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Hoping For A Blast

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By ANGELA DELGADO

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 2, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Jim Arthur has been a fan of fireworks since childhood. Something about them always fascinated him, he said, and that appreciation has grown yearly.

Eight years ago he started an annual Independence Day party at his home. A block party with a cookout and fireworks, of course. Each year it has gotten larger and larger.

Arthur's relatives and neighbors come over, enjoy the food and witness a free fireworks display. This year isn't going to be any different.

Despite the struggling economy and the rising gas prices, Arthur plans on putting on his boomfest for all to enjoy. In fact, he spent more on fireworks this year than ever before.

On his shopping list: mortar shells, bottle rockets and Roman candles. The bill totaled $429.

"This and Christmas are the times I really splurge," said Arthur, 56, of Clearwater.

This is music to George Greggory's ears. Greggory, an independent contractor for Universe Novelty & Fireworks Co. Inc., has supplied Arthur with fireworks for the two years he has managed a fireworks tent at County Line Plaza off West Hillsborough Avenue. Arthur frequents Greggory's tent located near the Hillsborough/Pinellas county line because Pinellas County banned fireworks in 2003.

Greggory is trying to stay optimistic that this year he will sell more fireworks than last year. He said his sales could go both ways: either people won't have as much money to burn on fireworks after buying gas and groceries, or they'll buy fireworks because the economy is keeping them from traveling elsewhere.

"I think it'll be better because we're leaning toward some of the families staying closer to home." He said. "Fuel is a big scare. If they do stay, we'll benefit from that."

Galaxy Fireworks President Sharon Hunnewell said she's "not at all" worried that people will stay away from her tents this holiday.

"As far as the economy goes, I think there aren't enough people going out on the road or boating," she said. "I think more people are going to be home. The Fourth is on a Friday, so I think it'll be very good for us."

Plus, she added, "smaller municipalities like Plant City aren't having fireworks shows this year."

In June, Plant City officials confirmed that the annual Independence Day celebration they've thrown since 2002 would not materialize. A slow economy was to blame - the $40,000 show depended heavily on the kindness of business and resident donations.

Hunnewell did say she was unsure whether their sales would match previous years'.

"We don't think they're going to spend as much on fireworks, but we do think they're going to purchase them," she said. "Some might spend but it depends on what everybody's finances are."

As of June 23, business was trickling in to Greggory's tent. The usual early customer is there to shop prices, he said. Still, the weekend of the 28th and 29th was expected to get busier, as are the days leading up to the holiday.

"The last week is very, very busy," Greggory said. "We have a working crew of eight, and there will be no breaks. It's unbelievable. You can't move."

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

• Always read and follow label directions.

• Have an adult present.

• Buy from reliable sellers.

• Use outdoors only.

• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).

• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.

• Light only one firework at a time.

• Never relight a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).

• Never give fireworks to small children.

• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.

• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

• Stay away from illegal explosives.

Source: The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety.

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

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