‘Holiday season’ off to a bang for Macon fireworks stores

It’s holiday season for some folks in Middle Georgia, but you won’t hear talk of Christmas carols or tree decorations.

Fireworks store employees say sales have been skyrocketing in recent days.

Jake’s Fireworks is one of several such venues across the midstate.

“We just opened up May 19, and we’ll be open all the way through Labor Day,” said Michelle Brewer, store manager of the Gray Highway location.

This season covers Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. The store will open back up in December and run through New Year’s Day.

Sky King Fireworks is located on Eisenhower Parkway. The store stays open the entire year, but after holiday seasons, it closes on Sundays and Mondays.

Freedom Fireworks in Warner Robins is another place where shoppers turn for their pyrotechnics.

“We try to keep a consistent crowd throughout the year,” employee Nick Arnett said. “We can see the increase in traffic, but it’s not quite the crowd we get right before the holiday.”

Brewer said sales have been going great for Jake’s Fireworks because people have come in early.

“Some people come and shop two weeks before,” said Anna Smith, one of the workers there. “We have anywhere from something that little kids would want to use all the way up to stuff that people on beaches and lakes would use.”

At Freedom Fireworks, children have gravitated toward “parachutes, the poopy puppies, zippers and smoke bombs,” Arnett said. Costs run up to $5.

“Adults prefer mortar fireworks that range from $60 to around $120,” he said. “They’re a real big hit for guys that like to blow things up.”

Some shoppers have spent hundreds of dollars, Smith said, with plans to put on big shows.

“The day before yesterday, I had someone come in and buy about $1,800 worth of fireworks,” Brewer said. “I’ve had more, but over at the Mercer location, the most someone has spent was $2,400.”

“Our best seller is our Excalibur. It’s our biggest bang for our buck,” she said.

The Excalibur Artillery Shells, which can reach over 250 feet high, cost about $80.

Fireworks in Georgia

Fireworks were legalized in Georgia two summers ago, but safety laws came with this new freedom. You have to be 18 years or older to buy fireworks.

“We do have kids that come in here, but we require that they have an adult with them that’s buying and knows that these are explosives,” Smith said.

And after complaints from angry residents about explosions into the early morning on weekdays, Gov. Nathan Deal signed legislation that keeps residents from setting off fireworks after 9 p.m. most of the year.

The measure carved out exceptions to allow the use of fireworks until 1 a.m. on New Year’s and midnight on the Fourth of July.

Some Middle Georgians will be celebrating Independence Day with fireworks at different times during weekend.

Insurance and Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens offered the following safety tips if you’re using fireworks:

Among them:

▪ Always read and follow label directions;

▪ Only use fireworks outdoors;

▪ Never experiment or try to make your own fireworks;

▪ Only light one firework at a time;

▪ Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks;

▪ Fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision;

▪ Never give fireworks to small children;

▪ Be sure to have water handy;

▪ Never throw fireworks at another person;

▪ Remember to call your local 911 for emergencies.

This story was originally published June 30, 2017 at 12:08 PM with the headline "‘Holiday season’ off to a bang for Macon fireworks stores."