With off and on thunderstorms, there are concerns the rain could delay preparing fireworks this fourth of July. Although several vendors in the Northland say there’s more customers this year, compared to the last year.

Emma Larsen, with Larsen’s on Second Street in Superior, says community fireworks may not happen if it rains. She also gave some recommendations on preparing fireworks if people light them this Independence Day.

“Especially with the rain it could be going on a little bit earlier. I think maybe with the rain might prompt people to actually buy more and kind of do it themselves. If the weather doesn’t permit certain things.” Larsen says. “I would say any of the, sparklers are fun for people of all ages, or mini fountains that stay on the ground. They are still really colorful and give you a good show as well.”

Larsen also says people should keep in mind people sensitive to the loud noises, and light fireworks earlier in the evening.

“If you’re in a super, like, populated neighborhood, maybe go somewhere that isn’t so populated,” Larsen said. “Don’t be doing them super late at night where it’s going to scare the animals, the veterans, little children.”

Ron Buchar, the owner of Captain Ron’s Liberty Fireworks in Rice Lake, Minnesota, says having a safety plan in place is essential for lighting fireworks.

“Here’s the thing that always happens. Alcohol and fireworks never mix. Just like driving, have a designated fireworks lighter that is not drinking,” Buchar said. “Or drink after. But don’t drink while. It never works out good.”

Colin Robertson, the Duluth operator of TNT fireworks, says there’s a few easy steps people can take to have a fun safe Independence Day.

“I’d say the biggest things you can do is always make sure that you’ve got some sort of hose or bucket of water nearby. Also making sure that you’re using the right kind of tool to light your fireworks,” Robertson said. “I’ve had a lot of people come to me this year that it’s their first year doing it and that or they’re they’re scared of fireworks, you know, and starting with something small is really good.

Legal Fireworks:

Here is a list of permitted fireworks in Minnesota, sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, but stay on the ground and novelty items. Some cones and tubes examples include; fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners, flitter sparklers and flash/strobes. Some examples of novelty fireworks are; snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, and drop pops.

However, in Wisconsin, the laws are more lenient when it comes to fireworks. People can use sparklers, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, and caps, noisemakers and confetti poppers without permits. Although there can be restrictions for using fireworks due to local city ordinances.

Illegal Fireworks:

If any fireworks fly, burst or shatter violently it is illegal in Minnesota. Examples of illegal fireworks can be read here. Wisconsin laws states using any firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, etc. is illegal without a valid permit.

Also for other stories about 4th of July you can read more here.