I’m so excited for the Fourth of July tomorrow!  It’s one of my favorite holidays because there is always so much to do.  My family always gets together to watch the Ski Sprites waterski show and then we all go over to Carson Park in Eau Claire to watch the fireworks.

The fireworks are always my personal favorite part of the day!  Watching the displays can be a lot of fun, but if you’re planning on lighting off your own fireworks this year, it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind.

1. Children should not handle fireworks. Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks. Only adults should handle and light the fireworks. Fireworks are great family fun, but they burn very hot and are intended to be handled only by adults. In fact, even the average sparkler burns at 2000 degrees - that’s as hot as a soldering gun!
   
   
2. Do not use alcohol with fireworks. Please do not consume any alcohol while lighting or handling fireworks. Alcohol can influence your behavior and being impaired in any way when using fireworks increases the possibility of injuries to yourself and others.
   
   
3. Use fireworks in a clear, open area. It is important to keep the audience (and particularly children) a safe distance away from the shooting site. A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for fountains and other ground based items and 100 yards for any aerial product is recommended.
   
   
4. Follow the local laws. Follow your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks.  Wisconsin has fireworks laws that outline what kinds of fireworks are permitted and what are prohibited for general consumer use.
   
   
5. Have water close by. Have an accessible fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby for emergencies. During any fireworks shoot, there should always be one individual assigned as the fireman, whose sole job is to be alert ready with a water source.

Fireworks can be a fun end to a great holiday, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep everyone safe!  And of course, there are lots of professional fireworks displays that will be happening this Friday – sometimes it’s a lot more fun (and safe) to let someone else do all the work.  All you have to do is sit back and enjoy!

Here are a few of the fireworks displays around Wisconsin this year:

Carson Park Fourth of July Celebration – This is an all-day event in Eau Claire with activities available for the whole family! Free seating for the fireworks display is available after 9:00 p.m. at the Carson Park ballfield.

Freedomfest in Menomonie – Music and activities will be going on all day at Wakanda Park in Menomonie. The fireworks display starts at 10:00 p.m.!

Ashland Independence Parade & Celebration – Events all day, kicking off with a parade at 11:00 a.m. in Downtown Ashland. Fireworks are at 10:00 p.m., overlooking Chequamegon Bay.

For even more Fourth of July festivities, visit the Wisconsin Department of Tourism events calendar!

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