News

Firework Sales Boosting Nebraska's Economy

Posted: 5:27 PM Jun 27, 2012
Reporter: Rudy Mezzy

Firework Sales Provide Economy Boost - Rudy Mezzy Reports at 9
Firework Safety Concerns - Morgan Demmel Reports at 9

Fourth of July fireworks are always expected to make a boom in the sky, but in Nebraska, officials say the sale of fireworks is creating a boom in the economy.

Grand Island Chamber President Cindy Johnson says, "They will come in and do some shopping. Retail shopping, maybe filling up their car with gas and they're going to eat at one of the many restaurants."

Firework stands in Nebraska say the state expanding the inventory they're able to sell has already boosted sales.

Josh Stovall, a regional manager at Jake's Fireworks Inc. in Hastings has already noticed the difference, "In years past you have a lot of people going down to Missouri to buy a lot of the stuff that Nebraska's not able to sell. Last year was the first year we had a significant increase of sales across the state. Right now, we're ahead of sales from last year and hopefully it continues."

Officials say even the day of the week the Fourth of July falls on this year is an economical asset.

"A lot of those individuals will get together this weekend and have block parties or family gatherings, shoot off their fireworks," says Johnson. "And yet, there's Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for additional firework sales."

Although the economical boost is refreshing, the priority of dealing with fireworks is still clear.

"Safety first," Johnson confirms, "then with the enjoyment, from a community's perspective, if those things are in line, it's okay that we reap a little economic benefit from the sale of fireworks."