GREAT FALLS — If you want kick off your new year with a bang, fireworks are on option, as Sunday marked the beginning of the three-day fireworks selling period for the upcoming new year.
This year, there are only two stands in town, both under the same ownership.
According to the team at Fireworks Alley, New Year's Eve and Independence Day are the primary selling periods that keep fireworks stands up and running, but those two annual periods of operation last less than two weeks combined.
With the New Year sales slot lasting only three days compared to the 10 allotted for Independence Day, getting customers fired up around this time of year isn't an easy task.
Ezra Dormady and Jonah Shirley channel their charm and passion for fireworks into their sales approach.
“You can’t just say, 'Hey you wanna buy this?' You've got to charm them. Make ’em feel good,” Shirley said.
They try to get customers just as enthused about fireworks as they are.
“It’s kind of fun to see how excited other people get about the fireworks. When you’ve seen them and you can explain it to them , you can see them get excited about it and then come back for more fireworks later,” Dormady said.
This winter, fireworks stand operators have the weather on their side to help with sales.
“This year we’ve got an advantage because every year before it’s been just really cold. And then this year it’s warm, so we’re thinking we’ll see some more A lot more people will be out doing fireworks as it gets warmer,” Shirley said.
People discharging fireworks within City limits must follow the City’s Fireworks Ordinance which will be enforced by the City’s police officers and firefighters. Residents can learn more about the City’s Fireworks Ordinance and rules and regulations relating to fireworks by clicking here . Primary rules and regulations include:
- Fireworks may be discharged on December 31, from 10:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on January 1.
- Children 9 and younger partaking in the firework festivities must have a supervising adult within 10 feet, in order to control the application of flame or other means to discharge the firework.
- Residents should only discharge fireworks on private property (sidewalk leading to your residence and or driveway) and should clean up any trash left behind.
“Our goal at Great Falls Fire Rescue is to educate residents about fire prevention and safety. There is no question about it; the data shows that incorrectly used fireworks can cause injury. I personally want the families in our community to be safe while enjoying the holiday. Know the rules, pay attention, and stay safe,” said Dirk Johnson, Great Falls Fire Marshal.
Johnson said in a news release: "Remember that not everyone loves fireworks. Be a good neighbor and be sensitive to others when choosing to discharge them. Fireworks can disrupt those sleeping, scare pets, and can be an issue for veterans. Great Falls Fire Rescue wants the community to enjoy the New Year and to remember that fireworks, even when used properly, have the potential to cause fires and accidents. Follow the law, have fun, and be safe! For more information, call the Great Falls Fire Marshal at 406-791-8970."
