America’s 250th anniversary could impact firework availability

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - America’s 250th anniversary is expected to drive higher demand for fireworks and professional shows this Fourth of July, but local retailers say they prepared years in advance.

Carey Trowbridge, director of retail sales for Wild Willy’s Fireworks in Council Bluffs, said the timing adds to the celebration.

“The 250th anniversary is kind of going to be the big one. It lined up on a Saturday. Everybody got lucky this year with the day off after — Sunday. It’s gonna be fun,” Trowbridge said.

Wild Willy’s started preparing for the milestone three years ago.

“Three years ago, we ordered aggressively, with intent for what’s happening right now,” Trowbridge said.

Certified shooters in high demand

The company anticipated increased demand for at-home fireworks and for certified shooters who run professional displays.

“There aren’t a lot of certified shooters. There’s a good number around, but this late in the game — it being mid-June already — they’ll all be tied up with previously engaged shoots that they’re doing. So that could be a problem with certified shooters,” Trowbridge said.

Local parks or city organizations can still host shows without certification.

“Yes! You could do a fireworks show — a good fireworks show, a nice one — without having any certification whatsoever,” Trowbridge said.

500-gram cakes recommended for shows

Trowbridge said the best option for a consistent, professional-looking show is to use 500-gram cakes, which shoot off multiple rounds from one fuse.

“This is what they call a five hundred gram cake. One of our most popular items in the store are the 500 gram cakes. Again, you light it once — this particular really big rigger has 33 shots — one light, 33 shots, and everybody has a pretty good time. It’s probably a minute — minute and a half maybe of shot time,” Trowbridge said.

Safety remains a priority for those hosting their own shows.

“Lighting it, facing down and head right over it — not a good situation, so the further away you can be when you first hit that fuse with a lighter, the safer you’re going to be,” Trowbridge said.

Tariffs remain in place from last summer and will cause most shops to raise their prices. Wild Willy’s bought in bulk three years ago and was able to avoid price increases.