Where is the Closest Firework Stand?

When you think about the 4^th of July, fireworks likely play a part in your celebration and memories of the day. Unless you live in Massachusetts, fireworks are legal, to some degree, in the state you live in. Assuming you can buy fireworks, where would you most likely find a stand in your state?

Typically, when we look at businesses, we first track them by their NAICS code. Permanent firework stands are coded in the 453998 category, which is all other miscellaneous store retailers, and in addition to these permanent stands, include candle shops, cemetery dealers (think headstones), hot tub stores and trophy shops. That doesn’t make our job easy. Furthering our problem to actually find and map these stands, many of these retailers only have temporary displays, popping up just for the holiday season. The closest retail we can compare it to would be Halloween costume stores, although those at least find vacant storefronts and get temporary leases, while most firework stands are roadside.

Take for example the area near our business, Ventura County California. In nearly every city in the county, fireworks are illegal to set off or purchase. However, there is a small town, Fillmore, where fireworks are legal. A simple Google search of firework stands in Fillmore tells you everything you need to know: a week from the 4^th of July, there are stands everywhere for Ventura County residents to get their pyrotechnics.

Thankfully, Reader’s Digest investigated the laws, and created a map showing the basic state laws, though one would note that you need to look at your specific county/city laws to understand your liability. Unsurprisingly, states with high fire risk like California and Arizona aren’t fans of explosive fireworks, and a number of states join them by prohibiting fireworks like sparklers only. Three states, Nevada, Hawaii and Wyoming, leave the laws up to the county and cities with no state oversight.

While we can’t map firework stores for many reasons, this is where a Google search becomes your friend. Look up your local laws and obey them. And if you are in Massachusetts, you will have to go to another state to indulge in fireworks you can set off yourself, but you will still be able to enjoy a local show put on by professionals. No matter how you celebrate, fireworks or not, we hope that you enjoy the 4^th of July this year.