BIBLE HILL - With Canada Day celebrations less than a week away, fireworks sales are simply sparkling, a local retailer says.
"They're excellent," said Robert Bates of The Professional Fireworks Specialist Store in Bible Hill, who has been in operation for 29 years.
"I tell you, my fireworks customers, they come from as far away as P.E.I, New Brunswick and all over Nova Scotia."
A number of local retail outlets sell the smaller fireworks kits, but Bates said that as one of only two licensed fireworks dealers in Nova Scotia (the other being in Grand Pré), he attracts customers from near and far because of the volume and variety he carries.
"I'm the only place in central Nova Scotia that stocks the big fireworks," he said.
One of the popular kits this year is one called Z & Fan Raid, a colourful five-stage fan cake that fires some 35 sparklers up to 30 metres (100 ft.) into the air and which sells for about $39.
Individual Roman Candles sell for 99 cents each while family kits start at about $20 and go right up to the large Cherry Bomb box, which provides a fireworks show involving 17 finales and 14 additional blast offs. That unit sells for $150.
Anyone looking to purchase fireworks must 18 years or older.
Fireworks safety tips:
– Read the instructions: Each firework device has different cautions, warnings and instructions.
– Check the wind direction: Set up for your fireworks display so the wind is blowing away from spectators, buildings and trees.
– Keep back: Spectators should be at least eight metres away from the fireworks display. Ensure all children are supervised.
– Smart set up: Fireworks should only be lit outdoors on a hard, level surface in an open space away from trees.
– Be prepared: Have a bucket of sand, supply of water and a fire extinguisher readily available;
– Sparkle safely: Sparklers may seem like harmless fun, however, they can reach temperatures of 650C. They also remain very hot after burning and once done, should be immersed in a bucket of sand or water.
– Age appropriate: Only adults should handle and light fireworks. Children 10 to 14 years of age sustain 42 per cent of the injuries associated with fireworks.
– One at a time: Fireworks should only be lit one at a time. Special effects should be left to professionals.
– Don't relight. If a firework is defective, don't attempt to relight it.
