BILLINGS — With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, residents in the Billings area are flocking to fireworks stands as prices have dropped from previous years.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, the average cost of fireworks is down by 5% to 10% this year compared to last.
Many individuals, like shopper Mikhael Selle, have already done their fireworks shopping before the holiday.
“I came to get some last-minute fireworks for the big day tomorrow,” Selle mentioned on Wednesday.
“(We bought) a lot. Enough,” said siblings Danielle Stark and Zander Hughs, who were purchasing fireworks on Wednesday. “I guess you could never have too many fireworks,” remarked Stark.
Eric Fisher, the owner of General Mortars Fireworks in Lockwood, has observed the price changes.
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Customers buying fireworks have noticed the variations from last year.
“There’s some that we bought this year that we’ve bought in previous years that were a little bit cheaper and so we could get more for the kids,” mentioned Selle.
These pricing changes are attributed to lower shipping costs.
“For a while, there were a lot of things that we just couldn’t get, and I think that they just became more expensive because of that,” explained Fisher.
The fireworks industry is anticipating spending to increase by over $100 million from 2023, potentially reaching $2.4 billion in overall sales.
Other stands have not seen a significant change. Matt Weber runs Patriot Discount Fireworks in Lockwood and stated that while prices have remained stable, business has been growing.
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Regardless of how residents in Billings choose to celebrate, it is always important to stay safe.
“When you’re selling fireworks, when somebody comes in here, there’s new devices, there’s new things that are out there every year. I want to make sure that people are aware of how to utilize them,” said Fisher. “Make sure that you’re not holding fireworks that are not designed for that, and aside from that is also pick up your garbage, pick up all of that stuff, however, make sure that it’s wet and out.”
“So just be smart, be safe, use common sense,” added Weber. “Please don’t put your head over anything that you light.”
