Everyone is gearing up for the Fourth of July this weekend and local fireworks stands are ready to meet the booming demand for fireworks this year.
According to Erin Rodriguez of Riley’s Fireworks, there has been a shortage in supply this year compared to past years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However; she tells KVOE News they were proactive in preparing for the upcoming holiday.
Rodriguez says they have a wide selection of new items at their stand located five miles east of Emporia on West Highway 50. The fireworks sale and discharge period began this past Sunday and goes until Jul. 5 at 10 pm.
Jeff Rodrigues of Riley’s says they are expecting a higher volume of customers than in years past as residents are excited for the return to normalcy. He says Sunday alone was a near-record-setting day for the stand.
Fireworks can be bought and shot off from 10 am to 10 pm most days between now and Jul. 5 with the only exceptions being July 3-4, when the hours are 10 am to 11 pm.
Fireworks cannot be discharged on a street or in a park. Fireworks discharge is also not allowed within 250 feet of a hospital or medical facility.
Emporia will have its Fourth of July Fireworks show on Sunday at Emporia State University. Other area shows include:
*July 3: Admire, Cottonwood Falls, Lebo
*July 4: Council Grove
