The first 4th of July celebration was held in 1777 as new Americans celebrated the Declaration of Independence amidst the chaos of the Revolutionary War. It was said that the beautiful displays of fireworks instilled a sense of hope and patriotism during the war. In the centuries that have followed, 4th of July celebrations have occurred simultaneously all over the country. The American Pyrotechnics Association estimates that more than 14,000 firework displays light up skies across the United States each year.
The earliest use of fireworks dates back to 7th century China, where they were invented. It is believed that the first firecrackers were likely chunks of green bamboo which someone may have thrown onto a fire when dry fuel ran short. From there, fireworks have ballooned into a nearly billion dollar industry. Firework revenues in the United States topped $967 million in 2011 alone.
Johnny Starr has been associated with Starr Fireworks for over thirty years. He started selling fireworks has a young boy to support his own shows. Over the years, Starr has seen a change in his customer base, due largely to changes regarding the legal use of fireworks. “We see more loyal customers now,” Starr said, “where years ago we experienced a more transient customer base.” Although off-season traffic is down over recent years, Starr’s sales have remained consistent in part to his repeat customers.
Starr Fireworks has worked hard to offer new products to their customers each year. Many of their current products offer more new effects than ever before, including fireworks that produce a strobing effect, which Starr says looks very sharp over the water. According to Starr, the key to enjoying 4th of July festivities is to use common sense. “People should not mix fireworks and alcohol and should never alter the fireworks in any way,” Starr said, adding that avoiding injury requires fireworks to be used the way they are intended. Starr is a big proponent of firework safety. “Fewer accidents mean less legislation,” he said.
Although fireworks are illegal within city limits, Fargo Fire Marshall Norm Scott knows that many people will still partake in festivities. “We would prefer that people take in one of the local shows,” Scott said, “and let the professionals handle the fireworks.” For those that choose to purchase their own fireworks, Scott recommends that parents closely supervise their children to prevent injury. One of the biggest precautions Scott would like people to implement is not attempting to pick up fireworks that have not exploded. “Let them sit,” he said, “because they can still go off.”
Moorhead’s Assistant Fire Chief Chad Stangeland shares similar sentiments regarding residential use of fireworks. Stangeland wants to make sure Minnesota residents know that any fireworks that are aerial and explode in the air are illegal. “There is no way to predict where things are going to land,” he said, adding that non-aerial fireworks that do not explode are permitted. Stangeland echoed Scott’s statements regarding parental supervision of all children using fireworks. “All kids should be closely supervised,” he said. Stangeland cited a State of Minnesota study of all firework injuries from 2002-2011 that found that 30% of injuries occurred between the ages of 10-19. Stangeland urges people to be especially responsible when it comes to using fireworks the way they were designed. “Most of the injuries we see occur in the face and hands,” he said. “Fireworks should always be kept away from the body.”
The safest way to enjoy 4th of July festivities is to take in one of the local shows. Minnesota State University Moorhead has been putting on a 4th of July celebration for over forty years. “It’s a family-friendly atmosphere with good fun, great music and of course spectacular fireworks” said David Wahlberg, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at MSUM. This year’s festivities will include even more, thanks to the generosity of the celebration’s sponsors. “We’ve been able to expand the budget for this year’s celebration,” Wahlberg said. “It’s going to be a great time with an even greater fireworks show,” adding that the fireworks show, music and games are all free.
According to Wahlberg, the community donors are the reason the event is possible year after year. “American Crystal Sugar makes a big difference,” he said. “They are the main sponsor this year.” Other sponsors include Moorhead Public Service, Bremer, American Legion, Tecta America Dakotas and Central Minnesota Credit Union. “All of our sponsors are community-minded organizations and it wouldn’t happen without them or the support of the MSUM administration,” Wahlberg remarked.
MSUM’s 4th of July celebration begins at 6:30 pm at and around Ntemzek Stadium on 17th St. between 6th and 9th Ave. S. Kids’ activities include inflatable games (a parent or guardian must sign a waiver of liability), and a decorated bike parade that forms at the Nemzek flagpole. The Lake Agassiz Concert Band and the Front Fenders will provide the evening’s musical entertainment, and the fireworks display begins at 10:30 pm. More information on the festivities can be found at www.mnstate.edu/july4.
In addition to the celebration at MSUM, residents of the Red River Valley will be able to attend 4th of July festivities at Bonanzaville in West Fargo. One of the highlights of the day will be the grand opening of their new rotating exhibit, “Up in Arms: The Role of Guns in America.” Other activities include a 5k/10k Vietnam Veterans Run at 8:30 am, a parade at 11:00 am, a BBQ picnic, horse drawn wagon rides, a scavenger hunt, train rides, and food vendors. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Pickin on Rosie Band and the Many Waters Band, and there will be a 7:00 pm show by Jason Huneke from America’s Got Talent. Of course, no celebration would be complete without a firework display, which will begin at approximately 9:30 pm.
Admission to the all-day event is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children. Military and veterans get in for free with an ID. More information about the celebration at Bonanzaville can be found at http://www.bonanzaville.org/special-events/4th-of-july.