LONDONDERRY — Despite the relentless rain and the sagging economy, local fireworks stores are sizzling as folks from near and far stock up on their favorite items at three locations in Londonderry.
Bill and Nellie Gillis of North Attleboro, Mass., were shopping at Phantom Fireworks on Londonderry Road on Monday afternoon with their two young daughters — Maggie, 2, and 5-week-old Allie.
"We're spending July 4th at my brother's in Meredith," Bill Gillis said.
He found a "kid friendly" pack of fireworks.
"The don't have a big bang," he said.
The family was also stocking up their shopping cart with morning glory sparklers and other colorful items.
"Sales are picking up," said Mary McCluskey, manager of Phantom Fireworks, earlier this week.
"People are looking for a bargain and everything we have is 'buy one, get one free.'"
McCluskey said the Uncle Abe's assortment pack with aerials and repeater cakes, selling for $150, was popular with customers.
"We also have a beautiful X-9 finale piece for $199.99."
She added that with many towns forgoing fireworks displays because of the economy, more families were putting on their own displays.
Roland Shepard and his son Jason, 11, of Manchester were also shopping at Phantom Fireworks.
"I like the 'buy one, get one free' deal," Roland Shepard said.
"More bang for the buck."
McCluskey said she "just loves fireworks."
"It's a lot of fun here," she said.
"We have generations of families come in and leave with huge smiles on their faces."
Just down the road, Alamo Fireworks — open for only six weeks — was also busy on Monday.
"Business is great," said morning manager Brian Bell.
"I find that more people shop on rainy days."
Bell said that sparklers, Roman candles and 500 gram display cakes were big sellers.
Over at Atlas Fireworks, located near Exit 5, manager Tricia Janway said on Monday that business was pretty steady.
"We haven't seen the insane crowds like we usually do, but it may pick up later in the week," she said.
The most popular item at Atlas is Pyrofest— crackling willows that glitter with multicolor stars — that sells for $38.50.
Customers can sign up to become a member of the Atlas Hotshot list at www.atlaspyro.com, and receive a stimulus rebate coupon for $25.
"Last year we called it a 'gas coupon'," Janway said.
"It's a sign of the times."
Fireworks sales are at an all-time high, according to the American Pyrotechnic Association. Last year, sales soared to $940 million nationwide. You must be 21 to purchase fireworks in New Hampshire.
While consumer fireworks are illegal throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire communities have the option of banning them or allowing them with some restrictions, including a permit.
According to the Derry Police Department, residential use of fireworks is not permissible in Derry.
In Londonderry, if a resident has more than $250 worth of products, a permit is needed from the fire department and a site inspection is done to make sure it's safe, said Capt. Mark Tetreault.
"We require a 48-hour notice but are flexible," he said.
"We'd rather do an inspection than not."
In Chester, residents are asked to notify the fire department and neighbors on the day they are planning to use fireworks.
For a full listing of town-by-town fireworks restrictions, visit http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/firesafety/fireworks/index.html.
FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS
Use fireworks outdoors only.
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket.)
Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
Source: The National Council on Fireworks Safety
