Fireworks sales sky high

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The slowing economy hasn't slowed down sales for one fireworks store this 4th of July.

The rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air. According to one fireworks store owner, this year you'll be seeing a lot more of that in people's own backyards because it's actually saving them money.

"We were really skeptical this year with the economy," said Trav's fireworks owner Keith Love. Love said he anticipated sales of fireworks would be low this holiday. But that hasn't been the case.

"We've had a little bit more traffic than we've had in years past, and people are buying a little bit earlier," said Love. "They might be spending their money at home rather than traveling to spend their money on a vacation."

Some customers like Mary Ann Spitznagle said they're shooting off fireworks from their home to get more bang for their buck.

"Some of them are three for eight dollars, you know it's a bargain," said Spitznagle.

She is stocking up on fireworks this year because her family is coming into town. And she says unlike a vacation, it's not breaking her bank.

"I don't go over board. Maybe $20 worth, You can have fun with $10 or $20 worth of fireworks," said Spitznagle.

Even more importantly, she said, buying fireworks for a personal show is sentimental.

"It just makes it special, shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July," she said.

For customers in the Lafayette area, Monday is the first day they can set off their fireworks. Lafayette City ordinance states they may only be set off between 5:00 p.m. and two hours after sunset, except for on July 4. On the 4th, they may be set off between 10:00 a.m. and midnight. The last day to set off fireworks in the city limits is July 9.

The regulations on when fireworks may be lit off differs in different areas of the state.