Feature Story

Peter Teske

Lagniappe Staff

Frightened grandmothers around the greater Mobile area will be vindicated when at least one patriotic citizen blows off a finger or blinds themselves with a Roman candle during Fourth of July firework-filled celebrations.

Statistics from census.gov predict that person will most likely have attended a celebratory cook-out and will have a stomach full of red meat, either hot dogs or hamburgers, and that meal will be accompanied by a side of either potato salad or chips. The government also says it is likely a Chinese-made American flag will be on display nearby. And although there isn’t any real statistical evidence to back this up, it’s probably likely that whomever is injured will possess a dangerously high blood/alcohol level, perhaps making the pain less noticeable.

So it’s safe to say that our Independence Day is undoubtedly the most exciting time of year for pyromaniacs. What better way to forge that father-son bond than with cardboard sticks jam-packed with explosive powder?

Last year $207 million of fireworks were imported from China, says census.gov. A small portion of that $207 million landed at Fireworks World in Robertsdale, where business is up. Paulette Travis, the assistant manager, said business spikes every year around the Fourth of July and this year is no exception.

Since the city of Mobile fireworks show isn’t hands-on for the dedicated pyro, one might assume Paulette would be too busy to pick up the phone. This, however, isn’t true.

“It’s mostly people going to the beach,” Travis said.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t going to return without “leftovers.”

Firework World carries your typical sparklers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, the ever popular M-80s, and if you want to pack some real heat, the Earth Shaker and the Legal Limit.

Both the “Earth Shaker” and “Legal Limit” retail for around $120. Each consists of nine tubes in one square and work like most other legal explosives.

“You light the fuse, one tube shoots a bottle off one at a time and they shoot about 250 to 300 feet in the air. It’s got a loud pop to it,” Travis explained.

She added, “It’s a little bit expensive, but it’s a great finale for the end of the show!”

That’s assuming you make it that far.

If you suddenly find yourself in need of first aid as a result of a less-than-stellar encounter with the “Earth Shaker” or “Legal Limit,” and rest assured, one of you will, Billy Pappas over at Mobile Fire Rescue is making sure someone will be there to help you.

“We’re always more vigilant on the Fourth of July,” Pappas said. “Fireworks are illegal within city limits. We know people are going to be out there shooting them so we’re usually a little more observant. If we continue with this rain that we’ve been getting it’ll probably be a non-issue.”

As we all know, Mother Nature is an unpredictable lady, so the weather for the fourth literally and figuratively remains up in the air. If the rain does hold off, Pappas was quick to predict some small fires would certainly occur.

For this time of year, “We’re concerned, but no more than normal,” said Pappas.

The police will also play a role in keeping Mobilians safe on the fourth. The police will also play a role in keeping Mobilians safe on the fourth. Officer Eric Gallichant said, “People will either be ticketed or given a warning.” A warning usually consists of the officers telling those who violate the law to celebrate outside of Mobile city limits if they still wish to celebrate in that way.

Paulette Travis has heard her customers tell stories of their encounters with law enforcement.

“From what the customers tell me, unless they get complaints they really don’t bother them unless they’re being unsafe with the fireworks. If they do get complaints, the police usually come out to tell them they’re getting complaints and that they can’t set them off anymore,” said Travis.

So the goal is safety. Don’t let a stomach full of red meat and a possible case of Mad Cow affect your decision making, but most importantly, have a funky Fourth Mobile!

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