ABC57 explores the economics of fireworks ahead of July 4th

PLYMOUTH, Ind - 2020 saw record high numbers of firework sales, due to lots of fourth of July activities being cancelled during the pandemic. 

People were forced to buy fireworks themselves, but what are some other factors that influence the economics of fireworks. 

Spencer McOscar, who owns Crazy Joe Fireworks and has been in the firework business for over thirty years, broke it down for me.  

“Customers go beyond their budget a lot of times which is a good thing, but yes we have had a lot of rain here recently that plays a major impact on the fireworks industry, compared to the drought that we had in 2012 and when there was burn bans and everything, but with all the rain that we’ve had, everybody relaxes quite a bit, everything is a lot more safer, lot better for the fire department and rescue people to maintain everything during the season,” said McOscar. 

McOscar also said that sales of fireworks are up this year and prices have gone down.  

“Fireworks have actually gone down this year because ocean freight is down compared to the last two years, there was a big transportation issues with everything in the retail industry, now that prices are down, were actually passing the saving onto the customers,” said McOscar 

The busiest time for fireworks sales at Crazy Joe's is the week before 4th of July.  

“It’ll be a massive rush here at the very end, last week prior to the fourth, it takes quite a few employees to manage the store, salesman, restocking, pricing and getting people out to help celebrate the fourth of July,” said McOscar. 

A reminder that if you do shoot off fireworks on the fourth of July to check in with your local town or city ordinance on when you can light them off.  

Most ordinances in our area let you light fireworks from 10 a.m. to midnight.