Fireworks sellers ready for business

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December 30, 2009

Anonymous The North Jefferson News Wed Dec 30, 2009, 08:05 AM CST

By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News

Those who want to bring in the new year with a bang have plenty of options.

Seasonal fireworks stands are open from Gardendale to Warrior and have everything from inexpensive bottle rockets to huge kits costing more than $200.

“The way the economy is right now, sales are good,” said Fred Berry, owner of Fireworks Unlimited in Warrior. “People are including fireworks in their budget.”

Fireworks Unlimited is open near Movie Gallery on Cane Creek Road.

Berry said winter fireworks sales are never as good as they are for the Fourth of July, but he is happy with current sales.

When customers enter Fireworks Unlimited, they are searching for a variety of fireworks rather than a single top-seller.

“Most of the people who come into the store know what they’re looking for because they always shoot fireworks,” Berry said. “We’re selling a good variety of items.”

Berry has been in the fireworks business since 1981. He was among the first fireworks sellers in the state after the Alabama Legislature legalized selling fireworks in the spring of 1981.

Further south, fireworks are also selling at Crazy Bill’s Fireworks, located just off of U.S. Hwy. 31 near ReMax Northern Properties. Though the business appears to be in Gardendale, the fireworks stand is actually on property in unincorporated Jefferson County. Fireworks sales are prohibited within the Gardendale city limits.

Alex Murcks of Springville said Monday that the fireworks crowd hadn’t hit Crazy Bill’s yet, but added that it usually doesn’t come until closer to New Year’s Eve.

Murcks said some of the more popular items were boxed kits where the person simply lights one fuse and the item shoots multiple fireworks.

As for fireworks safety, Berry said that all legal fireworks are safe if used properly.

“All fireworks are safe if you follow the printed instructions on the item,” Berry said, “even if they malfunction.”

Other safety instructions provided by Crazy Bill’s include: Always purchase high-quality fireworks, do not fire fireworks in glass or metal containers, do not experiment with homemade fireworks, never point or throw fireworks at a person, and adults should supervise the firing of all fireworks.

Crazy Bill’s is open until Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with later hours on New Year’s Eve.

Fireworks Unlimited is open until Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., also with later hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.