LUMBERTON — For Americans, celebrating their nation’s birthday can be explosive and expensive.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Americans will spend a total of $675 million on fireworks for July Fourth, which will mark this nation’s 240th birthday on Monday.
Peaches Pope hopes some of those dollars will benefit Pentecostals Church of Lumberton. She has been selling pyrotechnic from underneath a tent at Walmart in Lumberton.
“I think a lot of adults who come in say they are buying fireworks to give their kids a show, but I think they secretly like them too,” said Pope.
Pope’s church sells fireworks through the TNT Fireworks’ fundraising program. Some proceeds from sales go back to the church and into the community to support various civic initiatives, including Relay for Life.
According to Pope, some of the most popular fireworks are poppers and sparklers, which parents buy for their children to play with, and fountain fireworks, which spews a waterfall of color for their own amusement.
Pope said the most she’s seen someone spend in her six years of volunteering was $500, and she said Monday someone purchased a variety pack for almost $200.
But business is booming across the border in South Carolina, where it is legal to purchase and set off higher-grade fireworks.
According to U.S. Fireworks online, the sale and use of only sparklers, smoke, fountain, crackle, strobe and novelty fireworks are legal in North Carolina. Bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, missiles, parachutes, wheels, spinners, sky flyers, aerial items and display shells can only be set off legally with a permit.
In South Carolina, all of the aforementioned fireworks can be bought and displayed legally, excluding bottle rockets.
According to North Carolina General Statute 14-410, the possession and use of illegal fireworks is a Class 2 misdemeanor or a Class 1 misdemeanor if the exhibition is indoors. The maximum fine for a Class 2 misdemeanor is $1,000, but a person who uses illegal fireworks could also face some time in the pen.
A Class 2 misdemeanor could land a fireworks fanatic in jail for up to 60 days.
“As the Fourth of July is fast approaching and there will be numerous festivities in several towns/cities throughout Robeson County, just a reminder to be cautious and careful when carrying out these events,” Robeson County Sheriff Kenneth Sealey said in a statement. “Fireworks displays are beautiful but can be dangerous if not handled properly.”
Sealey offers the following tips for using fireworks:
— Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
— Keep a supply of water close-by.
— Always wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
— Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
— Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
— Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
— Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
— Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year.
One of the more kid-friendly Independence Day delights account for more than one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries — sparklers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers burn at more than 1,000 degrees and can cause third-degree burns.
For a safer July Fourth, the National Fire Protection Association recommends residents stay away from consumer fireworks and attend a fireworks show. Although several shows have already taken place in Robeson County, residents still have a few more chances to get their firework fix.
Robeson County residents still have a few chances to catch a Fourth of July fireworks show.
St. Pauls will celebrate Independence Day on Monday at 9 p.m. with its annual fireworks display near the St. Pauls Fire Department. Parkton will also mark the holiday as well as an anniversary with its 55th annual Independence Day celebration Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rennert will hold an all-day celebration on Independence Day, with a parade beginning at 10 a.m., gospel music beginning at 11 a.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Food and craft vendors will be located near B&G Gas on Rennert Road and the fireworks will be set off at the fire department.
