have a reason to celebrate. "We're just looking forward to celebrating something that unites people."
In addition to staying safe with fireworks and fuses, small gatherings can still pose a risk for the spread of coronavirus. Continue to practise hand-washing, don't share utensils, cups or food, and wear a mask at large or public gatherings. Check out the CDC guidelines on preventing the spread of COVID-19 at social gatherings.
