Fireworks buyers flock to neighboring states
(The Center Square) – Illinois consumers are flocking to neighboring states to buy fireworks as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
Illinois, Vermont and Massachusetts are the only U.S. states that ban most fireworks.
Deanna Delimat, co-owner of Black Bull Fireworks in Salem, Wisconsin, said she sees a lot of customers from the Land of Lincoln.
“I’m going to estimate around 85% of them come from Illinois, since we’re so close to Illinois. We’re right on the border there,” Delimat told The Center Square.
On June 19, Black Bull opened three temporary locations near the Illinois border.
“We do that every year along with our super store on Highway 50 in Salem,” Delimat said.
James Meyers, owner of Captain Jim’s Fireworks in West Alton, Missouri, said about half his customers come from Illinois.
“Most people talk about filling up with gas before they go back, because gas and diesel are both pretty significantly less expensive in Missouri. They come over here, get their fireworks. If they do smoke, they’ll stop by the cigarette store and buy them there because they’re cheaper and then get gas and head home,” Meyers told The Center Square.
Brandon Walters, security manager at Uncle Sam’s Fireworks in Hammond, Indiana said buyers come from all over.
“I would say at least a good 40%, 50%, if not 60% from Chicago,” Walters told The Center Square.
Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow said people far too often underestimate the dangers associated with fireworks.
“We encourage everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals and make safety a priority this Independence Day,” Pankow said in a statement.
Health care facilities in Illinois reported 101 people injured by fireworks during the 2025 seasonal reporting period.
At 35%, mortars were listed as the most frequent type of fireworks or pyrotechnic effect involved in injury, followed by Roman candles at 14%, sparklers at 10% and bottle rockets at 7%.
Still, Walters said business is great for the USA’s semiquincentennial.
“We’re doing unbelievable numbers compared to previous years. Our prices are down compared to most stores. Sales are though the roof,” Walters said.
Delimat and Meyers also said sales are up and they expect to be busy over the next few days.
“We have a bunch of items specifically for the 250th,” Meyers said.
Illinois Pyrotechnic Use Act violations can be punished with fines up to $2,500.
Glenn Minnis contributed to this story
###
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Giannoulias ramps up campaign for state regulation of auto premiums
Illinois quick hits: Illinois U.S. senators split on shutdown vote
End to government shutdown in sight after senators make funding deal
Will County Saves Nearly $5.74 Million in Bond Refinancing, Explores Future Borrowing Options
Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships
New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact
State Veto Session Passes Energy Bill Limiting County Zoning, Approves Toll Hike for Mass Transit
Large naval presence in Caribbean ahead of Ford arrival
Voting rights group warns CA redistricting push could undermine trust in IL
Chicago downtown office space vacancy rate jumps to record high levels
Commission Approves Peotone-Area Farmhouse Split, Overruling Staff’s “Spot Zoning” Concerns
Will County Finance Committee Hits Impasse on 2025 Tax Levy, Postpones Budget Votes
Federal court backs union on feds’ partisan emails
