Vendors are fully stocked, tents are going up and fireworks shows could be bigger than ever this Fourth of July.
While some municipalities in Colorado have banned the sale of fireworks, Pueblo County allows the sale of fireworks permissible under Colorado law. This includes fountains, ground spinners, illuminating torches, noisemakers, smoke bombs and sparklers that do not "lift off the ground" or "explode." Illegal fireworks include bottle rockets, cherry bombs, firecrackers, M-80s, mortars and roman candles. Amazing Firework Fountain
U.S.A. Fireworks, 35815 E. U.S. Highway 50, is among the few locally-owned fireworks retailers in Pueblo with import and export licenses. For Puebloans, owners Anthony Gennetta and Willie Rivera have a large assortment of legal fireworks like sparklers, fountains and smoke bombs.
U.S.A. Fireworks also sells veteran- and pet-friendly firework options, along with barbeque torches, ear protection and safety glasses. They are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily until July 4.
"We'll stay open longer if it gets busy," Gennetta said.
TNT Fireworks, one of the largest fireworks retailers in the country, lists the south side Lowe's Home Improvement and south side Walmart locations among the chain stores currently selling fireworks in Pueblo, according to the TNT Fireworks website.
Assortments of TNT Fireworks' novelty items, including "Pop-it" noisemakers and "Smoke Balls" will be sold at local Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, King Soopers, Target and Walgreens locations.
Two big firework shows will light the skies of Pueblo County on July 4.
The annual Rollin' on the Riverwalk 4th of July celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with a musical performance by Colorado country artist Jacob Christopher. At 7:50 p.m., fellow country music singer Rhett Haney returns to the Riverwalk for a second consecutive year.
Weather permitting, a fireworks show following Haney's performance will be "bigger than it has ever been," according to Shayla Keys, Recreation & Entertainment operations manager at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo.
"Because of our sponsors, we have been able to do a longer duration firework show," Keys said.
The celebration also will include an assortment of food and non-food vendors.
The Pueblo West Metro District will host its own fireworks show at Civic Center Park once it gets dark. The show will be the conclusion of a day filled with Fourth of July festivities including the Liberty Point Annual 5k/Fun Walk, a pancake breakfast, the famous Jack Fowler Memorial Fourth of July Water Parade and a vintage car show. More information about festivities in Pueblo West can be found on the Pueblo West Metro District website.
Pueblo Fire Department Chief Barb Huber said the safest way to enjoy fireworks on July 4 is to attend a sanctioned event, but she knows some Puebloans will choose to light their own fireworks.
Beyond steering clear of illegal fireworks, Huber said those looking to light their own fireworks should never light them indoors and never light them under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If a firework does not "go off," individuals should avoid handling it because it could be delayed. Huber also said it is important to make sure that fireworks are disposed of safely.
"Eyes can be hurt or injured because of inappropriate lighting of the fireworks ... safe distance and protective eyewear is critical," Huber said.
Family Pack Fireworks Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain atsubscribe.chieftain.com.