Wet Weather Dampens Fireworks Sales in Royal Oak

A Royal Oak fireworks vendor is not exactly fired up about Fourth of July sales.

"The rainy weather has definitely hurt us," said Maureen Kneisel of Keep Stampin' Ltd. at 1528 E.11 Mile Rd. "It's been very slow. Who wants to buy fireworks in the rain?"

Kneisel, who has been selling fireworks next to Jim's Frostie Treats for two decades, said the construction on 11 Mile Road also doesn't help.

Still, she is hopeful business will begin booming the next few days as folks begin to get excited about backyard fireworks displays, which are legal July 3, 4 and 5 in Royal Oak.

[Read: Consumer Fireworks Permitted July 3-5 in Royal Oak]

"We have people who come back year after year," she said. "I think part of the reason is we have stuff that starts at 25 cents."

Kneisel sells a lot of single items, so customers can pick and choose. It's like picking out candy, she said.

"Do you want to buy four of the same thing? Or do you want to see a lot of different things?" she said.

If you have young children, Kneisel advises getting the fountain-type fireworks that have been legal for years.

"Remember kids want to look here," she said, indicating a height of approximately 3 feet. "They prefer that to looking at something that is high in the sky."

Kneisel notes small budgets are not a problem. For $15 you can put on a "nice little show," she said.

Dale Massengill, of Royal Oak, agrees.

"It's a good place," he said. "They always have pretty legit prices."

Fireworks 101

• Buy legal fireworks from a reputable dealer
• Read warning labels and follow all instructions
• Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand
• Light fireworks one at a time
• Dispose of all fireworks properly

DON’T:

• Give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children; older children should be supervised by an adult
• Light fireworks indoors or near other objects
• Wear loose clothing while using any fireworks
• Set of fireworks in glass or metal containers- the fragments can cause severe injury
• Try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks